smoke from my bilge pump wiring

[av8erdunn]

Well I was at my boat today and remembered the previous owner had disconnected the bilge pump for some reason but couldn't remember why. I decided to hook it up to see if it works. I connected the wires and as soon as I did the wires heated up and started smoking and tripped the breaker. Undoubtly I have a broken wire that's grounding out somewhere but don't know where to look. Heck I can't even find the float switch. Anyone have any insight on where to start looking for the short?

 

[Benny17441]

Get a diagram of your boat's electrical wiring. Since the bilge pump is located in the bilge that would be the logical place to start at. The float switch, if there is one, should be in there close to the pump. If the circuit had been powered at any time before the pump was reconnected with no adverse effects then it follows that the pump was the cause of the short. Now check and see if you have an automatic/manual switch interfacing with the pump and if all connections were properly made. I would remove the pump and test it directly against the battery terminals. If it does not run and the wires start heating up it is shot and needs to be replaced. I cannot gauge whether the wiring may have been damaged by the short circuit so I would run a continuity test with the breaker in the Off position. If there is any continuity showing in what should be an open circuit I would replace the wiring.

 

[Hugh Straub]

+ 1 on Benny's advice.

A friend told me some time ago the the only reason electricity flows through a wire is the smoke inside the wire. If you let the smoke out, the wire must be replaced;~).

Best wishes & Kind regards

Hugh

 

[av8erdunn]

I am going to pull new wires but I need to find the float switch first. Wasn't sure if anyone knew where it was. Not sure which wire it is so I'm gonna replace all three going to the pump unless I find the float and it's evident as to the problem.

 

[BrianW]

Some bilge points don't use float switches. BrianW

 

[av8erdunn]

Pretty sure this one doesn't have a built in float switch. It's got three wires going to it and I researched the bilge pump model and it required an external float.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Generally the bilge pump is one of two styles, either a built in float switch or a separate float switch. Since you have the 270, you should have an actual bilge area below the main salon floor. Check there in the bottom or near. If not, check under the rear berth area because maybe someone goofed up and put the float switch there.

YOu are wise as it has been suggested to replace that line. It should be a three wire as you will need two hot wires and one ground wire. One of the hot wires is wired direct to the battery and the other is manual or a switch activated. As for the bilge pump, remove it as I would tend to think of an internal short and replace it no ifs ands or butts.

In addition, check behind the panel to insure the switch is not damaged. Maybe there is metal to metal touching. Who knows. I would suggest replacing that switch as well..

 

[av8erdunn]

The pump itself is right next to the keel bolts with no sign of the float switch. Next time I am at the boat I will check under the rear berth for the float. If it's back their I am going to disable it and put one with an internal float in placebos the other unit just in case. Oh the joys of boat ownership!!!!