How to Connect a Bilge Pump to a Float Switch (8-Step Guide)
By the end of this guide, you will know how to connect a bilge pump to a float switch.
For most people, manually turning the bilge pump on and off can be problematic. Especially when you are fishing, you may forget to turn on the bilge pump. The ideal solution is to connect a float switch to the bilge pump.
Generally, to connect a float switch to a bilge pump, follow these steps:
- Turn off the power to the bilge pump.
- Remove the bilge pump from the bilge well.
- Clean the hold well.
- Install a float switch on the well.
- Complete the connection process according to the connection diagram.
- Connect the bilge pump to the base.
- Raise the wire connections above the predicted water level.
- Check bilge pump.
You will find more detailed information below.
Before we begin
Some may be familiar with the concept of adding a pump float switch. But for some, this process may be unknown. So, before proceeding with the 8-step guide, go through the following sections.
Why should I add a float switch?
We use bilge pumps to remove water that accumulates inside bilge wells.
The pump is connected to a battery and a manual switch. When you find a significant amount of water, you can turn on the switch to start pumping out the water. Seems like a flawless system, doesn't it?
Unfortunately, not much. The above process is done by hand (except for the water pumping part). First, you will need to check the water level. Then, depending on the water level, you will need to turn on the switch.
There are two things that can go wrong.
- You may forget to check the water level.
- After checking the water level, you may forget to turn on the switch.
How does a float switch work?
The float switch is a level sensor.
It can detect the water level with high accuracy. When water touches the sensor, the float switch automatically starts the bilge pump. Thus, you do not need to check the water level or manually operate the system.
8-Step Bilge Pump Connection Guide with Float Switch
This manual describes how to install and connect a float switch to a bilge pump.
Installation and connection is a collaborative process. So it's much better to explain both than to show you just the circuit diagram.
Things You'll Need
- Float switch
- Electric drill
- Philips screwdriver
- Flat screwdriver
- For stripping wires
- Heat shrink wire connectors
- Silicone or marine sealant
- Heat gun
- Light for ground testing
- liquid electrical tape
- Fuse 7.5A
Step 1 - Turn off the power supply
First locate the battery and disconnect the power lines to the bilge pump.
This is a mandatory step and never start the connection process with active wires. If necessary, check the live wire on the pump after disconnecting the main power. Use a ground test light for this.
Remember about: If there is water in the bilge well, pump out the water before turning off the power.
Step 2 - Pull out the bilge pump
Disconnect the bilge pump from the base.
Use a screwdriver to remove the screws holding the pump. You will have to disconnect the hose to pull the pump out. Disconnect all wired connections.
Step 3 - Clean the bilge well
Carefully inspect the hold and remove dirt and leaves. In the next step, we are going to install the float switch. Therefore, keep the inside of the hold clean.
Step 4 - Install the float switch
Now it's time to install the float switch. Choose a good location for the float switch in the bilge well. Consider the following facts when choosing a location.
- The float switch must be located above or at the same level as the bilge pump.
- When drilling holes for screws, do not go all the way. Do not damage the boat from the outside.
Finding the same level is not difficult. But the drilling process can be confusing. Follow these steps to avoid drilling the bottom of the hole.
- Find the old screw that belongs to the bilge pump.
- Measure the length of the screw.
- Transfer the length to a piece of electrical tape.
- Wrap the measured piece of tape around the drill bit.
- When drilling, pay attention to the mark on the drill.
- After drilling, apply marine sealant to the holes.
- Place the screw in the hole and tighten it.
- Do the same for the other screw.
- Then take the float switch and insert it into the screws.
Step 5 - Wiring
Before starting the connection process, study the connection diagram above. Whether you understand it or not, I will explain it step by step.
Connect the negative end of the pump (black wire) to the negative terminal of the power supply.
Take the positive end of the pump (red wire) and split it into two inputs. Connect one lead to the float switch and the other to the manual switch. When connecting switches, you can connect any side you wish. No need to worry about polarity.
Then connect a 7.5A fuse to the positive terminal of the power supply.
Connect the other end of the fuse to the free ends of the float and bilge pump manual switch wire. After you have completed the wiring, the bilge pump float switch and the manual switch must be connected in parallel.
Remember about: Use heat shrink wire connectors at all connection points.
Why parallel connection?
This is the part where most people get confused.
To be honest, it's not that hard. You can use the manual switch as a backup system in the event of a float switch failure by connecting two switches in parallel. (1)
Remember about: The float switch can fail due to electrical problems. Leaves and dirt may temporarily clog the device. In this case, use the manual bilge pump switch.
Step 6 - Connect the bilge pump to the base
Now place the bilge pump on its base. Click on the pump until it locks into the pump base. Tighten the screws if necessary.
Don't forget to connect the hose to the pump.
Step 7 - Raise the Wires
All wire connections must be above water level. Even though we used heat shrink connectors, don't risk it. (2)
Step 8 - Check the pump
Finally, connect the power line to the mains and check the bilge pump.
Take a look at some of our articles below.
- How to connect a fuel pump to a toggle switch
- What is the blue wire on the ceiling fan
- How to connect a three-prong plug with two wires
Recommendations
(1) backup system - https://support.lenovo.com/ph/en/solutions/ht117672-how-to-create-a-backup-system-imagerepair-boot-disk-and-recover-the-system - in windows-7-8-10
(2) water level - https://www.britannica.com/technology/water-level
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