Float switch direction

[Nichole]

I had cleaned the bilge in the spring. Unscrewed the float switch, cleaned it out, cleaned the pump and replaced both. Everything is running fine. The other day I rinsed out the refrigerator, cleaned the shower and use about 2 1/2 gallons of water to do all this. I noticed that the bilge pump didn't turn on. I opened the access panel in the floor and saw water 5 inches from the top. I used the toggle switch on the fuse panel and emptied the water. Everything is running fine.I unscrewed the float switch and it works, when I tip it, raise it manually etc. I think I may have placed it in backwards in the spring.Which way, is the hinge side, of the float supposed to face? Is it towards to bow or the stern?Any other suggestions as to what may have caused this?

 

[Ed Schenck]

Does it float?

You wrote that the switch works when you "tip it" or otherwise manually work it. But you do not say if it floats. If you put it in the sink and add water does it rise on its hinge? The switch can bind or it can develop a hole and get waterlogged and not float.As for installation the hinge should be foward, the switch pointing astern. But this would have no consequence in five inches of water. It should have turned on the pump.

 

[Steve O.]

doesn't matter

It should work either way. My experience is that the switches go bad after a few years and should be replaced.

 

[Nichole]

It does float...

...Sorry, I failed to mention that in my first posting. But now I have lost confindence in it and it's going!!Any suggestions for a replacement?

 

[Ed Schenck]

One suggestion:

I replaced mine with a newer model Rule last year. See Related Link.

 

[J. Tesoriero]

Two years...

I agree with Steve O. About two years is all I can get out of a bilge float switch before they start to bind at the hinge and become unreliable. I think the problem is with dirt and perhaps growth in the hinge mechanism. I like the Attwood switches but others are good as well. After I remove the old switch, I clean and lubricate it as best I can and mount it as a back-up switch at a different and slightly higher level in the bilge (wire it in parallel). Since it is now out of the dirty bilge water it does not seem to bind and become fouled as frequently.