Need a New Bilge Pump Switch

[onestepcsy37]

i've got a rule 1500 and a rule switch (the kind that's in a cage) in a deep sump. been working great for eight years but now the switch has become unreliable. i could replace it with the same switch - it lasted eight years - but i'm wondering if there's something better out there.

opinions on bilge pump switches needed....

[SkiprJohn]

Here's some answers from the search engine.

kind regards,

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...ike-16052.html

[GordMay]

Ultra PumpSwitch ➥ TEF-GEL - Ultra safety systems - Home page

[Blue Stocking]

Here is my way of solving electrical things submerged in my bilge. If photos upload, I will follow with explanation.

[ZING]

Another vote for the ULTRA...I have two that have worked fine for 10 years.

Wiring of course is always a challenge no matter how you seal...solder, heat shrink, and then tape and it will still fail eventually.

[Blue Stocking]

Bear with me--having upload confusions

I have commented in other threads that with all the trouble we go to to keep electrical equipment away from water, it is illogical (spock?) to then put the most critical components (pumps and switches) UNDER WATER.

Bluestocking has 1" bore diaphram pumps, conveniently accessed thru a cockpit locker door, with a parts and tools bin at their location, ready for quick servicing, should it be necessary.

The bilges are 3 1/2 ft below the cabin sole, in a deep wine glass shape.
I like to periodically test the switches and with this set-up, I can so do simply by lifting the float switch at the front of the engine compartment.
Component to build this rig are all non-ferrous, and easily obtainable.
Mounting is a bathroom towel bar, guide mounts are aluminum channel riveted on, lifting rods are poly faucet tubes reinforced with 3/16 dowel, float (sinced epoxy painted) is a piece of a "noodle".
You can see a pin thru the rod just below the upper mount. This limits the upward travel of the float, and prevents the rod from jamming the switch open.

Have let my bilge flood thru intake fitting, and this works great.

Could be make fancier, but I believe in KISS.

[HopCar]

Blue Stocking, I like your switch system a lot. Very clever.
If you don't want to go with the BS System (sorry about that Blue Stocking )
The Ultra Safety System switches are the best float switches.
Ultra Pumpswitch JR

The Rule switches are pretty good ever since they got away from using mercury switches. This is the one in the cage. It has the same specs as the Rule Super Switch.
Rule-A-Matic Plus Float Switch

[Blue Stocking]

HopCar, no offense taken.
Actually, Bluestocking is a one word noun. The mods set it up as two.

[onestepcsy37]

thanks for replies everyone.

the water witch worries me because it apparently doesn't work well in fresh water - and most of my bilge water is rainwater.

the ultra looks good but is high $$$. still, might be cheap insurance.

blue stocking - i like simple clever solutions. like you, i have a deep sump, about three feet or more below the cabin sole. here's another thought - how about a toilet tank float arrangement? pick one up at home depot for a few bucks and attach it somehow or other to a switch.....

[Cheechako]

ultra, ultra, ultra........

[Blue Stocking]

Originally Posted by onestepcsy37

thanks for replies everyone.

the water witch worries me because it apparently doesn't work well in fresh water - and most of my bilge water is rainwater.

the ultra looks good but is high $$$. still, might be cheap insurance.

blue stocking - i like simple clever solutions. like you, i have a deep sump, about three feet or more below the cabin sole. here's another thought - how about a toilet tank float arrangement? pick one up at home depot for a few bucks and attach it somehow or other to a switch.....

Yep --pretty simple problem to solve.
As I said--I'm all about NOT sending those electrons swimming.