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Add bilge pump

This page covers the device-specific wiring for a bilge pump. For general device setup and settings, see Add a device.

The bilge pump monitor tracks how often and how long the bilge pump runs, alerting you to unusual activity that may indicate a leak. Uses the dedicated bilge slot (slot 8) on the BRNKL connector.

Prerequisites

  • Automatic bilge pump with a manual lead (most Rule, Attwood, and similar pumps)

  • Access to the bilge pump wiring

Disconnect shore power and turn off the main DC breaker before working on the bilge pump wiring or the BRNKL connector.

Wiring

  • Identify the bilge pump's manual lead — typically the brown-and-white wire that activates the pump when connected to +DC.

  • Connect the manual lead to slot 8 (bilge) on the BRNKL connector.

  • Connect the pump's ground to slot 1 or 14 (ground) on the BRNKL connector.

The BRNKL monitors the manual lead to detect when the pump runs — it does not control the pump. The automatic float switch continues to operate the pump independently.

Configure

In the BRNKL app, go to Settings > Devices > Bilge.

This is a Bilge input. Recommended settings:

  • Monitor — on

  • Alert — on

  • Long Period Alert — e.g., 24 h; Long Period Alert Limit — e.g., 10 events. Catches slow leaks.

  • Short Period Alert — e.g., 30 min; Short Period Alert Limit — e.g., 3 events. Catches sudden flooding.

  • Bilge On Time Limit — e.g., 60 s. Filters out brief pump cycling.

Tap Save.

Test

  1. Wait 15 minutes for settings to sync.

  2. Confirm the dashboard shows the bilge pump as Off.

  3. Manually trigger the bilge pump (using the manual switch or by briefly connecting the manual lead to +DC). The dashboard tile should update to show the pump running.

  4. Stop the pump and confirm it returns to Off.

Troubleshooting

  • Dashboard doesn't update when pump runs — confirm the manual lead is connected to slot 8 and that the pump's ground shares the same reference as the BRNKL. Check that Monitor is enabled in the app.

  • Dashboard shows pump running when it isn't — check for stray voltage on the manual lead from the float switch circuit. The bilge input expects a dry signal; isolate the manual lead if needed.