bilge pump alarm

[Stu]

I wanted to hook up a bilge pump alarm so I went by Radio Shack to get the parts but to my surprise they had no idea how to help me. So, any folks out there no how to do it. I would like to install a float swith and then I will just leave the bilge swith on at the helm. But I would like to an alarm and a light at the helm so I will know when the float swith turns the pump on. Any help will be much appreciated.

 

[fwebster]

Your boat should already have both a high water pump and float switch that is alarmed through the systems monitor on the boat and a regular bilge pump with a float switch. The regular bilge pump should have a switch on the dash to manually activate it and there should be a pilot light above the switch to let you know it is running. The both bilge pump circuits stay on all the time and are activated by the float switches, so the pumps are automatic.

You can add any low amperage 12V alarm by wiring it in series with the bilge pump motor or the indicator light on the dash. But, I have to tell you that having an alarm on the regular pump is going to drive you nuts since they can cycle frequently depending upon how you use your boat and the condition of the mechanicals and plumbing in the bilge.

 

[Stu]

Frank, no the boat does not have a float switch, that is why I am installing one. It does have a switch at the helm with a pilot light, but that just tells you the pump is on and pumping. I want to add a light and horn to warn me when the new float switch turns on the bilge pump. This would be some kind of resistor that senses when electricity is flowing through it and then a light/alarm goes on.

 

[dr.j]

Stu,

Take a look at a product from Ademco. They have a water sensor that allows water to be detected with low voltage and low currant. The unit is normally used for sump pumps or where ever the possibility of flooding can happen. The unit has two pins that complete the circuit when water comes in contact.

Amedco water sensor # 470-12 (12 volts)

good luck

 

[AWBoater]

I would use a float switch made especially for the marine industry. All electrical items in the bilge are supposed to be ignition rated.

 

[Stu]

I thought I would let everyone know what I ended up doing. I installed a typical marine float switch in the bilge. Then I cut the supply wire at the dash (at the Dash Bilge switch) and inserted a 12V light which I mounted on the dash. I also inserted a 100 db two tone buzzer with an on/off so I can turn the buzzer off. So now when the float switch turns the bilge on, I will see a light on the dash AND hear the buzzer. I can then override the buzzer while I figure out what is going on. I installed the buzzer so when I am anchored and sleeping I will get woke up if there is a leak. Once the problem is solved and the bilge pump is off I can turn the buzzer back on.

 

[dr.j]

Stu,

well done! A basic marine float switch was the best choice. Still boating down there? Lucky!! Forecast here is 22 below 0F or -30C tonight.

 

[Stu]

Thanks Dr.J, I am actually taken the boat to Morro Bay, Ca. this weekend and anchor out for the weekend. This will be the 1st time in 4 months, I had the engine rebuilt :smt009

 

[Stu]

After the wiring job I could get the alarm and light to come on when the float switch was on but could not get the bilge pump to come on, not good. There is a guy at our local Radio Shack who has a degree in electrical engineering (have no idea why he would be working at a RS with that kind of degree) and has helped me before. I showed him a diaghram of my install and explained what I was doing. He said that it should work but the buzzer and light could be using to much juice keeping the bilge pump from working. He suggested I add a relay into the mix which would separate the pump from the light and buzzer. Just wanted to add this bit of info for anyone who may try the same thing.

 

[slack250]

In lasts month issue of diy boat I think they talked about an diy alarm you can put on the float. I'll check and post the info if I can find it.