Adding a 2nd Bilge Pump

[Beefer]

I want to add a second bilge pump (1200gph) for a number of reasons. It will be an automatic (either built in float, or separate float switch), and I'm wondering about plumbing and wiring. Current (manual) pump discharges on the port side out the transom, so I'm thinking have the 2nd discharge on the starboard side. Good?

Part 2 - The current switch (on the helm) for the current pump is a 3 position switch - Manual/Off/Auto. Can I wire the second pump into this switch, and still keep the 1st pump on it? My thought is wire #2 to be automatic and manual, but when I go to manual, both pumps would then pump. Will this work?

 

[carlh]

Re: Adding a 2nd Bilge Pump

I would put them on seperate circuits so if one set of wires went faulty the other would, hopefully, be OK. Why not just hard wire it it to be on auto all the time?

Carl

 

[Beefer]

Re: Adding a 2nd Bilge Pump

That was my original thought, to have it on auto all the time, but I think I'd like a manual override just in case. If I did it the way I was thinking in the original post, it would have its own wiring, just sharing the switch. Just don't know if it can be done.

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Adding a 2nd Bilge Pump

You can do that, but it would entail running a group of new wires all the way to the helm. Two other thoughts:

1) Tap into the wiring for the original switch and run them both from one switch

2) Add a second, small three position switch at the rear of the boat, somewhere out of the way. It doesn't hav eto be a big helm-looking rocker switch, but a simple 3-way toggle on the transom or gunwale, somewhere unobtrusive.

 

[carlh]

Re: Adding a 2nd Bilge Pump

Make sure each pump has its own fuse as well.

 

[seabob4]

Re: Adding a 2nd Bilge Pump

Beefer,
How is your wiring access through your rigging tube? I would want the install to pretty much mimic the original, with a 3-way switch at the helm. What Fireman suggested is not a bad idea, It's just that I would prefer an original looking install.

If you go with a separate pump/float (what I prefer), i recommend Rule. The pump will need a 7.5A fuse/breaker, the float a 10A in-line fuse going straight to the batt...

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Adding a 2nd Bilge Pump

Actually, a three-way helm switch mounted on the transome might look OK. Especially if you grabbed a pre-printed label to go with it. That might actually look quasi-factory.

 

[JoLin]

Re: Adding a 2nd Bilge Pump

If you can't run all the way to the dash for a second switch, I like Fireman's idea.

if you look at it from the standpoint of the 2nd pump being your 'last line of defense', I also vote for being able to switch it on manually in case the float switch takes a dump (which they sometimes do).

 

[Beefer]

Re: Adding a 2nd Bilge Pump

I also like Fireman's idea. I am going to try and run the wiring all the way to the helm, but if that gets too challenging, I have a perfect spot for a switch in the back.

Back to my original Q; if I can run the wiring back to the helm, can I wire both pumps to the factory switch? They would both be wired separately, have their own fuse, but are sharing the switch. I think the one installed now is only using the connections for manual operation, whereas the 2nd pump I want to use the auto and the manual. I'm trying to figure out a reason it wouldn't/shouldn't work, and I can see why it wouldn't. With that set-up, I'll have one on auto, and manual override would bring both pumps online. Only reason I would need manual is if I do something silly.... like forget the plug....

 

[Mark42]

Re: Adding a 2nd Bilge Pump

Regarding the pumps discharge, both should be on the helm side of the boat so you can see them if they come on. Each should have its own through hull fitting, hose, and circuit. No sense in having two if they share anything.

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Adding a 2nd Bilge Pump

You can use the same switch as long as you don't mind cutting the existing spade terminal off of the wire and adding two wires to a single terminal. However, if the switch goes (not common, but things break), neither pump works.

Adding the second switch will give you a back up, twice the pumping volume, and (personally) I like the light coming on to tell you it's pumping. You may not hear it otherwise due to engine noise, water spray, etc.

 

[Beefer]

Re: Adding a 2nd Bilge Pump

You can use the same switch as long as you don't mind cutting the existing spade terminal off of the wire and adding two wires to a single terminal. However, if the switch goes (not common, but things break), neither pump works.

Adding the second switch will give you a back up, twice the pumping volume, and (personally) I like the light coming on to tell you it's pumping. You may not hear it otherwise due to engine noise, water spray, etc.

Excellent points. And I like the idea of a light coming on. I like things that are shiny and light up! Maybe I'll switch out the boring switches I currently have at my helm for some nice updated ones that light up. Since I do quite a bit of boating at night, that may make life a bit easier.

 

[sasto]

Re: Adding a 2nd Bilge Pump

If she were mine I would use 2 different circuits and 2 different switches. Sounds like you are looking for a back-up, that would include everything. What if the switch goes bad? I would plumb her overboard on either side with a lighted switch or an indicator light.

 

[seabob4]

Re: Adding a 2nd Bilge Pump

Lighted "Indicator" switches are nice (we use Carling Contura switches), all you need to do is pull a ground from the ground bus under the helm and terminate on the top spade. You can also wire in a small alarm in the brown wire that will go off if the float turns on the pump...

 

[sasto]

Re: Adding a 2nd Bilge Pump

Lighted "Indicator" switches are nice (we use Carling Contura switches.

If I were to purchase new switches for her I would use the same. Have we ever worked togerther, seabob?

 

[seabob4]

Re: Adding a 2nd Bilge Pump

Mike,
You were at Donzi Rosignolli, I was at Wellcraft...it's possible are paths may have crossed...

Besides, Carling Switches are kinda the standard in the industry...

 

[roozter2550]

Re: Adding a 2nd Bilge Pump

I wouldn't use the same switch for both.
Switches are rated for a certain amperage/load.

Two pumps running at the same time off the same switch could overload it and either fail with the pumps on or break contact and neither pump would work.

I added a Rule 1500 pump for a back-up with separate float switch, discharge plumbing and a Rule switch.

I chose to mount the switch near the transom semi hidden/protected in a recessed area under the combing bolster. If my primary pump starts pumping, I would be looking in the bilge and if needed, I want the switch for the back-up within close reach.

 

[seabob4]

Re: Adding a 2nd Bilge Pump

I would install a separate switch also, but just FYI, Carling Conturas are rated at 25A DC. But use 2 separate switches...

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Adding a 2nd Bilge Pump

I would install a separate switch also, but just FYI, Carling Conturas are rated at 25A DC. But use 2 separate switches...

You can run them off of the same switch if you rewire. Run individual fused power supplies to each pump and run the ground through the switch. No fear of overload.

However, I would run separate switches. I found this one online and I like the looks, too. Sorry about the image. Computers hate me.

 

[seabob4]

Re: Adding a 2nd Bilge Pump

You can run them off of the same switch if you rewire. Run individual fused power supplies to each pump and run the ground through the switch. No fear of overload.

However, I would run separate switches. I found this one online and I like the looks, too. Sorry about the image. Computers hate me.

Fireman,
Drag and drop the image onto your desktop, then upload it into your photobucket account...piece of cake...resize to large if need be, then it's just copy and paste from there...