Macerator

[noprob2]

Ok now I am baffled
In spring commissioning I check all systems. I turned on the breaker to macerator and pump went on, autopilot spun wheel and then breaker flipped.
I figured switch bad and shorting out since throwing the breaker should not turn pump on
Ok i take switch out of circuit and separate leads. this should be like switch permanently off
Now i throw the breaker and pump runs autopilot tries to correct again( whats up with that ........ Magnetic ??)
( in ches. bay we pump out all the time so this system ( macerator)is very seldom used)
How is power getting there??
FYI I have done no rewiring only elecrtrical change was having new batteries installed by marina this spring prior to all of the above
HELP??????????

 

[mcaswell]

On boat (1997 H310), the macerator is wired directly to the breaker... you flip the breaker on, the pump comes on. It sounds like your boat has an additional switch that is supposed to activate the pump, but apparently that is not the case if disconnecting the switch still allows power to the pump.

Regarding the AP's behavior and the macerator's breaker tripping, my guess is that the pump is defective, and turning the breaker on causes a substantial voltage drop briefly (until the breaker trips), causing the AP to reset.

--Michael

 

[noprob2]

tx for reply

Tx for your thoughts but now that switch is out of circuit pump does not throw the breaker and works like yours
b4 i had to engage the switch for it to work
Is this wierd or what?

 

[Peggie Hall HeadMistress]

Since you can't legally use the macerator in the Bay anyway...

Why not just remove it? That would solve any electrical issues between it and the AP.

 

[Benny]

Sounds to me that whoever installed the autopilot drew power from the macerator breaker. The autopilots usually turn on when they sense power but not the pump which is usually activated by a push button. The fact that the pump is turning on without the push button and the breaker is tripping indicates there is short somewhere in that circuit. I have to take it that the macerator worked properly prior to decommissioning so your short developed during that period. Varmits that get aboard and find no food usually end up eating the wiring insulation causing havoc with the electrical components. Or the culprit could be corrosion but in order to be able to use the autopilot you need to be able to trace the problem or switch the power cable to another switch/breaker.