ISO 8849:2020

Overview

ISO 8849:2020 is an international standard specifying the requirements for electrically operated bilge pumps used on small craft. It applies to direct current (DC) bilge pumps operating at nominal voltages up to 50 V and single-phase alternating current (AC) bilge pumps with nominal voltages up to 250 V. This standard ensures these pumps are safe, reliable, and effective for removing bilge water, excluding pumps intended for damage control.

Developed by ISO Technical Committee ISO/TC 188 in cooperation with the European Committee for Standardization (CEN/TC 464), the third edition of ISO 8849 revises and clarifies previous requirements including the addition of owner’s manual provisions.

Key Topics

• Scope and Application
  Covers electrically operated bilge pumps on small recreational boats and similar watercraft up to 24 meters in hull length, designed for bilge water removal at specified voltages.

• General Design Requirements

  • Pumps must operate continuously for 24 hours at 87.5% to 113% of nominal voltage.
  • Materials in contact with seawater must resist corrosion, deterioration, and be galvanically compatible.
  • Submersible pumps require strainers to prevent debris intake, and fastening means to secure them in place.
  • Pumps must be rated for water flow capacity at different static pressures and discharge conditions.

• Electrical Safety and Performance

  • Pumps must meet electrical protection standards, including ignition protection per ISO 8846:1990 when installed where explosive vapors may accumulate.
  • Bilge pumps must have overcurrent or thermal protection against locked rotor conditions to avoid fire hazards.
  • DC pumps require insulation testing at 500 V to prevent leakage current; AC pumps must be protected by Residual Current Devices (RCD).
  • Electrical connections for submersible pumps must meet IP67 watertightness requirements.

• Automatic Operation and Controls

  • Pumps designed for automatic operation shall have an override/manual switch for backup use.
  • Critical bilge-water levels requiring pump activation are clearly defined.

• Marking and Documentation

  • Pumps must be permanently marked with manufacturer details, electrical ratings, output ratings, and references to ISO 8849.
  • The owner’s manual must include installation, operating instructions, electrical diagrams, and safety warnings, especially concerning dry operation of displacement pumps.

Applications

ISO 8849:2020 is critical for manufacturers, boat builders, and marine equipment suppliers aiming to ensure bilge pumps meet rigorous safety, durability, and performance standards. Key applications include:

• Small craft bilge water removal systems
• Electrical system safety compliance on recreational boats
• Design and assessment of DC and AC bilge pump units
• Maritime safety equipment certification and quality assurance
• Instructions for installation and maintenance of bilge pumps

By adhering to ISO 8849, operators can ensure pumps effectively manage bilge water, preventing flooding and water-related damage, while meeting electrical safety and environmental exposure requirements.

Related Standards

• ISO 8846:1990 – Small craft - Electrical devices - Protection against ignition of surrounding flammable gases
  Ensures bilge pump electrical components prevent ignition risks in hazardous compartments.

• ISO 13297:2020 – Small craft - Electrical systems - Alternating and direct current installations
  Defines electrical installation requirements for small craft systems including bilge pumps.

• IEC 60529:2013 – Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP Code)
  Specifies categories of ingress protection for electrical connections such as the IP67 standard required for submersible pump connections.

• ISO 8666:2020 – Small craft - Principal data
  Provides measurement methodology for defining small craft dimensions referenced in ISO 8849.

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