Hi Chris, I just did that this year. It's straightforward. You just have to have all the supplies and tools. On my 30-1 the three-way switches for the bilge pumps (I have two) are mounted under the galley sink, through the plywood separating the starboard lazaret from the space under the galley sink. If you mount your switch there, you'll need a drill and jigsaw to cut a hole for the switch.
Then you'll need some ring terminals matching the size of your battery's studs and the size of your wire. If the wiring on your switch and pump is 16-gauge like mine, it's easiest to get bulk 16-gauge wire in red and black. You'll need some 16-gauge butt connectors to connect the wires on the back of the switch to the wires on the pump and to the wire run over to the battery. And you'll need a wire cutter, wire stripper, and a crimping tool. In my case since I have two batteries and two pumps, I mounted terminal strips enclosed in junction boxes to the plywood near the batteries (port side), and near the switches (starboard side). I connected the positive studs of both batteries to one terminal strip, and the negative studs to the other. Then I did one run of red and black over to the terminal strips on the starboard side where the pump switch leads connected. And of course you'll want some cable clamps to run the wires neatly and keep them in place. You can get all the stuff you need at West Marine, though the tools are probably less expensive elsewhere. I think I bought my crimper at Harbor Freight. And a good reference on boat electrical systems is https://www.amazon.com/Caseys-Complete-Illustrated-Sailboat-Maintenance/dp/0071462848 - I recommend it. Cheers, Randy Stafford S/V Grenadine C&C 30-1 #7 Ken Caryl, CO ----- Original Message ----- From: "Chris Hobson via CnC-List" <[email protected]> To: "cnc-list" <[email protected]> Cc: "Chris Hobson" <[email protected]> Sent: Sunday, July 30, 2017 11:23:32 AM Subject: Stus-List Wiring Bilge Direct to Battery Need to wire the bilge pump direct to the battery and bypass the distribution panel. Currently have to turn battery on for it to work. Simple enough, just not something I've done before. Has anyone wired this or know how to install a switch (3-way) to do so? No I'm not an electrician and yes I'm aware of the consequences of electricity. Chris Hobson s/v Going 1980 C&C 30 MK1 Hull #615 _______________________________________________ This list is supported by the generous donations of our members. If you wish to make a contribution to offset our costs, please go to: https://www.paypal.me/stumurray All Contributions are greatly appreciated!
_______________________________________________ This list is supported by the generous donations of our members. If you wish to make a contribution to offset our costs, please go to: https://www.paypal.me/stumurray All Contributions are greatly appreciated!
