Rule bilge pump float switch

[bumblefish]

My Rule automatic float switch has jammed/shorted and discharged one of my batteries, now it will not turn off. Is it an item that is amenable to repair or is it a replacement?

 

[sailorman]

float switches always give problems
i changed to an Index Marine system /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gifyears ago due to this, these no longer available. /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif
suggest a sensor type device that switches the pump /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[David2452]

These sensors are quite good and often available o fleabay

http://www.novuraniaribs.co.uk/accessories/bbuddy.htm

 

[rogerthebodger]

I used to use the same type of switch but I had to replace it every 12 months dur to either would not switch pump on or off like you
I converted to this type and problem solved.

 

[ColinHuggins]

Re: Rule bilge pump float switches

If that's the pressure-driven model, I've had no more problems than I hear other types have, replacing about every 3 years or so.

CJH

 

[rusland]

Please check www.westmarine.com, search 'float switch'. The replacement units are pre wired and easy to fit. They also give pictures of the floats. so you can make sure its your unit.

 

[clyst]

These float switches have a very short life lying in the bilges . The answer is to mount them out of the water by mounting a poly tube (domestic sink waste ) from the bilge as high up the bilge as possible . Slip a length of polystyrene down the tube, making sure its a rattling fit, and mount the float switch on top . Get the Idea ?? Any bilge water floats the polystyrene up the tube and actuates the switch . PM if you want more details

Cheers

Terry

 

[fishermantwo]

[ QUOTE ]
I used to use the same type of switch but I had to replace it every 12 months dur to either would not switch pump on or off like you
I converted to this type and problem solved.

[/ QUOTE ]

You can make your own "air pressure switch". Find and old automatic washing machine and remove the water level cut off switch. Use a bit of tube into the bilge. You may have to experiment with the size of the tube in the water to get the right actuation depth. Because its cheap and the switch is mounted in a nice dry space it should last forever.

 

[bumblefish]

So a trip to the dump on the agenda, what does a water level cut off switch look like?

 

[fishermantwo]

[ QUOTE ]
So a trip to the dump on the agenda, what does a water level cut off switch look like?

[/ QUOTE ]

They vary a bit. Mine is about 1.5 inches across by 1/2 inch and made of plastic. It will have at least two spade terninals coming out of it and a piece of plastic pipe about 3/16". Just blow into the end of the pipe and you will hear the switch make. Of course you can buy them new from washing machine places as well.

 

[fisherman]

I dislike the Rule switch for the reasons above, and would go for the washing machine switch, as fitted in a previous boat. However the switch I have now has been there since I got the boat 14 years ago, and is older than that. Slightly different in that it has a horizontal spur with a reed switch inside and the float below it contains a magnet. I had to repair it once when a wire broke, but very simple. No idea what make.

 

[rogerthebodger]

There all kinds and prices of industral float switches. Here is my local supplier but any electrical distributer will have

I am using a small RF-OV2 and above page in the top of my fuel and water tanks connected to an alarm to indicate when my tank is getting full during filling. This helps me stop overfilling the fuel in particular to avoid polution.