Patent attributes
The bilge pump safety system comprises a bilge pump, a primary switch, a monitor switch, and a control system. The primary switch is a first float switch that controls the operation of the bilge pump based on the level of liquid accumulated in the bilge that is protected by the bilge pump. The monitor switch is a second float switch installed within the bilge such that the monitor switch mimics the operation of the primary switch. By mimic is meant that: 1) when the primary switch is closed the monitor switch is closed; and, 2) when the primary switch is open the monitor switch is open. The control system simultaneously monitors the status of both the primary switch and the monitor switch. In situations where the operation of the monitor switch does not mimic the primary switch, the control system generates a message to an appropriate authority.