Rule Bilge Pump Float Switch Problems

[zeehag]

Originally Posted by hpeer

David,

I think there is a serious flaw with that design as I understand it. The turn off feature only works to some minimum voltage, below which the pump stays on.

So...consider this scenario.

You leave the boat for a couple of weeks and develop a slow leak.
The pump turns on and turns off cycling for some period.
The battery depletes and at some point the low threshold is exceeded.
Then the pump stays on until the battery is completely depleted and dead.
The boat sinks.
You return the next day to a real mess.

Differing views entertained.

GOT SOLAR??????? if so---NO SWEAT!!!!!!

[mrybas]

I'm on my 3rd Rule Float switch in two years.....POS!

[ogalili]

Originally Posted by Sailorman1249

I have a Ruleamatic standalone float switch that surprised and concerned me when it began sticking "on" when testing it by running water into the bilge. I looked at customer reviews on WM, and thru the threads here, to learn that this is not uncommon.
Specifically, when it does this, it does it repeatedly, i.e., when I lift the float and lower it gently. Letting it drop onto the mounting bracket seems to kick it off. The behavior is sporadic, though. That is, next time I test it some days later, it may not misbehave, or it may.
Any insights, or product recommendations for an alternative model/maker? It would be good to know if this issue has been researched systematically. Didn't find anything on Practical Sailor or anywhere else.
Thanks all

I had the same problem and I replaced all of the with electronic switch. The "sensing" switch work much better.
My original issue was revers - I'd I'd not float when I was needed too - not a good thing

[Sailorman1249]

Thanks for all your thoughts. It seems my concerns about the Rule float switches are confirmed. In the end I bought another Rule and a Johnson. We do have natural energy sources--wind & solar. But this aspect of boat care will be added to the list of well-attended items.
Best wishes

[avazquez]

I used to replace Rule pumps and float switches every 18 months more or less due to failures. Not any more after switching to Johnson.

[CAELESTIS]

So who makes the best bilge pump and switch?

[HopCar]

Oh Boy! Here we go!
Marine Safety Systems series of switches seem to have a very good reputation. Ultra Pumpswitch JR

[Hoppit]

I rely on the bilge pump to keep my ageing boat afloat during the winter months when I cannot visit regularly.
Over the years I have experienced regular failures, both from the old mercury switches, and now the recent designs from Rule. I have returned three switches to Rule in two years, they have never replaced them
On one occasion the water level reached the crankcase of the engine, leading to corrosion and eventual main bearing failure.
I need a switch that I can trust, not the ephemeral toys that seem to have the monopoly of the market in UK.
Another gripe about the Rule prioduct is the short length of wiring supplied, which is just not long enough without needing extension in a rather damp part of a boat, hence liable to electrocorrosive effects

[Strait Shooter]

The Ultra Pumpswitch mentioned is heads and shoulders above anything else on the market IMO.
I won't put anything manufactured for or by RULE on my boat. Any company that knows of issues without even attempting to address them isn't a company I want to be associated with in anyway.
Money grubbers.......
On the other hand, a company that is innovative, and produces a product that resolves the same issues that the rule-ing manufacture had years and years to resolve and yet didn't even try, gets my dollar.......this applies to more than bilge pumps and switches as well.

I've had a Rule pump and switch fail at different times. The switch failure could have been catastrophic had I not been eyeballing it already.

Anyway, I'm very happy with the Ultra Switches and Johnson pumps and sleep much better knowing that a small piece of steel in a float switch can't sink my boat.


John

[Marksman]

"So who makes the best bilge pump and switch?"

Groco AS-100


34-AS100 GROCO FLOAT SWITCH

[Celestialsailor]

Originally Posted by Marksman

"So who makes the best bilge pump and switch?"

Groco AS-100


34-AS100 GROCO FLOAT SWITCH

Not a bad price either if they work well. I hope Rule reads threads like this.

[HopCar]

The Rule Model 39 Eco switch works the same way that the Groco AS-100 does. I think the problem with both of these switches is that the tube gets clogged.

[Cheechako]

The Ultra Pumpswitch +1

[george1234]

I’d like to find some clever words to express what I’m feeling but at the end of the day I’m just going to say it the way it is.

I am sick and tired of the “S**T” they sell as marine parts.
Expensive, unreliable, out and out junk!
Especially…. By name….
RULE…. Pumps and Float switches….
How dare you sell me a float switch that is just rubbish? My life and my passengers and families lives’ depend on you and you sell me a piece of garbage that is designed from the onset to fail.
I’d like to put you out there in a sinking boat because your piece of “CR*P” float switch just packed up….. Or your pump stopped pumping…. Your Stuff is SH*T! CR*P! RUBBISH!
You should be held accountable for the “CR*P” you sell… you should be in PRISON for attempted murder…..!!
And as for AUTOHELM…
For the CR*P autopilot where the belt just strips and leaves you hand steering for the next 5 days.

ARGH….!!!

[Blue Stocking]

What lure do you have on the end of that line?