ABYC H-22 July, 2011

Hull Division Standard

Hull Piping Project Technical Committee

The ABYC Standards and Technical Information Reports for Small Craft are the product of a consensus of
representatives of government, industry and public sectors. It is intended solely as a guide to aid manufacturers and
the marine community in the design, construction, equipage and maintenance of small craft.
ABYC reviews each standard at least every five years at which time it may be reaffirmed, revised, or withdrawn.
ABYC welcomes any written comments on the Standards and Technical Information Reports.

ABYC H-22

ELECTRIC BILGE PUMP SYSTEMS

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HULL PIPING PROJECT TECHNICAL COMMITTEE

Arthur Bretnall, Chairman

Pat Armano Kim MacCartney Louis Novak

Steve D’Antonio Robert Newsome Jon Sheller
David DeHorn

This list represents the membership at the time the Committee was balloted.

NOTE: Membership on a committee shall not in and of itself constitute an endorsement of ABYC or any document
developed by the committee on which the member serves.

This standard was developed under procedures accredited as meeting the criteria for American National Standards.
The Project Technical Committee that approved the standard was balanced to ensure that individuals from
competent and concerned interests have had an opportunity to participate.

This standard, which is the result of extended and careful consideration of available knowledge and experience on
the subject, is intended to provide minimum performance requirements.

ABYC’s Project Technical Committee meetings are open to the public. All contact regarding standards activity,
interpretations, or meeting attendance should be directed to the ABYC Technical Department at
comments@abycinc.org.

ABYC and its committees do not “approve”, “certify”, or “endorse” any item, construction, or proprietary device.

REQUEST FOR INTERPRETATIONS

Upon written request, the Hull Piping PTC will render an interpretation of any requirement of the Standard. The
request for interpretation should be clear and unambiguous. Requests should be presented to the PTC in a manner
in which they may be answered in a yes or no fashion.

The committee reserves the right to reconsider any interpretation when or if additional information which might
affect it becomes available to the PTC. Persons aggrieved by an interpretation may appeal to the Committee for
reinterpretation.

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H-22 ELECTRIC BILGE PUMP SYSTEMS

Table of Contents

22.1 PURPOSE ............................................................................................................................. 1

22.2 SCOPE .................................................................................................................................. 1

22.3 REFERENCES ...................................................................................................................... 1

22.4 DEFINITIONS ........................................................................................................................ 1

22.5 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS - PUMPS ................................................................................. 2

22.6 MATERIALS .......................................................................................................................... 3

22.7 DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION - BILGE PUMP SYSTEM ................................................... 4

22.8 LOCATION AND INSTALLATION .......................................................................................... 4

APPENDIX - Bilge Pump Rating Criteria ............................................................................................. 6

TABLE 1 FREE FLOW BILGE PUMP TEST ....................................................................................... 6

Origin and Development of ABYC H-22, Electric Bilge Pump Systems ............................................. 7

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H-22 ELECTRIC BILGE PUMP SYSTEMS

Based on ABYC's assessment of the existing technology, and the problems associated with achieving the goals of
this standard, ABYC recommends compliance with this standard for all boats, associated equipment, and systems
manufactured after July 31, 2012.

22.1 PURPOSE

These standards are guides for the design, construction, installation, operation, and control of electric bilge pump
systems.

22.2 SCOPE

These standards apply to all boats equipped with electric bilge pump systems intended for control of spray, rain
water, and normal accumulation of water due to seepage and spillage.

EXCEPTIONS:

1. Pumps intended for damage control.

2. Damage control systems.

22.3 REFERENCES

22.3.1 The following publications form a part of this standard. Unless otherwise noted the lastest version of
referenced standards shall apply.

22.3.1.1 ABYC - American Boat & Yacht Council, Inc. 613 Third Street, Ste 10, Annapolis, MD 21403 Phone: (410)
990-4460. Fax: (410) 990-4466 Website: www.abycinc.org

ABYC E-11, AC and DC Electrical Systems On Boats

ABYC H-2, Ventilation of Boats Using Gasoline
ABYC H-27, Seacocks, Thru-Hull Connections, and Drain Plugs

22.4 DEFINITIONS

For the purposes of this standard, the following definitions apply.

22.4.1 Accessible - capable of being reached for inspection, removal, or maintenance without removal of
permanent boat structure.

22.4.2 Design Voltage - 113.3% of nominal voltage.

22.4.3 Enclosed Accommodation Compartment - one contiguous space, surrounded by permanent structure, that
contains the following:

22.4.3.1 designated sleeping accommodations;

22.4.3.2 a galley area with sink; and

22.4.3.3 a head compartment.

NOTE: A cuddy intended for gear storage and open passenger cockpits, with or without canvas enclosures,
are not considered to be enclosed accommodation compartments.

22.4.4 Nominal Voltages - commonly used voltages such as 6, 12, 24, and 32 volts DC, and 110/120 volts AC.

22.4.5 Non-Submersible Pump - a pump designed to be operated with the pump above water.

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22.4.6 Normal Accumulation of Bilge Water - minor amounts of water collecting in the bilge from spray, rain,
seepage, and spillage that can be removed by the bilge pumps.

22.4.7 Maximum Bilge Water Level - the level above which electrical or mechanical systems will be adversely
affected by bilge water, with the vessel in the static floating position or underway.

22.4.8 Maximum Heeled Waterline - the level of the water on the hull when the hull is inclined to

22.4.8.1 an angle of 7°, for powerboats, or

22.4.8.2 the level of the sheer amidships, for sailboats.

22.4.9 Readily Accessible - capable of being reached quickly and safely for effective use under emergency
conditions without the use of tools.

22.4.10 Submersible pump - a pump designed to be operated when covered with water.

22.5 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS - PUMPS

22.5.1 Bilge Pump Rating

22.5.1.1 All bilge pumps shall be rated to the tests in the Appendix.

22.5.2 Bilge Pump Design and Construction

22.5.2.1 Finish - All exposed parts of the assembly shall be designed and finished so that roughness and sharp
edges, reasonably likely to cause injury to persons installing, operating, or servicing the unit, will be eliminated or
protected.

22.5.2.2 Mounting - The pump assembly shall provide a means to secure the pump to the boat to resist pump
movement during normal marine service.

22.5.2.3 Grounding - Metallic parts of the pump that, when exposed to contact with bilge water may become a
source of stray current leakage, shall have provision for the connection of a grounding conductor.

EXCEPTION: A pump designed with a double insulated electrical system, which requires a break in two
distinct insulation systems before electrical leakage can reach exposed metallic parts, does not require a
bonding connection.

22.5.3 Installation Instructions - Complete installation and operating instructions shall be provided, including the
following information:

22.5.3.1 an electrical diagram identifying each conductor, the proper circuit location of the control switch, and the
bonding connection if applicable;

22.5.3.2 the recommended overcurrent protection for running overload and locked rotor conditions;

22.5.3.3 the bilge pump rating in accordance with the Appendix;

22.5.3.4 the as installed factors that limit the stated pump rating including:

22.5.3.4.1 the length of discharge piping, and

22.5.3.4.2 the number and radius of bends, and

22.5.3.4.3 the roughness of the interior surfaces of piping and fittings, and

22.5.3.4.4 the reduction in cross-sectional area of discharge system components such as check valves and thru-
hulls;

22.5.3.5 the recommended method of securing the unit;

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22.5.3.6 any other data necessary for the use, installation, or connection of the pump, including recommended
screening, location of discharge fittings, and method of securing piping connections;

22.5.3.7 conductor size.

22.5.4 Marking - Each pump shall be marked as follows:

22.5.4.1 manufacturer's name or identification, and

22.5.4.2 the model and/or serial number, and

22.5.4.3 the electrical rating in volts and amps, or volts and watts, and hertz, if applicable, and

22.5.4.4 the direction of flow on self-priming pumps.

22.5.5 Pumps shall be capable of operating at their design voltage and maximum amperage for a continuous
24-hour period without failure or creating a hazardous situation.

22.5.6 Pumps shall be capable of operating dry at their design voltage for at least seven hours without creating a
fire hazard, or, shall be provided with a means integral to the pump to automatically shut off the pump to prevent a
fire hazard.

22.5.7 If low voltage operation results in amperage high enough to create a fire hazard, means integral with the
pump shall be provided to automatically shut off the pump.

22.5.8 No external temperature shall exceed 302°F (150°C) when operating at 120% of nominal voltage in an
ambient temperature of 140°F (60°C) for seven hours.

22.6 MATERIALS

22.6.1 All materials shall be corrosion resistant, or protected to resist corrosion, and shall be galvanically
compatible.

22.6.2 Structural integrity shall include the ability of materials to withstand maximum operating stresses, normal
handling, servicing, and shipping conditions.

22.6.3 The material weights, joints, and methods of fabrication and mounting of components, shall maintain their
intended relationship during normal marine service.

22.6.4 All materials used in the construction of the system shall be capable of withstanding an ambient
temperature range of -40°F to +140°F (-40°C to +60°C).

NOTE: The -40°F (-40°C) temperature requirement is not intended to require operation below freezing but is
included to determine that the device will withstand dry storage in below freezing temperatures.

22.6.5 Materials shall be suitable for the marine environment, and shall not be adversely affected by gasoline,
diesel fuel, cleaners identified as bilge cleaners, lube oil, kerosene, and salt water.

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22.7 DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION - BILGE PUMP SYSTEM

22.7.1 The pump and system shall be designed and constructed to withstand the pressures, temperatures, and
stresses likely encountered in normal marine service.

22.7.2 The pump and system shall be designed and constructed in accordance with the following provisions:

22.7.2.1 Piping connections, whether designed for rigid piping, tubing, or hose, shall be designed to prevent
failure from stresses likely to be imposed on such connections. Hose connections shall be designed to provide
support, and permit the use of clamps.

22.7.2.2 All potential sources of ignition located in spaces containing gasoline powered machinery, or gasoline
fuel tank(s), or joint fitting(s), or other connection(s) between components of a gasoline system, shall be ignition
protected in accordance with the requirements of ABYC E-11, AC and DC Electrical Systems On Boats.

22.7.2.3 The electrical wiring, connections, and installation shall be in accordance with the requirements of ABYC
E-11, AC and DC Electrical Systems On Boats.

NOTE: The use of a length of water resistant electrical cable, sealed at the pump connection, is
recommended so that all electrical connections can be made above the maximum bilge water level.

22.7.3 On boats with an enclosed accommodation compartment, an audible alarm shall be installed indicating
that bilge water is approaching the maximum bilge water level.

22.8 LOCATION AND INSTALLATION

22.8.1 Bilge pumps shall be mounted in accordance with the pump manufacturer instructions, and in an
accessible location to permit servicing and cleaning of the intake and/or screening.

22.8.2 The bilge pump inlet shall be located so that excess bilge water can be removed from the bilge at static
floating position, and at maximum conditions created by the boat’s motion, heel, and trim.

22.8.3 Pump intakes shall be protected to prevent ingestion of debris likely to cause pump failure.

22.8.4 Intake hose or tubing, if used, shall not collapse under maximum pump suction.

22.8.5 Pump discharge systems shall be as nonrestrictive as practicable.

NOTE: As installed, pump discharge capacity may be reduced by such factors as

1. length of discharge piping, and/or

2. number and radius of bends, and/or

3. roughness of the interior surfaces of piping and fittings, and/or

4. reduction in cross-sectional area of discharge system components such as check valves and thru-hulls.

22.8.6 The discharge location shall be above the maximum heeled waterline, or

22.8.7 the discharge may be located below the maximum heeled waterline if the discharge line is provided with
both of the following:

22.8.7.1 a seacock installed in accordance with the requirements of ABYC H-27, Seacocks, Thru-Hull Connections,
and Drain Plugs, and

22.8.7.2 a vented loop or other means to prevent siphoning into the boat. A check valve shall not be used for this
purpose.

22.8.8 If the discharges of several pumps are manifolded to discharge through a single thru-hull fitting, the
system shall be designed so that the operation of one pump will not back feed another pump, and the simultaneous

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operation of each pump will not diminish the pumping capacity of the system. A check valve shall not be used in
the discharge manifold system.

22.8.9 A check valve may be used only when necessary to prevent an automatic bilge pump from cycling on and
off due to back flow from the discharge line.

22.8.10 Hose connections shall be secured with a non-corrosive type of clamp, or be mechanically fastened with
permanently-attached end fittings, such as swaged sleeve. Threaded inserts shall be attached with corrosion
resistant metallic clamps.

22.8.11 Motors of non-submersible bilge pumps shall be located above the maximum anticipated bilge water level.

22.8.12 Bilge pumps with automatic controls shall be provided with a readily accessible manual switch to activate
the pump.

22.8.13 Manual switches for bilge pumps shall be readily accessible.

22.8.14 Pumps with automatic controls shall be provided with a visual indication that power is being supplied to the
pump.

22.8.15 Bulkhead penetrations shall be in accordance with the requirements of ABYC H-2, Ventilation of Boats
Using Gasoline, to minimize the potential for migration of carbon monoxide from machinery compartments
containing gasoline engines to adjacent accommodation compartments.

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APPENDIX - Bilge Pump Rating Criteria

This appendix is devoted to providing one method of testing of all electric bilge pumps. This testing method, when
used with H-22.5, “General Requirements- Pumps”, shall determine the performance standard set in H-22.

Ap.22.1 Bilge pumps shall be rated in gallons (liters) per hour at heads of zero, one meter, and two meters; at the
corresponding hose length using hose referenced in Ap.22.4. (See Table 1)

Ap.22.2 Positive or semi-positive displacement pumps shall also be rated at the maximum suction in feet (meters)
at design voltage and the nominal voltage.

Ap.22.3 Capacity and head shall be stated in English and SI units.

Ap.22.4 ID of the test hose should match the OD of the pump output and have a smooth inner wall.

Ap.22.5 Power shall be supplied directly to the manufacturer’s supplied pig-tail.

TABLE 1 FREE FLOW BILGE PUMP TEST

Free Flow Bilge Pump Test

Head Height Hose Length Gallons/Liters Per Hour

0 0 *

3.28ft(1m) 9.84ft(3m) *

6.56ft(2m) 19.68ft(6m) *

* Flow rate values to be obtained by manufacturer at the completion of testing.

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* * * * *

Origin and Development of ABYC H-22, Electric Bilge Pump Systems

The requirements of this standard were originally incorporated as part of A-10, Electrically Operated Bilge Pumps,
which was published in 1970 as a proposed standard. Subsequently, H-22, as currently titled, was published in
1974, revised and published again in 1977, 1986, 1998, and 2005. The 2011 revised version is the work of the
ABYC Hull Piping Project Technical Committee
* * * * *

ABYC technical board rules provide that all reports, including standards and technical information reports, are
advisory only. Their use is entirely voluntary. They represent, as of the date of publication, the consensus of
knowledgeable persons, currently active in the field of small craft, on performance objectives that contribute to
small boat safety.

The American Boat & Yacht Council assumes no responsibility whatsoever for the use of, or failure to use,
standards and technical information reports promulgated by it, their adaptation to any processes of a user, or any
consequences flowing therefrom.

Prospective users of the standards and technical information reports are responsible for protecting themselves
against liability for infringement of patents.

The American Boat and Yacht Council standards and technical information reports are guides to achieving a
specific level of design or performance, and are not intended to preclude attainment of desired results by other
means.

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