Rule 51S 1500 GPH Automatic Bilge Pump, 12V
- Brand:
- Rule
- Part no:
- 51S
Image: Fisheries Supply
Where to buy
Pack of 2
Specifications
- Type
- Submersible centrifugal
- Rated flow
- 1500 gal/h
- Voltage
- 12V
- Current draw
- 4.8 A
- Flow at stated head
- About 83% of rated at 2 ft, 67% at 4 ft
The Rule 51S is a 12 volt automatic bilge pump rated at 1500 gph, with a 1-1/8 inch discharge outlet. It senses water itself, so no separate float switch is needed. Every 2-1/2 minutes it turns on for about a second to check for water, and that checking uses 0.35 amp hours per day. It can run dry without motor burn-out and has a stainless steel shaft. Output is tested at about 67% of rated flow with the hose rising 4 ft above the pump.
Our take
The 51S checks for water every 2-1/2 minutes, and that checking totals only 0.35 amp hours per day, so the standby drain is slight. Its 1500 gph rating falls to about 67% with the hose 4 ft above the pump.
From our buying guide
Rule and Johnson both say their bilge pumps are not intended for damage control. Flow falls as the discharge head rises, and the length of the hose, its bends and any check valve reduce it further.
Check before you buy:
- The maker's own table shows the flow at head, since how much a pump loses depends on the model.
- An automatic pump also has a manual switch, which ABYC's voluntary 2005 standard calls for.
- You'll fuse it to the maker's figure.
