Rule 56D 4000 Series Submersible Bilge Pump - 4000 GPH

The Rule 56D / 56D-24 is a non-automatic submersible bilge pump rated at 4,000 GPH (15,140 LPH; approx. 252 litres/minute). It is designed for high-capacity bilge drainage on larger yachts, motor cruisers and workboats, uses 51 mm (2 in) discharge hose and requires a suitably rated float switch and/or panel switch for automatic operation.

The Rule 56D / 56D-24 removes nuisance water from a boat bilge using a fully submersible centrifugal pump. The snap-lock strainer provides access to the impeller area for routine cleaning, while the stainless-steel shaft, blocked marine wiring, corrosion-resistant housing and built-in thermal cut-off are intended for permanent marine installation.

Product Identification

• Brand: Rule
• Product name: Rule 56D 4000 Series Submersible Bilge Pump - 4000 GPH
• Model / part number: 56D / 56D-24
• Marine Scene SKU: CW-56D / CW-56D-24
• Product category: Standard submersible bilge pump
• Rated open flow: 4,000 GPH (15,140 LPH; approx. 252 litres/minute)
• Voltage: 12V DC / 24V DC
• Automatic operation: No - use a suitably rated float switch and/or panel switch for automatic control
• Discharge hose size: 51 mm (2 in)
• Current draw: 10.2A at 12V; 12.1A at 13.6V / 6.9A at 24V; 10.0A at 27.2V
• Recommended fuse: 25A / 15A
• Quantity supplied: One pump

What Is the Rule 56D / 56D-24 Bilge Pump Used For?

This pump is used for high-capacity bilge drainage on larger yachts, motor cruisers and workboats. It is a standard, non-automatic pump: power must be controlled by a separate Rule float switch, compatible panel switch or another correctly rated control device.

What Is Included?

• One Rule submersible bilge pump
• Integral or snap-lock strainer base
• Factory-fitted marine-grade electrical leads

What Is Not Included?

• Float switch or control panel
• Discharge hose, through-hull fitting and hose clips
• Cable extensions, waterproof connectors and circuit-protection fuse
• Installation hardware not supplied with the packaged pump

Which Boats and Bilge Systems Is This Pump Suitable For?

• Suitable for high-capacity bilge drainage on larger yachts, motor cruisers and workboats.
• Connect to 51 mm (2 in) discharge hose and a correctly positioned above-waterline discharge outlet.
• Choose the variant that matches the vessel electrical system: 12V / 24V.
• Use only with switching, cabling and circuit protection rated for the pump voltage and current.

Is a Separate Float Switch Required?

No - use a suitably rated float switch and/or panel switch for automatic control

Which Voltage Should I Choose?

Choose the version that matches the vessel electrical system: 12V DC / 24V DC. A pump must only be connected to its stated DC supply voltage.

How Do I Select the Correct Pump?

Confirm the complete installation rather than selecting by nominal GPH rating alone:

• Supply voltage: 12V DC / 24V DC
• Rated open flow: 4,000 GPH (15,140 LPH; approx. 252 litres/minute)
• Discharge hose: 51 mm (2 in)
• Installed space: 197 x 121 mm (H x W)
• Circuit protection: 25A / 15A
• Flow at 1 m head: 3,527 GPH (13,351 LPH)
• Flow at 2 m head: 2,952 GPH (11,174 LPH)

Does the Published Flow Equal the Installed Flow?

No. The nominal capacity is an open-flow rating. Actual output reduces as discharge head, hose length, bends, restrictions and electrical voltage drop increase. Use the published flow-at-head figures where available and keep the discharge route as short and unrestricted as practical.

Construction and Design

• Replacement strainer part number: 279
• Backflow prevention: No integral non-return valve stated
• Thermal protection: Built-in thermal cut-off
• Ignition protection: Yes
• Standards: CE; ISO 8849 marine bilge-pump standard

Installation and Safety

Mount the pump at the lowest practical point of the bilge while retaining access for strainer cleaning. Keep all electrical joints above the maximum anticipated bilge-water level, fit the manufacturer-specified fuse close to the power source, minimise hose length and bends, and route the discharge to prevent siphoning or backflow. Test both manual and automatic control after installation and during routine vessel checks.

Maintenance

Inspect and test the complete bilge-pump system regularly and before extended passages. Reduced flow, repeated fuse failure, unusual noise or slow switching requires investigation before the vessel is used.

• Remove debris from the strainer and impeller area.
• Inspect the discharge hose, clips, through-hull and anti-siphon arrangement.
• Check the wiring, fuse, terminals and control switch for heat, corrosion or damage.
• Test manual and automatic operation after cleaning or service.
• Replace damaged components rather than operating an unreliable bilge system.

Key Features

• Nominal open-flow capacity: 4,000 GPH (15,140 LPH; approx. 252 litres/minute)
• Non-automatic design for use with a separate switch
• Easy-clean strainer base and accessible impeller cavity
• Built-in thermal cut-off
• Marine-grade blocked wiring and stainless-steel shaft
• Ignition protected; CE and ISO 8849 compliant
• High-capacity 51 mm discharge connection
• 12V and 24V variants

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this Rule bilge pump automatic?
No. It is a standard pump and requires a separate float switch and/or panel switch for automatic operation.

How do I choose between the available variants?
Select the model that matches the vessel supply voltage. Do not connect a 12V / 24V pump to a different-voltage circuit.

Will the pump deliver the full rated output after installation?
Not necessarily. The published rating is an open-flow figure; actual delivery falls as vertical head, hose length, bends, restrictions and voltage drop increase.

Can this pump replace routine bilge inspection?
No. A bilge pump is one part of a vessel water-management system. Inspect the bilge, hoses, wiring, discharge outlet and switch regularly.

Specifications

Flow ratings are nominal open-flow figures. Installed output will reduce as discharge head, hose length, bends, restrictions and supply-voltage loss increase.

Flow ratings are nominal open-flow figures. Installed output will reduce as discharge head, hose length, bends, restrictions and supply-voltage loss increase.