float switch

[Mike Linstrom]

I need to replace the float switches on my '85 H34 and I was hoping to get some input. There is a switch for the main bilge pump and another for the forward pump which drains the shower. Neither appears to work although I know the shower switch and pump worked recently. Both have Rule a matic switches and the shower pump is a Rule 800. I can't read anything on the main bilge pump. The main bilge pump also operates manually from a switch on the DC panel and it is working. I haven't seen any way to do this with the shower pump. I'm not an electrician but I have wired "dry" systems like stereos, house fans, 12V batteries, etc. How clean and dry does this thing have to be to do the work? What do I need to know about the types of connectors to use? I assume tape is not a good idea. Can I splice into the wiring where it comes into the bilge or do I have to run it all the way to the battery and panel? Any help at all is much appreciated.

 

[Steve O.]

bait and switch

You don't have to run the wires back to the panel. The main bilge pump switch is (or should be) hard wired to the battery so that it is always hot. The switch at the panel is merely a manual overide switch. Take a look at the old switch and wire the new one the same way. Soldered connections are usually the best, crimped connectors would be second choice. Wire nuts and tape are not suitable. The line voltage is 12-volt, but turn off the breaker and the battery switch anyway.

 

[John K Kudera]

The shower bilge pump

is part of the water system, the fresh water breaker needs to be on for that pump to work!

 

[Ron Mills]

Fuse at bottom panel

There is a fuse at the bottom of your panel that handles the 12V from the battery for auto operation. On my H34 whenever I turn the main breaker or the manual power switch the shower pump always comes on for a few seconds. You should not have any problem changing the pump in the shower drain. I would suggest getting some type of meter that you can use to confirm that you are getting 12V from the float switch or more importantly to help you trouble shoot the wiring hookup.