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Bluewater Push Button Switches: Wiring, Functions & Troubleshooting
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Bluewater push button switches have become the go-to upgrade for boat owners who want a clean, modern helm: a 22mm stainless steel switch, a waterproof plug-and-play connector and an LED that tells you at a glance what is on. As a Bluewater Authorized Dealer, Techno Express ships genuine Bluewater switches every day, both on their own and built into custom switch panels.
This guide covers what you need to choose, wire and troubleshoot Bluewater switches: the parts of a switch, every function and part number, the plug wiring, what each LED color means, laser-etched switch combos vs. stainless steel switch combos, and the parts and components that make an installation easier.
What is a Bluewater push button switch?
A Bluewater push button switch is a 22mm marine-grade electronic switch with a seamless SS316 stainless body, an IP69K waterproof rating and a sealed Deutsch-style DT plug. It handles up to 20 A on a single output (10 A per channel on dual outputs) at 9 to 24 VDC. Its built-in 120 A inrush protection shuts the output off and flashes white until you press the button to reset it.
The LED glows blue at night when the switch is off and turns red, green or yellow to show which output is on. The button (actuator) is replaceable, so the same switch body can take a laser-etched label or a plain stainless cap.
- 22mm switch0.89 in. mounting hole
- 20amps10 A per channel dual
- IP69KwaterproofSS316 stainless body
- 120amp inrushpress to reset
What are the parts of a Bluewater switch?
Every Bluewater 22mm switch is built from the same parts. Knowing them makes it easy to order replacements instead of replacing the whole switch.
Replacement actuators
Laser-etched vs. stainless steel switch combos
A switch combo is a complete, ready-to-install Bluewater switch: switch body, actuator, nut and pre-wired plug in one box. The two styles below use the same switch body, so the difference is the look and how you identify each function.
Labeled at a glance
Laser-etched switch combos
A black actuator with a permanent laser-etched icon or text that lights up with the LED. There's no ink to fade or peel, and every function is identified in full sun or at night.
Best for
- Helms with many functions: lights, pumps, livewells, trim
- Owners and guests who need clear labels
- OEM-style dash upgrades
Minimalist look
Stainless steel switch combos
A polished stainless steel button with an LED ring: blue when off and red when on. It gives a clean, high-end helm, and you label the panel itself.
Best for
- Panels with engraved or printed labels
- Matching stainless helm hardware
- Single-function or accessory switches
Popular laser-etched combos
Stainless steel combos
Short on panel space? 2-in-1 laser-etched combos put two independently controlled functions in one 22mm hole, such as Navigation / Anchor.
Bluewater switch functions and part numbers
The function is set by the switch body, not the actuator. Pick the function first, then the label. All 22mm functions in the 9059 series:
| Function | Part no. | LED | Outputs | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Off-On | 9059-1113 | Blue off / Red on | 1 (20 A) | Lights, pumps, accessories |
| Off-(On) momentary | 9059-2113 | Blue / Red while held | 1 (20 A) | Horn, windlass, trim |
| Nav / Anc | 9059-3114 | Blue / Green (both) / Red (anchor) | 2 (10 A each) | Navigation and anchor lights |
| Off-On-On | 9059-3113 | Blue / Green / Red | 2 (10 A each) | Two-speed wiper, two pumps |
| Off-1-2-Both | 9059-3115 | Blue / Green / Red / Yellow | 2 (10 A each) | Spreaders, two livewells |
| Off-(On)-(On) dual momentary | 9059-2123 | Blue / Green / Red while held | 2 (10 A each) | Up/down functions |
| Horn | 9059-2213 | Red backlight / Red on | 1 (20 A) | Horn |
| Auto Nav (photo sensor) | 9059-3734 | Blue / Green / Red / Yellow auto | 2 (10 A each) | Automatic nav lights at dusk |
| Timer | 9059-1555 / 1555F | Red / Green / Yellow | 1 (20 A) | Aerators, livewell cycling |
| Dimmer | 9059-3116 | Red / Blue | 1 (8 A) | Backlight and LED dimming |
| 3-way sync | 9059-5113 | Blue / Red | 1 (20 A) | Same load from up to 6 stations |
| Ground (momentary / latching) | 9059-2713 / 1713 | Blue / Red / Purple | Neg. (7.5 A / 2 A) | Negative-switched devices |
| Signal | 9059-2118 | Blue / Red / Purple | Dry contact (<240 mA) | Signal inputs to electronics |
| Momentary N/C | 9059-2913 | Red on / Blue while held | 1 (20 A) | Normally closed circuits |
Ratings from the Bluewater 22mm Inrush Protection Switch data sheet (9059 series). The 3-way switch syncs up to 6 switches (300 ft max) or 2 switches up to 600 ft apart.
Rear-view wiring for the four most common switches
Each switch has a colored dot in the center of the rear connector that identifies its function. These rear views show where power, loads, LED and ground land:
Switch bodies only
How to wire a Bluewater push button switch
All Bluewater 19mm and 22mm push button switches share the same wiring. Only the body size and connector differ. The pre-wired plug uses this color code:
| Wire | Pin | Gauge | Function | Connect to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orange | 3 | 14 AWG | Power in (+12 V) | Fused 12 V source: fuse block, breaker or thermal breaker. Fuse max 20 A. |
| Red | 1 | 14 AWG | Load 1 out | The device: lights, pump, horn and so on (up to 20 A single output). |
| Red/Black | 2 | 14 AWG | Load 2 out | Second device on dual-output switches only (10 A each). |
| Blue | 4 | 16 AWG | LED backlight (+) | Panel-light or nav-light circuit. When it has power, the ring glows blue until you press the switch. |
| Black | 5 | 16 AWG | Ground (−) | Negative bus bar or distribution block. Without it the switch won't work correctly. |
Step-by-step installation
- Turn off the power at the battery switch or breaker. Confirm with a voltmeter that the circuit is dead.
- Cut the panel hole. Drill a 0.89-inch (about 22.6 mm) hole in a panel 1 to 6 mm thick. Keep at least 1.246 inches center to center between switches.
- Mount the switch. Insert the body from the front and tighten the nut from behind to 5 to 14 N·m. Don't overtighten.
- Run the power feed. Connect orange to a protected +12 V source. One fuse or breaker per circuit, sized for the device and wire.
- Connect the loads. Red goes to the device. On dual-output switches, red/black goes to the second device.
- Connect the backlight and ground. Blue goes to the panel-light circuit for night backlighting. Black goes to the negative bus.
- Seal the plug. Fill every unused pin position with a dummy plug, then click the DT plug firmly onto the switch.
- Test. Restore power, press through each function and confirm the LED colors match the table above.
Bluewater warning: Use only the Bluewater DT connector. Fill every empty pin with a dummy plug, and use wire that meets the minimum OD on the data sheet. Skipping any of these voids the water-tight rating and the warranty.
Want it pre-wired?Skip the bench work. Build a push button switch panel online with Bluewater switches already installed and wired, or send us photos of your dash for a free custom estimate.
What do the LED colors on a Bluewater switch mean?
Bluewater switches use the LED as a status light. Learn these colors and you can diagnose most problems without a tool:
- Blue: off, backlit
- Red: output on
- Green: output 1 on
- Yellow: both / auto
- Flashing white: inrush
- Purple blink: over current
If several switches in a panel flash or change color randomly, the problem is usually low voltage, not the switches. Check battery charge and look for voltage loss in the main B+ supply to the panel.
Inrush protection vs. resettable (programmable) switches
Standard inrush protection
Every 9059-series switch watches for surges. At 120 A or more, the output shuts off and the LED flashes white. Press the button to reset. This protects the switch from motors and capacitive loads with large start-up currents.
Resettable / programmable breaker
Resettable switches add an electronic breaker with 8 amp positions: 3, 5, 6, 7.5, 10, 15, 20 or 0. Tell us the device and we program the switch before shipping. To change it later, call us and we'll walk you through it from the panel in about a minute.
Resettable switches are a good fit where you want circuit protection at the switch, for example when rear access to a fuse block is limited. Shop resettable laser-etched combos or resettable stainless steel combos.
Resettable combos
Bluewater switch troubleshooting
Safety first: Follow ABYC practices before you inspect, test or modify any wiring. De-energize circuits when possible, verify the absence of voltage and use properly rated tools.
Washdown or freshwater pump trips the switch
Pump motors create electrical noise that can trigger repeated over-current faults. Install an in-line choke between the switch output and the pump, as close to the pump as possible and above the waterline.
Bilge or sea chest pump problems
Install a diode with the cathode (grey band) facing the switch. The diode keeps the 24-hour automatic bilge circuit from back-feeding the switch. Bluewater requires one on every bilge pump switch.
MFDs, LED lights, relays or blowers flash white
Install a diode between the switch output and the device, with the cathode facing the device. If it still blinks, add one 16 V 1000 µF capacitor across B+ and ground within 36 inches of the panel. One capacitor per panel is enough when the switches share a B+ line.
Device draws more than 20 A
Don't run it straight through the switch. Use the switch to trigger a relay, and protect the load with an external breaker. On resettable switches, set the breaker position to 0.
Switch does nothing and has no LED
Check the black ground first. Without it the switch won't operate. Then verify +12 V on the orange wire at the plug and confirm the plug is fully seated.
Switch is not blinking but the load won't run
Check wire size and connections, and test the load directly. Undersized wire causes voltage drop that looks like a switch fault.
Technical note: Power-probe style testers may not give an accurate ground reference at the switch harness. Always verify both power and ground at the switch plug with a properly rated digital multimeter.
Parts and components that make installation easier
Whether you are replacing one switch or wiring a full panel, these Bluewater parts and accessories save time and keep the installation waterproof:
Bluewater Authorized DealerNeed help picking a function, label or plug? Our team builds Bluewater switch panels every day. Chat with us on WhatsApp and we'll point you to the right part.
Bluewater laser-etched labels and custom text
Bluewater publishes a standard legend library of more than 300 codes: lights, pumps, livewells, trim, windlass, shades, wipers, seats, horns and more. Custom text is available for anything that isn't in the library. Because the label is etched into the actuator and lit from behind, it stays readable for the life of the switch.
- Lighting
- Pumps
- Livewells
- Trim & motion
- Custom text
Browse all laser-etched switch combos →
Bluewater Switch FAQ
Are Bluewater push button switches waterproof?
Yes. Bluewater 22mm switches have a seamless SS316 stainless steel body rated IP69K, and they pass salt spray testing to EN ISO 9227. The rating applies only when the switch is used with the Bluewater DT plug and every empty pin position has a dummy plug.
How many amps can a Bluewater 22mm switch handle?
Single-output switches are rated 20 A at 12 VDC, with an 80 A surge for 200 ms. Dual-output switches are rated 10 A per channel. Exceptions are the dimmer (8 A), the momentary ground switch (7.5 A), the latching ground switch (2 A) and the signal switch (under 240 mA). For loads over 20 A, use a relay with its own external breaker.
What size hole do I need for a 22mm Bluewater switch?
Bluewater's mounting drawing calls for a 0.89-inch hole (about 22.6 mm) in a panel 1 to 6 mm thick. Space switches at least 1.246 inches center to center so the mounting nut and the removal tool have room. Tighten the nut to 5 to 14 N·m.
Why is my Bluewater switch flashing white?
A flashing white LED means inrush protection has tripped. The switch saw a surge of 120 A or more and shut its output off. Press the button to reset it. If it keeps happening, check the wiring and wire size, then add the part Bluewater recommends for that device: a choke for washdown and freshwater pumps, or a diode for bilge pumps, MFDs, LED lights, relays and blowers.
Why is my Bluewater switch blinking purple?
On resettable (programmable) Bluewater switches, a slow purple blink means over current. Press the button to reset it. Then check that the programmed amp setting matches the device. If the device draws more than 20 A, add a relay with an external breaker.
What do the LED colors on a Bluewater switch mean?
Blue is the night backlight while the switch is off. Red means the first output is on. Green and red show the two outputs on dual-function switches such as Nav/Anc, and yellow means both outputs are on. Flashing white means inrush protection has tripped. A slow purple blink is an over-current fault on resettable switches.
What is the difference between a 4-wire and a 5-wire Bluewater plug?
The 4-wire plug runs single-output switches: power in, load out, blue LED and ground. The 5-wire plug adds a second load output (red/black) for dual-output switches such as Nav/Anc, Off-On-On, Off-1-2-Both and dual momentary. You can turn a 4-wire plug into a 5-wire plug by adding a 5th wire with terminal.
What do the wire colors on a Bluewater switch plug mean?
Orange is the fused 12 V input. Red is load 1. Red/black is load 2 on dual-output switches. Blue powers the backlight. Black is ground. The switch won't work correctly without the black ground wire.
Can I use any Deutsch connector with a Bluewater switch?
No. Use only the Bluewater DT connector. Bluewater warns that other connectors can damage the switch and void the warranty. Leaving a pin position empty without a dummy plug voids the waterproof rating.
Do Bluewater switches work on 24 volts?
Yes. The 22mm inrush switches are rated 9 to 24 VDC and have reverse polarity protection up to 24 VDC.
Can I change the label on a Bluewater switch?
Yes. The actuator (the button) is replaceable. Lift it off the switch body and press in a new one, lining up the calibration hook with the calibration slot. Laser-etched actuators come in hundreds of standard legends, and custom text is available.
What is the difference between a resettable and a standard Bluewater switch?
Both have inrush protection. A resettable switch also has a programmable electronic breaker with 8 amp positions: 3, 5, 6, 7.5, 10, 15, 20 or 0. Techno Express programs it for your device before shipping, and you can reprogram it from the panel in about a minute.
Should I use laser-etched or stainless steel Bluewater switches?
Laser-etched combos have a black actuator with a permanent backlit label, so every function is identified day and night. Stainless steel combos have a polished stainless button with a blue and red LED ring for a minimalist helm. Both use the same IP69K switch body and wiring.
Do I need a diode for a Bluewater bilge pump switch?
Yes. Bluewater requires a diode on every bilge pump switch, with the cathode (grey band) facing the switch. The diode keeps the 24-hour automatic bilge circuit from back-feeding the switch.
Is Techno Express an authorized Bluewater dealer?
Yes. Techno Express is a Bluewater Authorized Dealer. We stock genuine Bluewater switch combos, switch bodies, actuators and plugs, program resettable switches before shipping, and build complete push button switch panels.
