How to Wire Up Rule 1100 Automatic Bilge Pump With Step-By-Step Guide

Keeping your boat afloat and in functioning shape is integral to a fun and safe time out on the water. This is why bilge pumps are an essential component in any boat’s arsenal, designed to remove any unwanted or harmful liquid from the boat’s interior. Installing a Rule 1100 Automatic Bilge Pump allows you to be worry-free while out on the lake or ocean, knowing you have a reliable and automatic device ready to swoop in and save the day if necessary. But before you can sail away with some peace of mind, you will need to do some wiring up.

This article is here to guide you through the process of wiring up a Rule 1100 Automatic Bilge Pump. We will discuss the different components of this system, explain the appropriate sequence of wiring, detail the different parts of wiring diagram and more. Read on for a comprehensive step-by-step guide so that you can feel confident in installing your own Rule 1100 Automatic Bilge Pump.

Parts of a Rule 1100 Automatic Bilge Pump System

Before proceeding, it's important to understand the components involved in the system as a whole and their roles. These components include:

The Bilge Pump

The Float Switch

The Intelligent Bilge Pump Timer (IBPT)

The Rocker Switch

The Way these components interface with one another to create the overall system, however, is much more complex. The floatswitch activates the pump when water rises, triggering a signal to the IBPT which then powers the rocker switch. The rocker switch turns the pump on or off depending on the user's preference. To fully understand the wiring diagram and properly wire everything up accordingly, each part needs to be carefully thought out.

Bilge Pump Wiring Diagram

Although people often mistake wiring diagrams for schematics, they serve a slightly different purpose as they usually highlight a mechanical (physical) arrangement of the system itself. Each rule 1100 Automatic Bilge Pump wiring diagram shows the physical components and their respective placement. This makes it easy to see the layout between the key elements such as the float switch, rocker switch and IBTP in one hady diagram.

An example of the wiring diagram for a Rule 11 Automatic Bilge Pump looks like this:

Bilge Pump wiring diagram

Here we can see the physical layout of the system, as well as its components. The red arrows along with the symbols on the diagram represent connections between those different elements. In compiling the diagram, it is important to consider various factors like insulation, corrosion protection, current and more. Additionally, the diagram itself will indicate which connections (colors and patterns) correspond to each element in the system.

Wiring Sequence

Now that we understand the wiring diagram and have identified the components, it is time to begin wiring the Rule 1100 Automatic Bilge Pump. It is important to note that the sequence of wiring is quite important and should not be taken lightly. It is recommended to follow the wiring diagram instructions given by the manufacturer in order to avoid any problems.

The sequence of wiring can be explained in the following steps:

Connect the black wire from the float switch to the Battery Negative Terminal, making sure it is insulated with heat shrink tubing or electrical tape.

Connect the white wire from the float switch to the positive terminal of the rocker switch, again making sure it’s insulated.

Connect the red wire from the float switch to the negative terminal of the rocker switch, making sure it’s insulated.

Connect the positive input of the IBPT to the positive terminal of the rocker switch, also making sure it’s insulated.
Check the diagram for the exact wiring sequence.

Connect the output of the IBPT to the positive terminal of the bilge pump, making sure it’s insulated.

Connect the negative terminal of the bilge pump to a ground such as the engine block or hull this will not require insulation.

Voila! You have now wired your Rule 1100 Automatic Bilge Pump.

In addition to connecting the wires as indicated above, make sure to pay close attention to any additional instructions that may come with the package of your particular model. As there will be several variations across brands, models and product features.

Wrapping Up

In this article, we discussed various considerations for wiring a Rule 1100 Automatic Bilge Pump. In addition to understanding the different components involved, we went over an example wiring diagram and outlined the proper sequence of wiring. After following the steps laid out in this article, you should now feel confident in wiring up your Rule 1100 Automatic Bilge Pump. Keep in mind to consult any additional instructions specific to your model for proper installation and forget about the noisy and complicated manual bilge pumps of the past. Enjoy freedom and peace of mind as you sail away with a reliable automatic bilge pump at your service.