Wiring bilge pumps

[chefmango]

Two pumps, one float switch, dpdt power switch. I want to have the option of powering one or the other, any advice would be appreciated

 

[Justin_NSA]

Wouldn't you want a spdt switch then?

 

[chefmango]

Wouldn't you want a spdt switch then?

Yes of course my mistake

 

[JoeWhite]

You can replace the switch to a rocker switch on-off-on easily available.

 

[chefmango]

Problem is both pumps are controlled by one float switch-

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

Assuming you want two to place at different levels, one float switch won’t work. If you are planning to put both at the same level, get one bigger pump. If you need two in different areas, you would be better served with two floats.

 

[chefmango]

Redundant pumps at the same level - one centrifugal one diaphragm - overkill I guess - was trying to avoid two floats but can’t think of any other way

 

[chefmango]

Redundant pumps at the same level - one centrifugal one diaphragm - overkill I guess - was trying to avoid two floats but can’t think of any other way

I feel like an idiot - as soon as I diagramed the circuit the solution was obvious.

 

[LloydB]

Does your solution avoid single point failure?

 

[Parsons]

Does your solution avoid single point failure?

Considering that 90% + the failures of a bilge pump circuit are in those (D%^^) float switches, I would say that would be the point that I would double up.

 

[chefmango]

Does your solution avoid single point failure?

Yes - third pump, different level, higher capacity, separate circuit, separate switch.