Buzzer for a bilge pump

[two stroke mick]

Does anyone know where I would get a buzzer for a bilge pump so that it makes noise when the pump is running. This will prevent me from leaving it on. I dont want to use a spring loaded switch.

[Polwart]

Originally Posted by two stroke mick

Does anyone know where I would get a buzzer for a bilge pump so that it makes noise when the pump is running. This will prevent me from leaving it on. I dont want to use a spring loaded switch.

do you really want a buzzer rather than a warning light. buzzers are annoying if you leave them on for any time. do you want to be able to hear it over the engine/wind noise? that would need to be very loud which will be really irritating when at anchor or in a marina.

[two stroke mick]

The boat will live in a garage when not in use. The buzzer been annoying is the purpose of the buzzer,

[Jizm]

Any low current 12v buzzer would work wired in parrallel with the pump. A small piezo perhaps or maybe a van reversing alarm for a bit more volume.

[jyasaki]

The easiest way would be to run a pair of wires back from the power input to a 12 volt transducer of your choice (transducer should be available at any electronics shop.) If you're clever, you need only run one wire, and pick up the ground at the switch.

This won't work with self-contained pumps with built-in switches, as the float switch is internal (actually, you could open the thing up and still pick up the input, but it takes a bit more to get there.)

Note that the switches with the telltale light will not be 100% accurate, as they only indicate when power is supposed to be getting to the pump (i.e. they will light when the switch sees the 12V drop, even if there is a wiring fault.) Running wires back will tell you that power is present where it's supposed to be.


jky

[Polwart]

Originally Posted by two stroke mick

The boat will live in a garage when not in use. The buzzer been annoying is the purpose of the buzzer,

Ah ok. You never run the pump when actually on the boat (e.g. at anchor for lunch) then? How loud do you need it to be? e.g. do you need to be able to hear it outside the garage? do you need it to be waterproof or would it be protected enough mounted on the inside of your console? would you be better just fitting an automatic pump (or float switch) so that it only runs when there is water there?

[waverunner]

I take it the garage doesn't have a roof.

[yoyo]

I have a buzzer that sounds after 45 seconds of running, which is great as it reminds me to switch it off. I got it made up at work by my Electronics Eng mate.
I am sure that you could buy the components from Maplins very cheap and make your own.

[jwalker]

Take your pick and buy online. Sounders

I'm in the process of building a wee circuit which will remind me I've got my fuel transfer pumps running. It'll give a short warning every 10 seconds or so (adjustable). I'll post a pic when it's done if you are interested.