Which Bilge Pump Switch Do You Like ?

[Stillraining]

Thanks for posting this!

Wished I had known about these fine switches during my rewire...Next time!

[rebel heart]

Originally Posted by jim lee

Manual switch only. Works great. If there's a leak, it becomes obvious in a hurry. Hence it gets fixed. Knock on wood, the Rule pump has now lasted 16 years and running strong.

-jim lee

Can you even get insurance without an automatic bilge pump? I like the idea of yanking the gadgets out as much (or more so) than the next guy, but I kind of agree that it's a cheap price to pay rather than letting a tiny little leak sink your boat in 24 hours unattended.

[sailorboy1]

I got a switch at WM the other day. It may be crap and I'll look into options later.

But all the comments about switches only lasting 3-6 months makes me wonder how much leaks some people have. Currently I only have the manual pump, but I normally only run it about 30 seconds a month. To burn out a switch, how often is the pump having to run?

[Boomp]

I have replaced my Rule automatic twice each of the last 2 years. I brought the last one back after just 2 mos. and was told that any diesel fuel in the bilge water will void the warranty. I got one from Ultra Safety Systems that is described as 'bullet proof'. I know it won't stand up to bullets... but it is tough and its not a Rule

[boden36]

You might find that your switches last longer if you use them to drive the pump through a relay, rather than switching the full load through the float switch. Regards, Richard.

[Pleiades]

Originally Posted by fishwife

I've used all sorts of bilge pump switches over the years, most of them with a limited life My present boat has the Ultra Sr switch which seems to be totally reliable.
TEF-GEL - Ultra safety systems - Home page

For what it's worth

P.

I totally agree that the Ultra Safety Sytems Model UPS-03 does the trick!

John

[knottybuoyz]

Originally Posted by rtbates

Water Witch Bilge Switch Model 101 - 230.

[Dockhead]

Another Ultra Junior user here.

I only fitted them this year so can't yet say how they hold up. All I can say for sure is that they look the part, and they come highly recommended. Sure are spendy, though. But bilge pump automatic switches are one of the most troublesome items of gear on board. I get tired of replacing them, especially since in my main bilge you would need to be a small monkey suspended upside down by a harness to reach the switch with any ease.

If the Ultras last even three years I will be happy.

I am not comfortable with the pumps that switch themselves on when they sense a load. I can imagine different scenarios where the pump might think it's sensing a load, but it's dry. Since bilge pumps are not usually fused, this could result in a fire. Even if your pump is fused, such an error condition would certainly melt down the pump.

[ptc260]

I think the float switch you are looking for is this one: ULTRA SAFETY SYSTEMS #USS-ELI-UFS02 ULTIMATE JUNIOR FLOAT SWITCH PUMP SWITCH ONLY

I'm looking at replacing my float switch as well.

[Me-and-Boo]

Originally Posted by boden36

You might find that your switches last longer if you use them to drive the pump through a relay, rather than switching the full load through the float switch. Regards, Richard.

I gave the Rule float switch I just replaced an autopsy. Corroded and nasty inside. It's age is indeterminate. It would work in the paddle full up position; which I do not consider very good. Do you have a quick schematic of putting the relay in?

[Hudson Force]

I have had the same automatic bilge pump switch working without fail for 24 years. It works so well because it has no electrical or moving parts in the bilge; simply a plastic bell with tygon (aquarium) tubing leading to a pneumatic switch activated by the pressure of rising water in the tube. It's a PAR Hydro-Air 34875-0000 ITT Jabsco.

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by Me-and-Boo

... Do you have a quick schematic of putting the relay in?

Here ➥ Electromechanical Relays - Cruisers & Sailing Photo Gallery

Below:
The Bilge Pump is the “Power Circuit”
The Float Switch is the “Controlling Switch”

[psneeld]

Originally Posted by Dockhead

Another Ultra Junior user here.

I only fitted them this year so can't yet say how they hold up. All I can say for sure is that they look the part, and they come highly recommended. Sure are spendy, though. But bilge pump automatic switches are one of the most troublesome items of gear on board. I get tired of replacing them, especially since in my main bilge you would need to be a small monkey suspended upside down by a harness to reach the switch with any ease.

If the Ultras last even three years I will be happy.

I am not comfortable with the pumps that switch themselves on when they sense a load. I can imagine different scenarios where the pump might think it's sensing a load, but it's dry. Since bilge pumps are not usually fused, this could result in a fire. Even if your pump is fused, such an error condition would certainly melt down the pump.

Not where I come from!!!!
But I agree with the next sentence...I think some already have...

[rocksculpter]

I got tired of switches that fail in the bilge water and tired of pumps that come on automatically and drain my batteries when I'm away.

My solution was a Groco AS-100 switch. It works like the level switch on your washing machine, on air pressure. Nothing in the bilge but a wieght and a tube. I've never heard of a that type of switch failing. That powers a Jabsco pump, also not in the bilge.

So far so good.

[bstreep]

I'm about to buy 2 of these. I'll let you know what I think. I'm tired of wasting money on Rule switches that FAIL.

https://www.aqualarm.net/comerus/sto...p?idProduct=39