Auto bilge pump wiring

[GlasV162]

Hello,

Just picked up a used boat with an automatic bilge pump. The automatic feature was not working (only the manual) so I set out to fix it.
The wire colors at the switch are different than at the pump; I tried to trace them back but no luck. I ended up getting the pump to work with the following hookups:

From pump:

Black wire to neg. battery terminal
Brown wire to pos. battery terminal
Brown/white wire to the switch, which is already fused.

With this hookup, the pump is always in "automatic" mode regardless of switch position, and I can also operate the pump manually from the dashboard switch.

Will this configuration work? Have I missed something?
Thanks for the help,
John

 

[Art Bernard]

Re: Auto bilge pump wiring

That will work, but you run the risk of draining your battery. I would add a main battery switch (rotary type) and run the wires for the float sensor thru your fuse panel. That way you can be sure all power is shut off and nothing accidently drains your batt. If you have to leave your boat in the water, just leave the main batt switch on and your auto bildge pump is powered.

Art