Test bilge pump?

[byebye]

I'd like to comfort of knowing mine works. I assume;

- it should work even if key not in boat (true?)
- it should work even if boat switched off (true?)

Also, what's the best way to test (boat in garage), just get the hose & start putting water in the engine compartment?

 

[Coastiejoe]

I'd like to comfort of knowing mine works. I assume;

- it should work even if key not in boat (true?)
- it should work even if boat switched off (true?)

Also, what's the best way to test (boat in garage), just get the hose & start putting water in the engine compartment?

Yes and yes unless there is a switch which breaks the circuit. They should be hardwired so that no matter what they can operate if need be. But,,, I have seen many wire them so they will NOT work unless the switch is flipped.

Filling it with water is the best test as far as testing the float, pump, and wiring..
If you want to see it go, just run a hot wire to the positive side as it will already be grounded..