All About Rule Bilge Pumps

Rule non-automatic bilge pumps operate in an on or off capacity via a standard switch or can operate in an on/off and automatic capacity via a float switch and 3-Way panel switch.  Non-automatic pumps provide you with the most control over the pump rather than depending on automatic operation. 

In the last 5 to 6 years, Rule submersible bilge pumps (including the non-automatic pumps) have undergone a significant redesign that has resulted in incredible improvements to the operation and performance of the pumps. These improvements include:

• Check valve to prevent back flow
• Hidden air vents to protect against air locks
• Thermal cutoff to turn off pump before it overheats
• Improved performance and efficiency
• Additional fitting sizes for installation flexibility

One major consideration with the new generation of Rule bilge pumps is that the base size is not the same as older pumps.  This would apply only to the pumps ranging from 360 to 1100 gallons per hour. The new generation of Rule pumps has slightly different shaped base.  If you are replacing an older Rule pump, you will have to replace not only the body of the pump, but the base as well.  The good news is that the screw holes still line up with the older base screw hole pattern.  Pumps larger than 1100 gallons per hour are still manufactured with their original base design.

To properly operate a Rule non-automatic bilge pump, you will need to use a Rule bilge pump switch. The most common type of switch is the float switch.  All of Rule's float switches operate by switching the pump on when 2 inches of water is detected, and shutting the pump off when the water level reaches 3/4 inch.  Rule manufacturers three different types of float switches:

• the Rule-a-Matic float switch - the most basic and common Rule float switch operates with 14 amps at 12 volts DC and 7 amps at 24 volts DC.
• the Rule SuperSwitch - a more powerful float switch that the Rule-a-Matic, operating with 20 amps at 12 volts DC, 10 amps at 24 volts DC and 6.5 amps at 32 volts DC.
• the Rule-a-Matic Plus - a more advanced float switch that includes a protective cover and a fuse holder.  This switch operates with 20 amps at 12 volts DC, 10 amps at 24 volts DC and 6.5 amps at 32 volts DC.

Rule panel bilge switches are also available.  These switches allow for bilge pump control right from the dash of the boat.  These options are all 3-way switches that allow for operation of the bilge pump manually, automatically or for completely shutting the pump off.

Rule's offering of automatic bilge pumps are often referred to as automated, and they check for water every 2-1/2 minutes to keep bilge water at the lowest level of any automatic bilge pump. A standard non-automatic pump and float switch allows water to reach 2" (5cm) before it activates. Rule automatic bilge pumps activate at 5/8" (1.6cm) and drain water down to 1/4" (0.6cm).

The Rule automatic bilge pumps were also updated in the past few years with the same improvements listed above with the non-automatic pumps.  Like the non-automatic pumps, only pumps up to 1100 gallons per hour were changed.  Once again, the base shape has been altered which will require replacement of both the pump body and the base if you are changing out an older-style pump, though the screw hole pattern remains the same.

Rule's most advanced automatic bilge pumps are the RuleMate series, which operate using an internal level sensor. When water reaches 2 inches (5cm), the pump will automatically activate, removing water from the bilge. When the water level reaches 3/8 inches (0.9cm) the pump will turn off until the water level rises again.

Much like the other Rule submersible pumps, the RuleMate series also has been redesigned in recent years to add many performance and safety improvements.  Again, this redesign applies only to pumps ranging from 500 to 1100 gallons per hour.  As a result, the base of the RuleMate pumps has also changed shape from the RuleMate pumps previously on the market.  When replacing older Rule and RuleMate pumps that have been redesigned, you will have to replace the base as well as the entire pump body.  Pumps larger than 1100 gallons per hour have not been redesigned and will not have any changes to the installation footprint.

One of the most innovative designs that Rule has produced in recent years is the LoPro Low Profile bilge pumps, which are available in automatic and non-automatc versions. Both versions measure only 2.3 inches high making them ideal for those tough to reach applications, and both have capacities of 900 gallons per hour. The tail of the automatic version actually slides back and forth, allowing it two operate in two different modes - level sensing or automated (which checks for water every 2-1/2 minutes). The motor is also rotatable which allows it to be set to turn on once water reaches 1.3 inches or 2 inches based on user preference.  When space considerations are a concern, the highly adjustable LoPro pumps are an excellent choice.

The newest addition to the Rule bilge pump family is the Rule DB dry bilge pump. The Rule DB provides a solution to manually remove that last bit of remaining water that bilge pumps typically leave behind. This pump comes complete with a panel switch, a 3/4-inch 90 degree thru-hull for overboard discharge, and 3/4-inch hose barb fittings. The DB bilge pump also includes a rotatable pump head for installation in a variety of spaces. The DB412 Dry Bilge is a diaphragm style pump which can be run dry without damage and can pass larger debris with ease, making it ideal for clearing that last bit of water from the bilge.