Rule-Mate Automatic Bilge Pumps

Questions & Answers

Are the Rule bilge Pumps self priming?

Bilge pumps are not Self Priming

Can the hose run horizontally?

No......the discharge hose must run continually upwards •Reductions in hose size will reduce output

Will increasing the discharge pipe increase output?

Increases in hose size will not increase output

Does reversing polarity decrease pump capacity?

Reversed polarity runs pump at 20% capacity

Should I increase the wire gauge on long runs?

Increase wire gauge for each additional 20 foot run

Can I install a check valve on the pump discharge?

Check valves are not recommended

How do I prevent water from siphoning back?

Install a vented loop for anti-siphoning

Do the pumps have a break-in period?

Break in for 10 hours for maximum pumping

Does Rule repair the pumps?

Rule does not repair pumps - it is not cost efficient for the consumer

Can I get parts for Rule Pumps?

Rule does not sell pump parts due to liability

Why doesn't Rule Pumps want check valve on the pump's discharge?

Check valves are prohibited by the American Boat & Yacht Council for use as an anti-siphon device-and with good reason: They're notorious for failing in both the open and the closed position, which respectively leads to flooding or failure to pump. If the valve is close to the pump, the pump may not be able to overcome the weight of the water on the other side of the valve, rendering the pump ineffective.

Why does my automatic Rule Pumps turns off if I install a check valve on the discharge of the pump?

The automatic bilge pump turns on about every two and a half minutes to "check" for high water. If water causes resistance on the pump, it continues to pump until the resistance lowers. With the check valve installed at the pump, it cant feel the weight of the water, and shuts off, allowing the bilge to fill with water!

Do I need a separate switch with automatic Rule Bilge Pumps?

Through advanced electronic technology, Rule Automatic Bilge Pumps eliminate the need for a separate switch to activate the pump. Once power is supplied, starting and stopping is completely automatic. The pump checks for water every 2 ˝ minutes by running for a second and measuring load against the impeller. If water is present, the pump remains on until the water is removed. Thereafter it resumes its 2 ˝ minute check cycle. The pumps feature two positive leads, one which is automatic and one which can manually override the pump and turn it on at any time.

How do I mount an automatic Rule Bilge Pumps?

Press strainer base fingers inward and lift pump to remove from strainer. Mount the strainer to your boat with stainless steel screws. On a fiberglass boat you may prefer to bond a wooden block in place and then mount the strainer. To assemble pump to strainer, align the clasps to the strainer fingers and press pump down to snap lock in place. To mount this pump to a transom or a side surface, use Rule Model 66 vertical mounting bracket.

What size wire should I use to connect the automatic Rule Bilge Pumps?

Normal installation requires 16-gauge wire. For installations over 25 feet from battery, use 14-gauge wire.

How do I connect the automatic Rule Bilge Pumps electrically?

Black pump wire connects to negative (-) side of the battery. Brown pump wire connects to the automatic side of the switch. Brown with white stripe wire connects to the manual side of the switch.

On what wire should the fuse be?

Install recommended size fuse in the positive (+) Brown wire.

What fuse sizes should I use on 12 volt pumps?

Model 500 GPH uses 2.5 amps fuse; 800 GPH uses 5.0 amp fuse and 1100GPH uses 5.0 amp fuse

Are the Rule Bilge Pumps equipped with fuses.

Pump are not equipped with a fuse. Always install the recommended fuse size in the (+) power line. Failure to install proper fuse could result in personal injury and/or fire hazards.

At what level should wire connections be?

KEEP ALL WIRE CONNECTIONS ABOVE HIGHEST POSSIBLE WATER LEVEL.

How do I seal (waterproof) wire connections?

Wire connections should be sealed with Marine Grade Silicone Rubber, Liquid Electrical Tape, or Sudbury Elastomeric Marine Sealant to prevent corrosion.

When eliminating the manual override option ( 2-wire installation) what do I do with the 3rd wire (Brown/White)?

When using two wire installations, eliminating the manual override option, the 3rd wire (Brown/White) must be sealed and secured high above the bilge water.

How are Rule Pumps plumbed?

Bilge Pumps must be plumbed to a thru-hull fitting (see chart) that remains above the water line at all times. On sailboats, locate the thru-hull fitting high enough on the center of the transom to be above the anticipated water line. To prevent water traps that can cause your pump to airlock the hose must rise continuously from the pump to the thru-hull fitting with no clips where water can collect. Attach the discharge hose to the pump and thru-hull fitting with stainless steel hose clamps.

Why does my automatic pump stay on after water is pumped out?

Wire connections may be incorrect, check connections; automatic pump may have faulty circuit , replace pump; possible electrical short , replace pump.

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