Bilge Pump

[Jack]

After a day sailing we were going to drain the bilge by hitting the bilge pump switch but the pump didn't cycle. Instead I heard a click from below the nav table where the battery switch is located. Checking i noticed the circuit breaker had tripped. I removed the floor boards and the bilge was dry. (more on this in another post)
So my question is: should the pump cycle even when the bilge is dry or is it designed to trip so it won't run dry?
thanks for any help
jack

 

[Benny]

Most pumps are self priming and will run for a while even when dry although not recommended. You may have a short of some sort. I would start by checking the pump itself and then the wiring. It is good to get into the habit of hitting the bilge pump switch when you first get aboard. The boat has been laying unattended and the effects of rain or developing leaks are not known. Any malfunctions can also be detected earlier rather than latter.

 

[Bill Roosa]

stalled motor

Check to see that the impeller turns freely. It could have gotten stuck from sitting in a dry bilge and the scum drying out on it.
FTR, bilge pumps of the centrifugal verity can run dry indefinitely.

 

[sailaway78]

I agree

With all that Benny says, plus, I always pop the floor and lift the float switch to make sure it is working on a very regular basis. With bilge pumps being what they are, start with the pump and work your way back.

 

[KD3PC]

or as in my case you see a black sheen on the shower sump...pump motor had burned out and left a lot of carbon residue.

I am with N&E on this, pull up the floats on all 5 pumps at least every other week or monthly...just to make sure

 

[redhead78]

sensor

I have an electronic sensor so far ok, any feedback on these??