Whale Electric Bilge Sensor Switch, 12V/24V, Nylon Body, BE9003

The Whale BE9003 Electric Bilge Sensor Switch is a float-style water level switch designed to automatically operate your boat's bilge pump. Once water rises to 2 inches, the switch activates the pump; once the level drops below 1/2 inch, it automatically shuts the pump off, so you don't have to monitor the bilge manually or run the pump on a timer. The switch body is made of nylon to withstand the temperatures and moisture typical of a bilge environment. It operates on either a 12V d.c. Or 24V d.c. System and is rated to handle up to 20 amps, with a low standby draw of just 0.008 amp so it will not meaningfully drain your battery while idle.

Installation uses two color-coded wires for straightforward wiring, and the switch includes two test circles that let you manually trigger the switch to confirm it and the pump are working correctly before you head out on the water. It is designed for side or base mounting, giving some flexibility in fitting it to the available space in the bilge. The switch is CE certified and meets ISO 8846 standards, and it carries a 1 year warranty. This is a universal automatic bilge switch, not tied to a specific pump model, so it can be paired with compatible 12V or 24V bilge pump systems.

Specifications

• Brand: Whale
• Manufacturer Part Number: BE9003
• Type: Float Switch
• Operating Voltage: 12 Volts DC or 24 Volts DC
• Current Rating: Up to 20 Amps
• Standby Current: 0.008 Amps
• Activation Level: Turns on at 2 inches of water, turns off below 1/2 inch
• Material: Nylon
• Mounting Type: Side or Base Mount
• Contact Type: Normally Closed
• Connector Type: Molex
• Color: Black
• Item Dimensions: 3.6 x 0.75 x 2.8 inches
• Weight: 0.3 pounds
• Wattage: 1 watt
• Certification: CE Certified, Meets ISO 8846
• Warranty: 1 Year
• UPC: 766478946188

Fitment

Universal automatic bilge switch compatible with 12V or 24V boat electrical systems; not limited to a specific pump make or model.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Whale BE9003 bilge switch turn the pump on and off? The BE9003 senses water level directly: it automatically activates a connected bilge pump once water reaches 2 inches, and it shuts the pump off again once the level drops below 1/2 inch, with no manual switching required.

Does the BE9003 work on both 12V and 24V boats? Yes, this Whale switch is rated for either 12V d.c. Or 24V d.c. Systems, so it can be wired into either voltage without needing a different part.

What is the maximum current the BE9003 switch can handle? The BE9003 is rated to handle up to 20 amps, which covers the draw of typical bilge pump motors it is paired with.

What is the BE9003 switch body made of? The switch housing is made of nylon, chosen to hold up to the higher temperatures and constant moisture found in a bilge compartment.

Can the BE9003 be tested without waiting for the bilge to fill with water? Yes, the BE9003 includes two test circles that let you manually trigger the switch to confirm the switch and pump are working before you launch.

How is the Whale BE9003 wired during installation? It installs using two color-coded wires, which simplifies connecting the switch into the boat's existing bilge pump wiring.

Where can the BE9003 be mounted in the bilge? The BE9003 is designed for side or base mounting, giving flexibility to fit it into the available space in a bilge compartment.

How much standby power does the BE9003 draw while idle? Standby current is just 0.008 amp, so the BE9003 draws very little power from the battery while waiting to detect water.

What are the dimensions and weight of the BE9003 switch? The BE9003 measures 3.6 x 0.75 x 2.8 inches and weighs 0.3 pounds.

Is the BE9003 switch certified for marine use? Yes, the BE9003 is CE certified and meets ISO 8846, the standard for marine electrical equipment used in areas with a potential ignition hazard.

Is the BE9003 a universal bilge switch or specific to one pump model? The BE9003 is a universal automatic float switch and is not tied to a specific bilge pump brand or model, provided the voltage and current rating match your pump.

What warranty comes with the Whale BE9003? The BE9003 is backed by a 1 year warranty.