A little help with simer pumps.

I have two bluewater simer pumps that I'm going to install soon. I just would like some more info about these pumps. Here are my main concerns: How do they hold up compared to the Jabsco ballast puppy, Has anyone had any issues with fires or explosions since they are not ignition protected. Best places to mount the pumps, and How to wire the pumps to make them reversible. Also I have ballast switches that I ordered from wakemakers, but I don't have the wires to use for connections. What gauage wires do I need and what type of fuses should be used.