Universal Bilge Pump Control Panel – 12/24V, Auto/Off/Manual with Fuse

This universal bilge pump control panel is designed to enhance safety and convenience in keeping your boat’s bilge dry. Compatible with both 12V and 24V systems, the panel can manage any standard bilge pump, whether it uses a mechanical float switch or a modern electronic water sensor. The centerpiece is a three-position “Marina” toggle switch with two built-in LEDs. In Auto mode, the pump will activate automatically when it receives a signal from the float/sensor – a green LED typically indicates the system is armed or running in automatic mode. The Off position ensures the pump remains off when you don’t want it running (for instance, during maintenance or dry storage). The Manual position engages the pump continuously – it’s spring-loaded, meaning the toggle will return to Off once released, preventing the pump from being left on inadvertently. This is a crucial safeguard against draining the battery or running the pump dry. A fuse (standard blade fuse up to 25A) is integrated into the panel to protect the pump circuit from overloads or shorts. The panel’s compact size (about 7.5 x 6 cm) allows for easy installation even on small consoles or dash panels, and four screws hold it securely in place. The faceplate is splash-proof and UV-resistant, suitable for the marine environment. With this panel, bilge pump control becomes intuitive – you can clearly see which mode the system is in and have the ability to activate pumping immediately in an emergency. This adds to the skipper’s peace of mind and helps protect the vessel from unwanted water accumulation.

Use Cases & Recommendations:

• Boats of all sizes with bilge pumps: Whether you have a fishing skiff, a sailing yacht, or a RIB, this panel standardizes the control of your bilge pump. It flush-mounts easily to your helm console or cockpit dashboard and is a valuable upgrade for boats that didn’t come with such controls pre-installed.
• Automating bilge management: If you’re retrofitting an automatic pump to an older boat, it’s advisable to include this panel – it gives you the ability to monitor the pump’s operation (via LED indicators) and switch to manual override when needed (e.g. during heavy rain or if a float switch gets stuck).
• Safety while docked: When leaving your boat unattended, set the switch to “Auto” so the pump can activate if water rises. The LED indicator will inform you if the pump has been running (depending on the model – for instance, some lights change state when the pump engages).
• Easy maintenance: The fuse is accessible from the front or easily reachable, making it simple to replace if it blows. The panel uses standard components, meaning replacement toggles or fuses are readily available at marine stores.
• Pairing with alarms: If desired, the panel can be paired with an audible or visual alarm for pump activity – for example, during extended manual pumping, an alarm can alert you to potential issues. This is recommended for larger boats or if you undertake long voyages where continuous monitoring of the bilge is critical.