bilge pump float switches

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Brite Idea

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I've had an ongoing problem with the float switches on my boat. I have two bilge pumps with float switches in the stern, one is for high water. The sump in the cabin is also considered a bilge pump. The pumps and switches are Rule and I've replaced the float switches but sooner or later they end up sticking and killing the battery. The current switch lasted two months. Does anyone know of a dependable float switch?
 
Hmmmm, that's what I have in my boat with no sticking issues. Perhaps something in the bilge, loose stuff floating around, is causing it to stick?
 
If you use the Rule switches , I'd advise the Super Switches are much better than the smaller cheaper ones. The SS are larger so they are both heavier out of water and more buoyant in water and thus work much better in both directions.

But unless your bilge liquid is pristine distilled water, it is wise to occasionally spray the switch hinges with WD-40 to clean and Teflon spray to lube while manually exercising the switch as preventative maintenance to greatly reduced chance of sticking over time. ( Even the other switches with no moving parts just electronic contact sensors like Water Witch need to be cleaned as per the instructions.)

If your bilge water is pretty dirty or has the debris Greg mentioned , addressing that issue 1st will help a lot to avoid the same switch problems.

Also note, if the mounting screws are tightened too securely they can slightly bend the case and cause excess friction at the hinges.
 
Why do they stick , dirt or is there a wire or something they hang on?

What size boat with only two bilge pumps? Even the little 26 sailboat i built has 3 x 2000. I put 5 x 3700 on my 53

The Ultra Safety Systems are supposed to be much better. That's what we have on the 84 i run and I ve heard good things about them
 
I'm not sure what's going on with the new one I just put in. The one in the sump gets the usual stuff from the shower or ac drain but the bilge is clean so I've no clue what's happening there. I'm thinking instead of a float what about the newer sealed float switches? Any suggestions at this point can help as I no longer trust the Rule switches.
 
I've had 3 rule automatic 2000gph pumps fail in the last 14 months, it seems product quality has gone downhill
 
As I said above try the ultra. You can order them on Amazon there is a base model and one with a built in high water alarm

I don't like those automatic pumps with built in switch.
 
I added a third bilge pump and one of those electronic switches. Not sure which one, I think its a water witch.
Anyone, all I have to do is drip water on this thing and goes on, works great.
I highly recommend. No moving parts!
 
quote:
Originally posted by PascalG

As I said above try the ultra. You can order them on Amazon there is a base model and one with a built in high water alarm

I don't like those automatic pumps with built in switch.

Click to expand...


Got to agree. Mine are almost 18 years old and function flawlessly.
 
I recently replaced a mercury float switch, but before shopping I asked "what's best?" on several sites. The Ultra Safety Systems switches were almost unanimously the top recommendation. The Johnson Ultima and Water Witch electronic switches got honorable mention, but not without detractors. Almost all other brands -- especially all the pivoting arm float switches -- were said to be "crap" by most respondents.

The Ultra Senior has a very serious warranty, and built in switches to activate a high water alarm; the alarm is sold separately. Each is expensive, and together, very expensive. The Junior is slightly less expensive, and doesn't have the alarm function.

Neither are as expensive as replacing a boat after a sinking, though.

-Chris
 
I’ve increasingly had problem with Rule switches on my last boat, this boat, and my son’s little boat.
The Rule switches in both (spotless) shower sumps on this boat needed to be replaced this season and the replacements are constantly cycling in and off because once they turn on they don’t stay on long enough to empty enough water.
The Rule switch in the little boat has been replaced twice in two seasons.
The Water Witch looks like a better idea. I just have to figure out how to set it up in the shower sumps without having to drill any holes.
 
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