Detecting that faulty bilge-pump switch
Issue 46 : Jan/Feb 2006
If you have never had a bilge level switch fail, sooner or later it’s bound to happen. For a few bucks you can buy a stand-alone, battery-operated fire (smoke) detector. It doesn’t have “boat” written on it, so the price is right. Make sure your detector has a test button. Using a two-wire cable such as lamp wire or, better yet, tinned wire in the form of a twisted pair, connect one wire to each side of the test switch. Locate the other end of the twisted pair in your bilge a little higher than the normal level switch.
A faulty level switch will soon be drawn to your attention. And if your detector has a low battery alarm, as most do, you can’t even forget to replace the battery. While it’s sitting there, it also still acts as a smoke detector.
Thank you to Sailrite Enterprises, Inc., for providing free access to back issues of Good Old Boat through intellectual property rights. Sailrite.com
