On Wiring up Bilge Pumps Propane Gas Fume Detector

[sdowney717]

Would you want these items to bypass the battery switch so that they run even if someone turned the battery switch to off?

How's your boat wired? Power available all the time to these type items?

I am right now setting up a propane detector to automatically run a blower.

I think the propane gas fume detector has a a little less than 30 milliamp continuous draw.

[sailvayu]

Many builders and repairers now set up a sub panel with non switch breakers (like the pop out type) just for such things. When I do any wiring jobs I always set it up like this and this is how I have it on my own boat. So the answer is yes you want to make things like bilge pump autos, idiot proof so they do no accidentally get turned off. I run the power to this sub panel off the non switched terminal on the battery switch rather than from the battery its self. Keep this sub panel close the the battery switch, this makes for cleaner installation. Check ABYC regs for wiring.

[Cheechako]

Most boats by pass the batt switch and go right to battery for the bilge pumps.

[sabray]

I have 2 auto pumps and a manual. From a lesson learned. Both are wired direct to battery with in line fuse. Both with float switch and sensor. One is fancy with a blue sea rocker switch that is way to easy to bump. Other has a pull our switch for manual operation but no way to turn off Wired in automotive back up alarm so high water trips audible yelp. Yep lesson learned.

[sdowney717]

Sounds good to me.
Is your battery charger going threw the switch ?

I could see someone turning off the battery switch and then the batteries wont be charged.

[Cheechako]

speaking of lessons learned.... When I worked at the boat shop we repaired two boats that sank at the dock due to improper bilge pump wiring. Wired after the mains switch, mains turned off, boat not checked for a while...

[bobconnie]

Ive always wired my pumps direct to the Batts with a fuse and a seperate switch with a Manul position, and a Auto position and an Off position, I get a little overboard but I like things that let me control the pump when maybe the Float switch don't work which happens all the time !! just sayin safety first !!