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The sound of an automatic bilge pump is often drowned out by the other sounds of a boat underway, but knowing when the pump runs can be essential to the safety of the boat. It lets you catch a sudden leak immediately, long before it is under a foot of oily water sloshing across the cabin sole. And the time between cycles is also an effective reminder of needed maintenance, such as tightening a stuffing box.
Any 12-volt panel light will work. Red is preferred, and it should be located where it will get the helmsman’s attention when it lights. The face of the bridge deck is an ideal location. Panel lights cost only a couple of bucks, so a second one located in the captain’s sleeping cabin can provide welcome reassurance.
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Wiring is simple as long as the pump has a separate float switch. Connect one side of the light into the circuit between the switch and the pump and the other side to ground. When the switch closes it energizes both the pump and the light(s).
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