Hello all--after each sailing trip in my 84 Catalina 27, I flip the bilge pump on to remove the last bit of water in the bilge. I had always used the manual switch on the bulkhead to turn on the pump, simply because it was more convenient. Recently, I began leaning into the bilge, and pressing the "test" button on my Rule Super Switch, simply to make sure the float switch was operational, and wasn't gummed up with bilge crud. Once, I did find it to be gummed up, and was able to clean it right away, before leaving the boat. This past Sunday, I discovered that the float switch had quit altogether. Pressing the test button wouldn't activate the pump. Removing the switch guard and lifting the float manually wouldn't activate the pump either. Tracing out the wiring and connections with a test light, I discovered that the float switch had indeed failed. Fortunately, I was able to replace the Rule switch with an exact replacement (I love it when a product is on the market longer than the typical year or two!). Now the pump and float are just fine. I re-did all wiring connections with waterproof heat shrink connectors. My point is: check your float switches frequently. A dirty switch may be rendered inoperable, and could lead to a catastrophe. A switch that malfunctions and dies could have the same effect. Flipping the pump on via the bulkhead or panel mounted switch is easier, but doesn't reveal a switch problem. Randy