Chase 263. I added a seacock, pump, outlet, and ran the wiring; the only thing I have left is actually hooking up the wiring. It's 14g, pump pulls 18a, and the documentation mentioned a fuse of 25a. I have a few open ACC spots on my switch panel, but can they handle this kind of load? They have breakers and I have no idea what they are rated for. So is it safe to run directly to one of those switches or should I consider a relay (triggered by the switch)?
Adding raw water washdown
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Hookup1
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That pump should not draw that much for a washdown. What brand and model? 10 to 15 amps. Panel should handle it. Just pull ACC breaker out and check amperage. Is the boat pre-wired for the pump?
SkunkBoat
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I agree with Hookup. Unless you have some superduper pump nobody else has... "14g"...GPM? Thats crazy. Most are 3.5gpm or 4gpm Shurflo or Pentair.
Many Gradys have prewired 12 awg Orange/Brown for Washdown to switch panel with 15A breaker.
Many Gradys have prewired 12 awg Orange/Brown for Washdown to switch panel with 15A breaker.
Both of my gradys have had the washdown switch on the panel or acc. panel. 15 amp should work fine.
Boat was not pre-wired. I ran 14g as that is the wire size for the pump's harness. It is a 5.5GPM pump. I'll check the ACC and see if I can find a rating. Thanks
You said you ran 14g because that's what the pump came with... but did you verify that 14g is sufficient based on the total run of wire you installed? You may need 12g to prevent the wire from possibly overheating and causing a fire. I didn't look it up - but it's worthwhile for you to do so.
As noted, your breakers will have the rating on them. Could possibly install a larger breaker if needed.
As noted, your breakers will have the rating on them. Could possibly install a larger breaker if needed.
Damn. I hadn't actually taken that into consideration. Playing with a calculator and it seems 10g is recommended. Seems large, but better safe than sorry. I installed the pump in the bilge area and it's literally 1' from my batteries. Thinking I'll just get a relay now to mount with the pump. I also ran a 16g at the same time so that I had either extra wiring for other additions or to use as a chase cable. I think I'll utilize the 16g to trigger the relay and then the pump only has a short 1' run of 14g straight to the battery (I'll install an online fuse since I'll be bypassing my panel). Seems best of both worlds and I'll now have the 14g as extra wiring for future additions....and at 20'.....is likely better anyway bc based on calculators, will only support 10amp or so
Actually just discovered ones exist with a built-in fuse. Super simple!! (I won't post url bc I don't know if it's forbidden since Amazon isn't a sponsor)
Gebildet 12V Fuse Relay Switch Harness Set - 30A ATO/ATC Blade Fuse, 4-Pin SPST Automotive Electrical Relays with Heavy Duty 12 AWG Wires (Pack of 3)
Hookup1
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It's not forbidden. I do it all the time. If amazon posted it it's a different story.
Side note... double check that you're using the 10% drop tables - it's not a voltage sensitive item so the 3% tables are overkill.
A relay is a good idea - just make sure it's good enough to use in a wet environment.
A relay is a good idea - just make sure it's good enough to use in a wet environment.