Bilge pump on two switches

dajohnson53

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Apr 28, 2004
Messages
1,627
This is a small open riverboat with outboard engine. It is trailered and rarely moored in the water. If it is moored in the water, it is used at least daily. No long term, unsupervised mooring. Therefore, little or no chance of sinking while moored. <br /><br />I don't want or need a float switch, but would like to have a second switch at the transom so I can run the pump from the back while fishing, etc. My goal is that the pump could be turned on by either switch even if the other one is off. <br /><br />Currently bilge pump is controlled by simple on-off switch at dashboard, part of a bank of switches each with their own fuse. A common type of switch panel (Sea Dog? I believe).<br /><br />I've wired three-way switches in my house and understand that I cold do this with three-way switches, but the current dashboard panel switch is a simple two way switch and I don't want to change that because as I said, it's part of a panel of switches.<br /><br />My plan is to simply splice in a second positive wire from the bilge pump directly to the battery positive terminal with a switch and an in-line fuse.<br /><br />I understand that both will have to be off to turn off bilge pump. This is OK with me. I'll either be at the helm running the pump with the switch up there, or will be at the back, running the pump with the switch back there.<br /><br />Am I missing anything? Thanks for your help.
 

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
71,130
Re: Bilge pump on two switches

Ayuh,..........<br /><br />I'd say you've got it Pretty Well Covered................. ;)
 

dajohnson53

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Apr 28, 2004
Messages
1,627
Re: Bilge pump on two switches

Thanks - leave it to me to make a simple job complicated! I like wiring projects though because I rarely lose or break anything.
 

MrBill

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 4, 2002
Messages
710
Re: Bilge pump on two switches

How about pump with self contained float switch? I wouldn't go any other way, simple install, no fussing with auto float, works great
 
Top