How to Wire a Float Switch to a Bilge Pump
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How to Wire a Float Switch to a Bilge Pump A float switch is a smart device used in boats that turns on a bilge pump when the water in the bilge reaches a certain level. It is a must-have in any boat that is left unattended for any length of time, as all boats tend to leak at least some water. This switch is submerged, so you need to waterproof the electrical connections and hang the wires to ensure they stay as dry as possible. 1 Install a bilge pump and a three-way switch into your boat. The float switch will be wired between these two as one of the options for the three-way switch. 2 Mount the float switch to the bilge in a location slightly above the bilge pump. There should be some water in the pump itself before the switch is turned on, meaning the switch must be above the pump. Make sure you do not use any hardware that will break through the hull. 3 Slide a heat shrink tube over the end of a length of insulated copper wire. Slide the wire into a butt connector, and slide the connector over the positive connecting post of the float switch. Slide the heat shrink tube over the connection and use a heat gun to seal this connection. 4 Slide another heat shrink tube over this wire and slide it into a butt connector. Connect this end of the wire to the positive terminal of the bilge pump, sealing it with the heat gun. 5 Connect a wire between the float switch and the post labeled "Auto" on the three-way switch. Use heat shrinks just as you did when you connected the float switch to the pump. 6 Use nylon cable ties to hang the wires every 18 inches. Wrap them around the water intake pipes of the boat, if they are convenient. Make sure the mechanical motion of the engine is not obstructed by the switch or the wires. |
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