Bilge Pump

[that's_a_biggin]

hi.. i need help.. i'v just got a new bilge pump but no instructions..i got 3 wires 1 negative.. and 2 positive .. 1 of which gives constant live.. and the other when connected seperatly just gives a short blast then nothing..i'v run the pump submerged to see if it only runs when needed and no change.. the pump is a rule 1100gph fully automatic..any help appreciated .... chris...

[Newboy]

The 2 +ve are for auto switch and manual switch.

 

Connect one to a rocker/on-off switch and the other to a auto bilge switch.

[that's_a_biggin]

that's what i thought .. but i thought that both should run the pump when + fed..which one of them will do .. which i guess is the one for the rocker switch on/off.. but the other only runs for a second then stops until you remove supply and then re feed it.. and then starts for a second ..

[TomBettle]

that's what i thought .. but i thought that both should run the pump when + fed..which one of them will do .. which i guess is the one for the rocker switch on/off.. but the other only runs for a second then stops until you remove supply and then re feed it.. and then starts for a second ..

Does the bilge pump have a "float switch". This usually looks like a little white hinged thingy that lifts up and down.

 

If it does, the second + that only runs for a moment should run continuously if the float switch is lifted (ie: It only works when required which is when the bilge fills with water). This second feed should bipass your battery isolator switch and have a permanent live so that if the boat is on her mooring and fills with water in your absence it will automatically be pumped out.

[Newboy]

Makes sense, it probably has a built-in float switch.