Non-spring return On/Off/Auto bilge pump switch ?

[Boo2]

Hi,

Anyone know of a bilge pump On/Off/Auto switch that does not have a spring return on the On (manual override) side ? I think it's much more important to be able to guarantee use of the device if the float switch fails than it is to have the assurance that I can't walk away and flatten the battery. My bilge pumps are too noisy to be easily overlooked in any case so...

Thanks,

Boo2

 

[srm]

Three Johnson Pump switches came fitted with my boat, none have springs so can be left in any of the three positions. Why put a spring on the manual side ?- if the float switch fails and there is a leak the switch/pump becomes useless unless you can hold the switch on while you fix the leak?? These switches do have warning lights when power is flowing, so also acts as a bilge alarm when the auto switch is on.

 

[David2452]

Probably not on a panel or with on / auto marks but there are plenty of latched on of on switches available, I have half a dozen left in my stores, rockers marked 1 & 2 that I have been using for just that purpose and for summer / winter heater swirches with labels.

 

[pvb]

Surely you could use any centre-off SPDT switch with a suitable current capacity?

 

[David2452]

Surely you could use any centre-off SPDT switch with a suitable current capacity?

Indeed, that's what I alude to in post 3

 

[prv]

Indeed, that's what I alude to in post 3

And what I was thinking

Although, in both the boats I've wired, I used a simple SPST switch to bridge the float switch, giving a choice of "On" or "Auto". I can't see the point of an "Off" position.

Pete

 

[pvb]

Indeed, that's what I alude to in post 3

I hadn't seen your post #3 when I posted, I'm using a Nexus tablet and my fat fingers mean that text entry takes some time if it's to make any sense!

 

[Trundlebug]

I think this is what you're after. Maplins is your friend (other suppliers are available)

http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/sub-miniature-toggle-switch-f-on-off-on-dpdt-fh05f

May not be high enough rated for current, but they definitely supply one.
- I bought one for my large bilge pump a while ago after refusing to pay £20+ for a switch on a panel from the bilge pump people for something that took up loads of space and didn't do what I wanted. My thinking just like the OP's: What if the float switch fails, and you have water ingress? Do you have to stand there with your finger on the switch? Daft thinking by the bilge pump mfrs IMO

 

[JumbleDuck]

Anyone know of a bilge pump On/Off/Auto switch that does not have a spring return on the On (manual override) side ?

The one on my boat? It's a standard Rule pump and I think it's a standard Rule switch.

 

[NormanS]

Ever since the unattended boat next to mine in a canal, pumped several hundred gallons of diesel into the canal, when its fuel tank split, I have had rather a jaundiced feeling about automatic bilge pumps.

 

[VicMallows]

Ever since the unattended boat next to mine in a canal, pumped several hundred gallons of diesel into the canal, when its fuel tank split, I have had rather a jaundiced feeling about automatic bilge pumps.

Somewhat ironic when you think of all those arduous 'safety' regulations canal boats have to adhere to. (I bet the owner was pretty upset too).

 

[pampas]

And what I was thinking

Although, in both the boats I've wired, I used a simple SPST switch to bridge the float switch, giving a choice of "On" or "Auto". I can't see the point of an "Off" position.

Pete

How will you stop the motor if the auto side sticks in the run position?

 

[prv]

How will you stop the motor if the auto side sticks in the run position?

Pull the fuse.

Pete