Bilge pump is a form of water pump for removing bilge water as it may contain Some fuel. The electric bilge has a design preventing the sparks. Also, the electric bilge pumps are often installed with floating switches which in turn activates on the pump when the bulge is filled to a certain level. These are Some of the best and safest ways to Install the bilge pump since its installation is direct. However, you should not overlook the critical details of the installation.
Steps On How to Install a Bilge Pump
Mounting the Pump
The pump should not be placed in bilge before It is unrestrained. It is because if It collapses, it may suck the air and eventually burn out; hence the pump must also be fastened towards down. The bolts should also be bond very well to the lower side of bilge to act similar mounting studs.
Using Hose Called Smooth-Bore
A furrowed hose will reduce the pump output efficiency by over 40%; the pump should, therefore, be connected to the remover fitting bearing the hose which has smooth interior surfaces. The hose should also be short and well-streamlined since the bends may reduce the output of the pump. The pump should also not be discharged from the transom but through the sides for proper functioning.
Placing The Discharge On The Waterline
When discharge is sunk while the pump is running, the ocean may siphon back using the pump found at bilge after shutting off of pump. It may also happen when adequate water enters hence making the switch to float. The pump will remove the water, and later on, It will be siphoned back again.
The action will be continuous up to when the battery levels are depleted. When this happens, the water will flood the boat, and this will trigger the crew’s concentration. The eject fitting should not be below the water level. The should be on the transom It will be high enough to sink in case the stern is squating and when It is on the hull side It should be placed at high levels, so us to keep It over the water level even at the most profound angle.
Using A Thinning-Wall Fitting
The pump capacity can be reduced further by the -hull fitting, and these restrictions can be minimized by the Use of a proper fit with the biggest possible opening for the free flow of water.
Lead Wire Up
The pump wire should be gotten out of the bilge as fast as possible. Furthermore, the wires should be run up and be secured so that there is no hanging or sagging inside the bilge liquid. It will ensure the efficient functioning of the pump.
Do Not Skimp On The Wire Size
Consult the expert on the size of the wire table to determine the appropriate wire for your pump without neglecting the length of the fence too. You should consider the size of between 7-10 gauge wires depending on the size of the bilge pump.
Using Heat Shrink and Butt Connectors
There will be an excellent electrical, and mechanical connection on the pump leads and the supply wires. when the Crimp-on step-down butt connectors are used. Also, the connections should be well enclosed in great heat shrink in a tubing for them to be watertight. The heat shrink tube should also be slid over the wire before making any connections. It will ensure that there is no explosive fume inside the bilge.
Connection To Battery
The bilge pump should be connected to battery directly but not to the distributing panel. It will ensure that once the power is turned off or the boat is stagnant, bilge pump will remain active during that period.
Fusing Positive Side
The fuse should be close to positive wire and the battery for full efficiency. The inline fuse should also be joined to battery at positive end of the cable by using crimp connector butt.
Installing Terminal Fittings
The suppling wires should not be stripped at the end, and looping should be done to them under wing nuts battery terminal. Furthermore, the copper washer should be used the ring terminal and wing nut instead of steel.
Three-Way Kind Switch
The bilge pump should be connected to the three-way switch; this may help in automatic switching on and off the pump.
Final Thought
You now have a clear picture of how to efficiently fit the bilge pump. When you follow the highlighted steps carefully, you will have a well-installed bilge pump which will serve you for more years. However, you should know that once an action is missed in the installation process, the efficiency will not be attained.
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