Can you direct me to an example of where you read that? If you have a manual (non-automatic) bilge pump that is also wired to a float switch, the 3-way switch (Manual-Off-Automatic) should be at your helm. oftentimes the "switch" mentioned as located at the bilge is a non-integrated float switch seperate from the bilge pump, not to be confused with the helm/dash switch. The 3-way switch bypasses the float switch when in manual and energizes the bilge pump. In automatic mode, the float switch is energized and if activated passes the current on to the bilge pump to turn on. In the off position at the helm there is no current flowing to either the pump or float switch.