Rule Bilge Pump Float Switch Problems

[hpeer]

I know I NEVER return stuff. Life is too complicated and there is the expense and hassle of doing the return.

[lifeofreilly57]

Originally Posted by HopCar

Hi Chenega, You're right, I'll let him have the last word on the subject.

I am curious as to why there seems to be a disconnect between failures in the field and returns on these switches. I really don't get many returns but reading this forum makes me think that a lot of them fail during their warranty period. Do people just not bother to return them?

Here is what Rule says about their least expensive switch:
"Our latest design now includes a removable base for easy cleaning and servicing, a mercury free snap switch tested to over one million cycles and marine grade "blocked" wire. Designed for pumps drawing up to 14 Amps. Model 35A and 35FA now includes a 2 year warranty."

To be honest it's probably people like me who save the receipts for the large expensive items like electronics but don't save the paper for smaller items, I'm sure it would be wiser to do so since I've had both good and bad experiences with smaller items on boats.
During the refit/ upgrade period on the latest boat I'm putting together a file on the boat that has the receipts for all the items, I've paid for the same things twice too many times. My own fault but I'm sure it's a pretty common occurrence.

[avazquez]

Switched to Johnson and so far no failures.

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by HopCar

...

I am curious as to why there seems to be a disconnect between failures in the field and returns on these switches. I really don't get many returns but reading this forum makes me think that a lot of them fail during their warranty period. Do people just not bother to return them?
...

I suspect it is because most field failures never get returned or reported. For example, I used to have a box full of failed Rule pumps and switches. I was saving them to mail back to Rule with a suitable nasty letter, but never got around to it and finally just chucked them out.

Instead I've just swithed brands. In my bilges now are two Johnson pumps which have functioned flawlessly for a year now. Also, two Rule pumps with failed internal floats which are bypassed using a non-Rule external float switch. The internal switches failed after a matter of months. The off brand external switches have been working for a year.

In my case as a cruiser when a product fails I am usually somewhere remote and have no reasonable option to return...thus it goes unreported. I suspect this is true of many others

I will never willing buy a Rule product again.

[Dustymc]

I've got a couple Rule switches and a Rule automatic pump that are around 3 years old and work fine. I hose the switches (and everything else that might ever want to corrode) down with CorrosionX every now and then.

I'm not sure if I should go buy a lottery ticket or just yell at HopCar.....

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by Chenega

......In my personal boat I I use rule but i do inspect, clean and test weekly during the season. I use backup bilge pump systems as nothing is foolproof in my opinion. I also do everything I can to prevent water intrusion through routine maintenance of stuffing box and seacocks and, generally have a dry bilge.
Your input is always appreciated.
-Cheers

Admittedly most bilges are a tough environment, but of course the product should be engineered, and installed, with that in mind.

Some newer boats I've run are starting to use diaphram pumps mounted just above bilge levels. Good strategy I think.

[HopCar]

Dusty, yell at me, abuse is the only attention I get!

[svlamorocha]

Originally Posted by belizesailor

Some newer boats I've run are starting to use diaphram pumps mounted just above bilge levels. Good strategy I think.

That is exactly what I have seen in many Sunsail boats, including the one they managed for me. It works very well. IMHO this is one more example where we can learn from the charter fleets.

C

[sabray]

Mine just failed. Meaning rule bilge switch. I am shocking the water tanks. Then flood the bilge to test the pumps. The above water line pump with a water water witch was fine. The secondary a johnson with a higher rule switch kicked on but the pos isn't turning off. I used it because of it's ability to float at a nice level above the sump. It was new in package on boat. It has 2 seasons and is secondary so it has only been used while I check it. So used twice. Garbage useless dangerous crap.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[roverhi]

Didn't even think about bringing the two Rule switches back. The first was new, unused switch that came with the boat so didn't know it's provenance. The 2nd lasted a couple of years and figured that's all they were designed to survive given the experience with them.

[captsam54]

OK.... after all the reading here and on other sites,I have boiled it down to these as the most reliable, electronic and air pressure.. and not too expensive to replace.... (I have 6 pumps on my boat)

Water Witch Model101 12 volts
Water Witch Electronic Bilge Pump Switch Model # 230-24, 24Volts
Jabsco Hydro-Air 34875-0000
Groco AS-100 Bilge Pump ControlKit.
Johnson Float Switch Non-clogging.
Johnson Ultima Switch JHN36303

All from 25-50 dollars... My boss is telling me to replace my float switches so I have been doing a lot of reading.....

I have found most on eBay....and probably at the best prices..Going to give DS Hull ashot to see what prices they have....

[Cheechako]

Ultra Junior.... accept no substitutes!
"Ultra Bilge Pumpswitch" Junior - Float Switches Alarms & Panels - Bilge & All Purpose Pumps - Pumps - Downwind Marine

[bbalan]

Except don't count on the Ultra Switch warranty. They did not honor mine although I have the original manual that clearly says "lifetime warranty."

[hpeer]

Whale has one similar to the Water Witch variety that got good reviews.

I'm using that to drive a Whale diaphragm pump.

Just installed so nothing to report yet.

[Emerald Sea]

Originally Posted by GordMay

The Rule-A-Matic float switches are commonly subject to failures.

For a much more reliable, and expensive, float switch, see the Ultra Safety Systems "ULTRA PUMPSWITCH" line
➥ TEF-GEL - Ultra safety systems - Home page

For the critical importanance placed on the bilge pumps and thier switches its quite astounding how unreliable Rules and some others are in this day and age (70's technology). Indeed, a licence to print money - but perhaps patents play a part too! GordMay and Attaintable Adventure Crusiing (Morgans Cloud) are onto the Ultra Safety Systems switch and thier alarms and this is where Im going. Yes, a bit on the $$ side but but in the long term will be cheaper and a better rest at night. I expect to change mine out in the next few months.

The World’s Best Bilge Pump Switch…Really

See link...above if your a paid up member.

Steve
Emerald Sea