Bilge Pump Switch Failure

[Bill Bell]

One item on the boat that does fail from time to time is the bilge pump float switch.Last June we had a big leak from a stuffing box failure and the bilge pump pumped and pumped until I could get the flow squelched.A couple of weeks ago I was cleaning the sea-water strainers and took a garden hose to the bilge to clean it up. The switch didn’t work. Water rose well above the Rule bilge pump. The manual switch worked okay and in a few seconds had the bilge dry again. I removed the float switch and checked it with an ohm meter and found that it would never turn on. Replaced with a spare that I carry and every thing okay now.The float switch is just one more thing to check out every once in a while. I used to have a high water alarm on a previous boat. I may install one on this boat just for better sleeping on the hook.Bill BellBella

 

[Jeff M.]

two float switches in parallel

Almost lost a 17' ski boat a few years back due to a float switch failure. When I replaced it, I put in two switches wired in parallel, so even if one failed the other would (hopefully) start the pump. Third switch was wired as a high water alarm. Gonna be putting the same set-up on the my new sailboat this winter when I haul her out.

 

[Gord May]

B.P. Switches

Bilge Pump Switch failures are so common as to be ludicrous. Jeff M suggests redundant switches (2 in parallel). This is a workable strategy, often employed in many other demanding & essential service applications.I have found that the “Ultra-Pumpswitch”, a premium switch ($90 - $120) is MUCH LESS prone to failure (actually, I’ve never had one fail), and offers a built-in high water alarm function (reducing it’s o/all cost somewhat).Given space, and (unlimited) budget, I’d probably opt for three (3) Ultra-Pumpswitches” controlling (2) two Bilge Pumps.One (1) Switch controlling a small “house-keeping” pump, installed lowest in the bilge, intended to keep it dryandTwo (2) parallel Switches (mounted slightly higher) operating the large “emergency” pump. Regards,And Yes, always test your B.P. system often.Gord

 

[Fred Ficarra]

This thread should fire up the masses

I have had ALL of my float switches fail over the last 30 years. Even a brand new Rule bought in Trinidad only worked for a week.Obviously I looked for an alternative. I found one of those 'brass rod' sensor models on close out at West Marine. The employees said that they worked fine but cost too much for most people. Well, $39.95 seemed like a worth while expenditure to solve this MAJOR flaw in yacht equipment. I wired it up and it is working fine in my h34. It even has a 7 year warranty. It's called a Bilge Buddy from Product Innovators, P.O. Box 412 Mongaup Valley, NY. 12762. 1800-793-4122 or 914-796-4526. Fax 914-796-1974. These folks even helped me with my unique wiring. Wonder what the REAL reason was that West Marine dropped this product? You only get one guess,,,your right. (in my opinion)