Rule-A-Matic Switch

[johna]

My bilge pump float switch has stopped working and as I do not want to just replace it without first trying to make it work I need to have details of the switching mechanism and if it is repairable. I am assuming it is magnetic with a reed switch. Has anyone taken one apart?

 

[johna]

Re: Rule-A-Matic Switch -Couldn\'t wait

I have now taken it apart and it is a mercury switch in the float. In my case all corroded and no longer connected to the wires. Should be recoverable.

 

[colvic]

I know this doesn't answere your question, but after problems with several of the "moving arm" type of bilge switch I went for a Jabsco pressure one where the switch is the same as in a washing machine and a tube hangs into the bilge and as the water rises the pressure in the tube increases and when correct it operates the pump or what ever you have connected to the terminals.

Now in its sixth year...brilliant piece of kit.

You could also make one from a washing machine fill sense switch and a piece of rubber tubing about 8mm bore.


Phil

 

[Rick]

Agree with Willow36 - PBO back in 1998 (IIRC) had an article on making a really swish unit using readily available parts.

 

[rogerthebodger]

Re: Rule-A-Matic Switch -Couldn\'t wait

Have had the same problem. I found the wire to the mercury switch is broken by the movement of the float arm.

I also replaced the arm switch with the jabsco pressure switch and no problem since