In a message dated 1/18/2006 12:23:11 PM Central Standard Time,
scott@firstclass.com writes:

Basically, I think that we need to more or less accept that all  float
switches fail.

Scott,

I would have agreed with you ten years ago. Since I replaced both switches
with some pricey Ultrapump switches, I have had zero problems in about ten
years. I use the Senior models for both and have the alarm. I use one on a
Flojet for the "dribbles" sump and have another on a Rule 3700 for the  "big
problems that haven't happened yet." I guess they are still in  business but have
had no contact with them since I bought. The paperwork is at  the boat in
another state or I would give more contact info. They are really  specific about
using adhesive lined heat shrink connectors (as am I...).

Bill

-----Original Message-----
Scott H.E. Welch wrote:

Yes, that will be my next experiment. However I have also had good luck
with mercury switches. One thing that I do not like about the electronic
switches is that they are hard to test. I like to lift mine every few
weeks and listen to the pumps run.

REPLY
Mercury switches are being phased out due to the toxic nature of
mercury.
In addition, the inductive kickback from a large pump motor can create a
large voltage spike. On occasion this has caused the mercury switch to
explode.
Someone mentioned  a reed switch failure; this is also caused by the
inductive spike from a coil.
I agree that nothing will last forever. However the Aqualarm style float
switch is visible so you can see if anything has jammed it and with a
little hooked stiff wire you can  manually trip the float to test it.
The reed switch should not power the pump motor directly.  You need a
relay in between to extend the life of all components.

Arild

After many failures over the years of Rule float switches, including one
right out of the box, we put in electronic ones from West Marine.  They
are See Water model 079701.  We've had no failures and are very happy
with them.  Here are some specifics:

At the time we bought them, they were cheaper than premium float
switches, which was the other option we considered.

Testing is easy.  Just put your finger near the probe, or touch it and
away it goes.  Generally, though, we prefer to chuck a pail of water
into the sumps for a real world test.

An added advantage of these switches is a drier sump.  Our Rule switches
ran until there was about an inch of water left.  The electronic one
runs an additional 8 to 10 seconds in an attempt to suck out the last
bit; the pump cannot get it all but the result is less water in the
sump.

Finally, when there is some water in the sump, the float switches tend
to bounce around a bit in a really heavy sea, causing the bilge pump to
come on and off when there is no need, as the water sloshes around.
This does not happen with the electronic switch, providing you are
judicious about placement of the probe.

Maurice & Louise-Ann
AKAMA