bilge pump

[richardjawilson]

I currently have a Rule 500 gph auto bilge pump and wish to add another on the same circuit. Is it just a question of wiring it to the existing power supply, and if so, will I need to put put in a bigger fuse, ie twice the rating???

The reason for having a second pump is that the current pump jammed after ingesting a small bit of debris, and as I was away for a few days it caused a fair bit of havoc because my Rib sits very low in the water and needs a fully working pump!!

richard

[Polwart]

In theory you should be able to add a new pump in PARALLEL to the existing one. BUT you should check the wiring can cope with double the load. You may need to increase the fuse - it depends on the current the pump draws. The fuse will need to be larger than the sum of the two individual pumps.

[richardjawilson]

ok, thanks for that, i'll check what amps it first pump draws and go from there.

regards richard

[timw]

Richard,

Not related to bilge pumps, but is yours the RIB on Cadagon Pier, Thames new there this season?

[richardjawilson]

It sure is, I think you are moored up at the Hurlingham if I'm not mistaken. The rib replaced a very damaged Gladitor 4.8, 60 hp boat in May of this year following a collision with a large semi floating log/tree branch at 34 knts. The rib is new to me but was originally moored in Newhaven. I have seen your rib at full flight a few times but generally I have been travelling the opposite direction!!


richard

[timw]

Richard,

Good to see another RIB on the river. Mine was at Chichester until 3 years ago then I moved it to London and have been on Hurlingham Jetty for the past 3 years but wintering in South Dock Marina.

Now I know it's you we'll stop for a chat next time. Am out most sunny weekends and the occassional evening.

Mines grey and called Snapper.

Tim

[steedthrust]

Could you not run another feed & fuse to the new pump. If one pump develops a fault and trips the fuse you have no pumps.

[richardjawilson]

good thinking Steedthrust, I think thats the best solution. I was looking for a quick fix but I guess the only way to do it is properly.

Snapper I guess I will bump in to you shortly.

regards richard

[jyasaki]

I would wire it completely reduntantly. Too many possibilities of fuse or wiring problems. Two separate systems are much more reliable than two systems with a bunch of stuff in common.

jky

[yoyo]

Any fuse used should NOT be greater than the individual pump rating. this could cause you big probs.