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The BilgMon 488 is a compact, user-friendly 15 ppm bilge alarm from Brannstrom designed to replace older alarm units on existing ships and newbuilds. Its simple design allows most crews to complete the installation in less than one hour, making it a cost-effective solution when existing bilge alarms fail or become too expensive to repair.

Insatech Medarbejdere Website MSR
Martin Søvind Jensen

Product Manager


Tel: +45 2761 4502

Email: Martin.Sovind@insatech.com

Write to Martin

1. Before You Begin

When to Replace Your Old Bilge Alarm?

A complete bilge water separator normally includes a 15 ppm alarm. However, if your existing alarm is defective beyond repair - or if repair costs are close to the price of a new unit - replacing it with a new Bilgmon 488 is the most efficient and reliable option.

RTC Failure Considerations

If your old unit (or an older Bilgmon 488) displays an RTC failure alarm:

  • The RTC (Real Time Clock) has stopped.
  • On newer Bilgmon 488 units, the RTC battery can be replaced onboard.
  • The backup battery (CR1225) is mounted on the backside of the master unit lid.
  • The RTC circuit includes a parallel backup capacitor, allowing the unit to keep time for a few hours even without the battery.

If you are unsure about your model or the error message, we can support you directly.

 

 

2. Tools and Materials Needed

  • Bilgmon 488 unit (24 V or 115/230 V version depending on system requirements)
  • Compatible piping and electrical connectors
  • Basic hand tools for removing the old alarm and mounting the new unit
  • Optional: External relay (if required for high-current ASD devices)

No hot work is required during installation.

Bilgmon 488 Master Unit 16X9
Brannstrom BilgMon 488 installed on a ship

 

3. Removing the Old Bilge Alarm

  1. Isolate power to the existing 15 ppm alarm.
  2. Disconnect the electrical connections, including alarm outputs and interface signals.
  3. Remove the old piping connections between the separator outlet and the alarm device.
  4. Unmount the old alarm unit.

This preparation ensures the mounting surface and wiring is ready for the Bilgmon 488.

4. Installing the Bilgmon 488 (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Mount the Unit

  • Position the Bilgmon 488 where the previous 15 ppm alarm was installed.
  • Fasten the compact unit securely using the mounting holes on the casing.

Step 2: Connect the Piping

  • Fit the new piping to the inlet and outlet connections of the Bilgmon 488.
  • The device is designed to retrofit any type or model of OWS, so no structural modifications are needed.

Step 3: Electrical Connections

  1. Connect the power supply:
    • 24 V version or
    • 115/230 V version, depending on the model ordered.
  2. Connect alarm and control signals to the appropriate terminals.
  3. If your Automatic Stopping Device (ASD) uses a solenoid valve with high current draw:
    • The Bilgmon 488 alarm relay outputs include electronic fuses rated at 0.25 A.
    • If the solenoid exceeds this limit, install an external relay between the Bilgmon 488 alarm output and the ASD.

Step 4: Power Up and Test

  • Restore power to the system.
  • Verify that the Bilgmon 488 initializes normally.
  • Confirm alarm functionality with the vessel’s control system.

Installation is complete.

5. Replacing or Recalibrating the Measuring Cell

The Bilgmon 488 is designed for quick recalibration via cell replacement:

  • Crew can replace the measuring cell in approximately 5 minutes.
  • No external calibration service is required.
  • This reduces downtime and ensures continuous environmental compliance.

Spare measuring cells are IN STOCK.

 

6. Battery Replacement (RTC Backup Battery)

If you encounter an RTC-related alarm:

  1. Open the master unit lid.
  2. Locate the CR1225 battery on the backside of the lid.
  3. Replace the battery carefully.
  4. Close the unit and verify the RTC resumes normal operation.

Because of the backup capacitor, the RTC can maintain timing for a few hours even without the battery installed.

(LINK: til HOW-to_guide omkring dette)

Order Directly from Insatech

7. Additional Notes and Support

  • The Bilgmon 488 is available at a competitive price and usually in stock for immediate delivery.
  • Installation and retrofitting require no hot work.
  • The full Bilgmon 488 manual can be found under the "Downloads" section.

LINK: til service & Support siden + CTA kontakt

For troubleshooting - especially if your old alarm shows RTC failure - technical support is available here: Get Technical Support

Have Questions? Speak to a Specialist

Brannstrom Bilgmon 488 15 Ppm Bilge Alarm
Insatech Brannstrom Bilge Monitor 15Ppm 16 9 Brannstrom BilgMon 488 installed on a ship Brannstrom Sensor Unit Black Certificate (1) Brannstrom Bm488 Cell 1X1 Brannstrom Bilgmon 488 Insatech (1)
Insatech Brannstrom Bilge Monitor 15Ppm 16 9
Brannstrom BilgMon 488 installed on a ship
Brannstrom Sensor Unit Black Certificate (1)
Brannstrom Bm488 Cell 1X1
Brannstrom Bilgmon 488 Insatech (1)

Get in Touch with Our Experts

Insatech Medarbejdere Website MSR
For technical questions

Martin Søvind Jensen


Tel: +45 2761 4502

Email: Marine@insatech.com

Write to Martin

Test Af Websitebillede FREJ ANAN HNI
For commercial inquiries

Our team of Sales Specialists


Tel.: +45 5537 2095

Email: quotes@insatech.com

 

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