bilge float switches

[raye]

I am going to purchase a float switch and noticed there are several designs/brands. "Rule" mechanical switches have some pretty bad reviews out there for example. Does anyone have a favorite switch type?

 

[Lazy Daze]

Well, I disagree about the Rule being a bad product. Where are you seeing all these bad reviews? Any product can have a bad apple or two, but in general the Rule line is pretty stout and reliable. I would absolutely recommend a Rule... available everywhere, good customer service, lasts a long time.

 

[fwebster]

Most float switch failures are not the fault of the switch, but their wiring that gets corroded from being in or near the water.

It usually happens that we over-fix boat problems by tearing apart the entire bilge pump system, only to deduce that the pump is working, but the switch isn't. The switch gets replaced, thrown into the trash, then the new switch gets spliced into the circuit and every thing works again. We cuss the Rule switch that failed with the parting sentiment: "Another damned Rule switch gone bad". We cut out the corroded splice when the new $30 switch was installed which is what fixed the problem in the first place.

Now go apologize to the Rule switch in the trash can.

I agree with Dennis........Rule makes a good product. All 4 of my Rule float switches are original equipment and have been in place since 1996. I have, however, traced and repaired 2 or 3 bad butt splices in that length of time.

 

[tdappleman]

I've had good luck with the Rule switches. I did replace mine but only because the previous owner had butchered the wiring. I have these on mine: http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wc...toreNum=10111&subdeptNum=10623&classNum=10625

 

[JerryS]

Most float switch failures are not the fault of the switch, but their wiring that gets corroded from being in or near the water.
quote]

I just had that very problem. Nothing wrong with the switch, the butt splice had rubbed out a small pinhole and was drawing current. The actual wire itself disinegrated (aluminum wire). My cost to fix - 1 butt connector.

 

[tdschafer]

I have had Rules in all of my boats.
I had one fail due to water intrusion into the float.
A couple of splice failures and one that had gotten oil spilled on it that I could never get totally clean. Ultmately sand/dirt got attracted to the oil and the switch stuck, warranting replacement.
So, only one was the actual switch, all other problems were outside of the switches parameters. I also feel they are a very good product!

 

[boatmailster]

Actually when they switched to "mercury free" design I have seen many switches failed - mechanical switch part inside float. I have seen float switch melted through empty shower sump box! I think their quality control improved in last two years but "mercury free" switches are failing much more often than "old" design

 

[raye]

I was looking for switches on iboat.com, and they include product ratings, several people had rule switches fail early. These were the mercury free switches. I was looking at the Attwood, has anyone used the Attwood?

 

[JerryS]

You seem to making a mountain out of a mole hill. If you are so worried about a float switch failing, buy a second one and wire it in parallel to the first one. There you go, a redundant system! If that still is not good enough for you, wire a manual switch around the float switches. There you go, a triple! :smt001

 

[raye]

Not at all, simply asking people what their experiences have been.

 

[Bugsy24]

You seem to making a mountain out of a mole hill. If you are so worried about a float switch failing, buy a second one and wire it in parallel to the first one. There you go, a redundant system! If that still is not good enough for you, wire a manual switch around the float switches. There you go, a triple! :smt001

:smt089Bad Day Today Jerry? The guy just wants to make sure the next time he gets to the mooring his windshield isn't the only thing sticking out of the "Gunkhole".:grin:

 

[JerryS]

:smt089Bad Day Today Jerry? The guy just wants to make sure the next time he gets to the mooring his windshield isn't the only thing sticking out of the "Gunkhole".:grin:

Yeah, just had to adjust my medications :smt101 :smt001

 

[Bugsy24]

Yeah, just had to adjust my medications :smt101 :smt001

No Problem! I'm starting mine right now. It's "1700hrs SOMEWHERE":smt038

 

[raye]

Yea, I think I will reach for a little Kentucky iced tea myself, thanks gentlemen.:smt001

 

[flflatrate]

I like the super rule float switches. I had allot of bad luck with the atwood float switches going bad (what searay puts in allot of there newer boats)