Bilge Pump Breaker On

[ECR]

Hello -

We have a 2017 R25 SC and are still learning our boat.

I have noticed that once in a while the bilge breaker (on the breaker panel by the helm) will turn on by itself.

In order to turn the bilge off I need to flip the breaker on then off.

I thought the bilge at the breaker panel was intended for manual use and wouldn’t come on if the breaker wasn’t manually flipped on.

Is this normal?

Thank you!

 

[The lyons den]

Please forgive me if I am mistaken, but I assume you are referring to the rocker switches at the helm when you say (breaker panel).
On my 2021 r23, the light on the rocker switch at helm turns on when the bilge pump cycles. My bilge pumps are on timers and check for water every 2.5 minutes. During that split second, the helm light on the rocker switch illuminates.
Even if your bilge pumps have a float switch, I assume the helm light will illuminate when it senses water and turns on.
The pumps are wired to a 24/7 panel which allows them to operate even when the power is turned off in the boat or the rocker switch is in the off position.
I am perplexed as to why you are able to manually turn it of by cycling the rocker switch. Next time it turns on, I would check the through hull outlet for water exiting the bilge. If no water… a new bilge pump and/or switch is the cheapest insurance policy a boater can have.
BTW. If you need to permanently turn off power to the bilge pumps during dry storage, the fuses must be removed from the circuit.

 

[GaylesFaerie]

I had something similar happen on my 2012 R27 but am not sure if it relates to your circumstances. I was re-wiring my aft bilge pump connections due to some visible corrosion. After disconnecting the wires I noticed on the DC breaker panel that the rocker switch labeled Bilge1 had its light ON while the switch was in the OFF position. Thinking I had inadvertently broken something, I kept my fingers crossed and hoped that the new connections would solve that issue. They did. Maybe its wired in such a way as to warn you when the bilge pump is absent a power source? Haven't heard of that but maybe someone else can illuminate (pun intended) the issue. Gary

 

[BB marine]

The Lyons Den has it right. The 24/7 positive wire is wired to the auto bilge pump switch. When the auto bilge pump switch is activated it brings 12V to the pump. The pump wiring is negative and positive. The pumps positive wire is wired to the bilge pump switch at the dash or breaker panel. When the auto switch is activated the pump runs, there is 12 volts now at the dash or breaker panel ( down stream side of the switch) this turns the light on. I assume that the action of cycling the switch at the helm or breaker panel and the light goes off is a coincidence. The auto switch is powering the pump and then switches off at the same time that you cycle the switch manually. Next time you see it on don't cycle the switch and see if it goes off on it's own after a few moments. I think it will, I know it should. If it does not I would replace the switch at the helm or breaker.