Rule 55S 3700 GPH Automatic Bilge Pump, 12V
- Brand:
- Rule
- Part no:
- 55S
Image: Fisheries Supply
Where to buy
Specifications
- Type
- Submersible centrifugal
- Rated flow
- 3700 gal/h
- Voltage
- 12V
- Current draw
- 15.5 A
- Flow at stated head
- About 87% of rated at 3 ft, 75% at 6 ft, 62% at 9 ft
The Rule 55S is a 12 volt automatic bilge pump rated at 3700 gph, with a 1-1/2 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 0.76 amp hours per day. It can run dry without motor burn-out and has a stainless steel shaft. Output is tested at about 75% of rated flow with the hose rising 6 ft above the pump.
Our take
The 55S checks for water every 2-1/2 minutes, and that checking totals 0.76 amp hours per day, which is the standing cost of its automatic sensing. Its 3700 gph rating falls to about 75% with the hose 6 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.
