Marine
Attwood Bilge Pump Float Switch with Protective Cover (12/24V)
Product description
This float switch converts a manual bilge pump into an automatic unit that activates when water reaches roughly 2 inches. The switch housing is compact and can be mounted on any flat surface — horizontally or on an incline up to 24 degrees — making it simple to install in most bilge spaces. A molded cover encloses the float body to keep leaves, lines, and other debris from trapping the float, and built-in side grills let water flow in so the sensor responds reliably. A protruding test knob on the cover lets you manually verify operation without removing the unit. Unlike some designs where the wires move with the float, the electrical leads on this model remain fixed, reducing fatigue on the connections.
Electrically, the switch is CE rated for both 12- and 24-volt DC systems and supplied with 36 inches of pre-attached wire. Maximum current draw is 12 amps at 12 volts DC and 6 amps at 24 volts DC, suitable for many small to medium bilge pumps. The switch body measures approximately 5 1/4 inches long by 3 7/8 inches wide by 2 7/8 inches high. The sealed switch mechanism is designed to resist moisture intrusion, fume ignition, and electrical shock. The unit contains no mercury, is marine ignition protected, and meets RoHS standards. Backed by a long-standing marine products manufacturer, it’s intended as a durable, regulatory-compliant accessory for standard bilge installations.
Pros
- Enclosed float reduces debris interference
- Works with 12V and 24V systems
- Includes test knob and long (36") leads
Cons
- Mechanical float can still foul in dirty bilges
- Not suitable for pumps exceeding specified amps
- Requires correct mounting angle for reliable trip
VerdictA practical way to automate an existing manual bilge pump, this Attwood float switch offers a protected float enclosed beneath a cover, a handy test knob, and long wire leads that don’t flex with the float. It’s built for typical marine conditions and is a straightforward replacement for many older switches. While no mechanical float is completely immune to harsh bilge fouling and extreme vibratio
Reviews
-
charles gundlach 5/5
Simple to fit
Quick to install and functioned without issue.
-
Joseph Bleaux 5/5
Dependably built
Typical Attwood build quality — dependable in service.
-
gmarlin 5/5
Perfect replacement
Needed the exact bolt pattern for a Sea Ray and this matched it; the owner was pleased.
-
Dan C. 5/5
Solid performance
Respectable product from Attwood; worked exactly as expected with no problems.
-
Rigo 5/5
Matched my old 420f
Couldn't find a part number, but this was the same size as the old 420f I had.
-
Bassdude404 5/5
Direct swap
Dropped right in to my '02 Four Winns Horizon 190 — identical replacement, no new holes required.
-
deppy 5/5
Fit perfectly
Replaced the same model and everything lined up — screw holes matched, no modifications needed.
-
Guy Charbonneau 5/5
Item as ordered
Fast delivery and the part arrived exactly as I ordered.
-
Bruce Lockhart 5/5
Good part, slow delivery
Same as previous unit and easy to install, but it took a while to arrive.
-
FCPTX 1/5
Stopped shutting off
Worked fine for six months, then failed to turn off and kept draining the battery. I caught it before major damage, but I'd pick a different unit next time.
-
Big T 4/5
Good design but not infallible
No float switch is completely immune to corrosive, oily bilge water and debris, but this one is better than many. The float sits under a cover so things are less likely to jam it, and side grills let water move freely to reduce false cycling.
-
Gift giver 5/5
Lasted years
Had the original installed for four years with good performance; replaced it with the same model after it finally failed.
Comments
No comments yet.
Sign in or sign up to comment.