Has anyone been having blown fuse issues with the circuit for the automatic bilge pump?

clbkab

I can turn the pump on manually at the helm, but the float switch has blown 2 fuses in under 40 hours of operation on my 2013 Captiva 246

Vic

I have the same exact year model boat and encountered the same issue! Rinker is installing 2amp fuses and should be a 5amp. After doing this I have had no issues.

Black_Diamond

Check your wire gage before upping a fuse amperage! Good way to start a fire. As noted above, pumps do go bad or get blocked and trip a fuse.

raybo3

Check the name plate and see what the pump draws for amps then add 125% and that is the fuse size.  So if your pump draws 3 amps at 125% that is 3 3/4 amps I would use a 4 amp fuse.

Black_Diamond

Then check the float..these do go bad.

212rowboat

I'm not trying to sound like a total jerk, but fuses pop for a reason.. maybe that reason is they are underequipped to handle a load, but more likely its a bad switch thats jumping to ground.. lift the float by hand on a good fuse and see if you see any spark, or better still, look for evidence of grounding.. there will be burn marks near the switch..

Capt_Steve

The bilge pump fuse should be a 3 amp. Check the bilge pump to be sure it has no debris around it or in the base.