Many of us think the on/of/auto switch is a bad idea. It is far to easy to
turn it off unintentionally. My preference is just on/auto. Fuse it, not
circuit breaker which is too easy to turn off. It should bypass the then
main DC house switch. If you need to turn it off to work on it, pull the
fuse, but make damn sure you put it back and test it.


"Graham Frankland" gfranklandattiscalidotcodotuk wrote in message
...
wrote in message
oups.com...
I have a manual bilge pump in a Newport 27, and
would like to add an automatic electric one.

What is the easiest way to do this? Can I use
(at least some) of the hoses that the mechanical
membrane pump uses?

The membrane pump is mounted in the back of the
cockpit.

Can I put both pumps on the same hose, i.e. can I pull
water through an electric (rule) pump when using the
manual, and can I push water through the membrane
pump with the rule?

If not, what is the next best/simplest setup?

Thanks for help and suggestions,

They can physically be plumbed in line but it's a bad idea as it
drastically restricts the flow and, more important, one problem could
affect both pumps, leaving you unable to pump out.

Although there are some electric pumps with integral auto switches I
always prefer separate simple float switches wired through a dedicated
on/off/auto switch, connected directly (via a fuse but not through the
isolator) to a domestic battery. Although it slightly restricts flow
rate, I always fit a non-return valve in the outlet to the skin fitting to
avoid any chance of back feed when heeled.

Graham.