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Attwood 4201 - User Manual

Attwood 4201
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This automatic float switch converts any standard bilge pump to automatic operation.
Pump must operate on 6 to 32 volts D.C. (see chart). The switch can be mounted
separately from the pump; it can also attach to the mounting bracket of any Attwood
V-Series pump—4204, 4206, 4207, 4209, or 4212.
Input Maximum
DC Voltage DC Amperages
12 12
24 6
32 4.5
WARNING:
This product is not intended for use with AC voltage systems, including AC-to-DC
converted power sources.
Always disconnect the power source when installing or servicing this product.
Always use the fuse amperage rating specified for your pump model.
Important:
Do not allow sealants containing acetic acid—such as silicone rubber—to come in
contact with the switch housing. They can damage and crack the plastic, causing the
switch to fail. Sealants with acetic acid smell like vinegar.
MOUNTING INSTRUCTIONS
1. Locate float switch as close as possible to the bilge pump.
Switch should never be
mounted at lower level than pump.
Switch mounting surface should be at least level
with the pump mounting surface, up to 1/4" (6mm) higher.
If mounting with a V-Series pump, the front tabs on the switch may be interlocked
with the rear slots on the pump bracket. Figure 1
2. With switch in desired mounting position, mark the two mounting holes.
3.
Set depth gauge on drill bit to prevent drilling through hull.
Drill a 1/8" (3mm) diameter pilot hole at each mark.
4. Align switch over pilot holes. Feed wires under test knob or out rear of switch.
Fasten switch using #8 stainless steel screws. Be sure screws penetrate wood only;
do not screw into the boat hull.
Figure 1
WIRING INSTRUCTIONS
5. Wire float switch and bilge pump as shown in any one of the three diagrams.
Figure 2
Please note that in each case, float switch is in series (in-line) with pump and must
be connected to the positive (+) battery terminal.
The lead wires must terminate in a waterproof connection. Mount wires above
the highest possible water mark. For extra protection, liberally coat butt joints
and adjacent wire ends with liquid electrical tape.
Failure to properly fuse and make the appropriate water-resistant connections will
void the product warranty.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS
Periodically remove cover and clear away any debris that has accumulated around and
under the float, around the float arms, and in the strainer slots.
Periodically check the electrical connections to ensure that they are waterproof and
mounted high and dry.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
Form Number 69272 Rev. D 03-10
Automatic Float Switch 4201,
4202 Installation Instructions
3
®
Figure 2
Pump
Automatic
Float Switch
12 Volt Battery
+
Black Wire
FULLY AUTOMATIC OPERATION
Brown Wire
Fuse (See Pump
Specifications For Size)
72" (183 cm)
Maximum Length
From (+) Terminal
to Fuse Holder
“ON/AUTO” OPERATION
Pump
Automatic
Float Switch
Fuse (See Pump
Specifications for Size)
Two-Terminal, “On-Off” Type
Switch Can Be Attwood
Rocker, Push-Pull, or
Toggle Type
12 Volt Battery
+
Black Wire
Brown Wire
72" (183 cm)
Maximum Length
From (+) Terminal
to Fuse Holder
“ON/OFF/AUTO” OPERATION
Pump
Automatic
Float Switch
Fuse (See Pump
Specifications for Size)
Attwood
Rocker Switch
(Rear View)
12 Volt Battery
Black Wire
Brown Wire
72" (183 cm)
Maximum Length
From (+) Terminal
to Fuse Holder
ATTWOOD LIMITED WARRANTY
ATTWOOD CORPORATION, 1016 North Monroe, Lowell, Michigan 49331, (“Attwood”),
warrants to the original consumer purchaser that this Attwood Float Switch will be free
from defects in materials and workmanship under normal use and service for a period
of three (3) years from the date of original consumer purchase.
This warranty does not extend to any batteries or fuses used with the float switch.
This limited warranty is not applicable if the float switch has been damaged by accident,
improper installation, unreasonable use, lack of proper maintenance, unauthorized
repairs or modifications, or other causes not arising out of defects in materials or
workmanship. Attwood's obligations under this warranty are limited to repair of the
product at Attwood's plant or replacement of the product at Attwood's option and at
Attwood's expense. Any expenses involved in the removal, reinstallation, or transportation
of the product are not covered by this warranty. The product must be returned to
Attwood's plant at the address indicated above postage prepaid, with proof of original
purchase including date. If Attwood is unable to replace the float switch and repair is
not commercially practicable or cannot be timely made, or if the original consumer
purchaser is willing to accept a refund in lieu of repair or replacement, Attwood may
refund the purchase price, less an amount for depreciation. The acceptance by
Attwood of any product returned or any refund provided by Attwood shall not be
deemed an admission that the product is defective or in violation of any warranty.
THIS WARRANTY IS ATTWOOD'S ONLY EXPRESS WARRANTY OF THIS PRODUCT.
NO IMPLIED WARRANTY SHALL EXTEND BEYOND THREE (3) YEARS FROM THE
DATE OF ORIGINAL CONSUMER PURCHASE. ATTWOOD SHALL NOT BE LIABLE
FOR ANY DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF USE OF THIS PRODUCT, NOR FOR ANY
OTHER INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, COSTS OR EXPENSES.
Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts or the
exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations
and exclusions may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights and
you may have other rights which may vary from state to state.
© 2003 Attwood Corporation
1016 N. Monroe Street, Lowell, MI 49331-0260 www.attwoodmarine.com
Figure 1
Front Tabs
on Switch
#8 Stainless
Steel Screws
Cover
Automatic
Float Switch
Test Knob
Rear Slots
on Pump Bracket
Attwood V-Series Pump
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Summary

Safety Warnings and Important Precautions

General Warning

Product not intended for AC voltage systems. Always disconnect power before installation or servicing.

Material Compatibility

Avoid contact with sealants containing acetic acid, as they can damage the switch.

Mounting Instructions

Switch Placement

Locate switch close to pump, at least level with or slightly higher than pump mounting surface.

Drilling and Fastening

Mark holes, drill pilot holes, and fasten switch with screws, avoiding boat hull penetration.

Wiring Instructions

Connection Diagram

Wire float switch and pump in series with positive battery terminal, ensuring waterproof connections.

Care and Maintenance

Cleaning and Inspection

Periodically clear debris from float mechanism and check electrical connections for security.

Attwood Limited Warranty

Overview

The Attwood Automatic Float Switch models 4201 and 4202 are designed to convert any standard bilge pump to automatic operation. This allows the pump to activate automatically when water levels rise, providing an essential safety feature for marine vessels. The switch is compatible with DC voltage systems ranging from 6 to 32 volts. It is explicitly stated that this product is not intended for use with AC voltage systems, including AC-to-DC converted power sources.

Function Description:

The primary function of the Attwood Automatic Float Switch is to sense the water level in a bilge and, upon reaching a predetermined level, activate a connected bilge pump. This ensures that the bilge is automatically kept clear of water without manual intervention. The switch can be mounted independently or attached to the mounting bracket of specific Attwood V-Series pumps, including models 4204, 4206, 4207, 4209, and 4212. When mounted with a V-Series pump, the front tabs on the switch interlock with the rear slots on the pump bracket, ensuring a secure and integrated installation. The switch operates by being wired in series (in-line) with the bilge pump and must be connected to the positive (+) battery terminal. This setup allows the float switch to control the power supply to the pump based on the water level. The manual provides three wiring diagrams illustrating different operational modes: "FULLY AUTOMATIC OPERATION," "ON/OFF/AUTO" OPERATION (using an Attwood Rocker Switch), and "ON/AUTO" OPERATION (using a two-terminal, "On-Off" type switch).

Important Technical Specifications:

  • Input DC Voltage Compatibility: The float switch is designed for use with 12V, 24V, and 32V DC systems.
  • Maximum DC Amperages:
    • For 12V systems: 12 Amps
    • For 24V systems: 6 Amps
    • For 32V systems: 4.5 Amps
  • Wire Length: The brown and black wires from the fuse holder have a maximum length of 72 inches (183 cm) from the positive (+) terminal to the fuse holder.
  • Mounting Hole Diameter: A 1/8 inch (3mm) diameter pilot hole is required for mounting.
  • Mounting Screws: #8 stainless steel screws are specified for fastening the switch.
  • Mounting Surface Requirement: The switch mounting surface should be at least level with the pump mounting surface, up to 1/4 inch (6mm) higher. The switch should never be mounted at a lower level than the pump.

Usage Features:

  • Automatic Operation: Converts any standard bilge pump to automatic, eliminating the need for constant monitoring of bilge water levels.
  • Versatile Mounting: Can be mounted separately from the pump or directly attached to compatible Attwood V-Series pump brackets.
  • Test Knob: Includes a test knob, likely for manually checking the switch's functionality without waiting for water levels to rise.
  • Wiring Flexibility: Supports different wiring configurations to achieve fully automatic, ON/OFF/AUTO, or ON/AUTO operation, catering to various user preferences and system setups.
  • Waterproof Connections: Emphasizes the necessity of waterproof connections for lead wires, recommending liquid electrical tape for butt joints and adjacent wire ends, especially since wires must be mounted above the highest possible water mark.
  • Fuse Requirement: Requires the use of a fuse with the amperage rating specified for the pump model, highlighting its importance for product warranty and safety.

Maintenance Features:

  • Periodic Cleaning: Users are instructed to periodically remove the cover and clear away any debris that has accumulated around and under the float, around the float arms, and in the strainer slots. This prevents obstructions that could impede the float's movement and ensure reliable operation.
  • Electrical Connection Check: Periodically checking the electrical connections is recommended to ensure they remain waterproof and are mounted "high and dry." This helps prevent corrosion and electrical failures.

Important Warnings and Cautions:

  • AC Voltage Incompatibility: Strictly warns against use with AC voltage systems or AC-to-DC converted power sources.
  • Power Disconnection: Always disconnect the power source when installing or servicing the product to prevent electrical shock or damage.
  • Fuse Amperage: Always use the fuse amperage rating specified for your pump model to protect the system from overcurrent.
  • Sealant Compatibility: Crucially, do not allow sealants containing acetic acid (e.g., silicone rubber, identifiable by a vinegar smell) to come into contact with the switch housing. Such sealants can damage and crack the plastic, leading to switch failure.
  • Mounting Depth: When drilling pilot holes, set a depth gauge on the drill bit to prevent drilling through the hull of the boat. Ensure screws penetrate wood only and do not screw into the boat hull.
  • Warranty Voidance: Failure to properly fuse and make appropriate water-resistant connections will void the product warranty.

The Attwood Automatic Float Switch is a robust and essential component for marine safety, designed for straightforward installation and maintenance, provided the user adheres to the detailed instructions and warnings. Its ability to automate bilge pump operation significantly enhances peace of mind for boat owners.

Attwood 4201 Specifications

General IconGeneral
BrandAttwood
Model4201
CategoryPlumbing Product
LanguageEnglish