Rule switches

W

Wingspar

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exMember
Joined
Jan 1, 2000
RO Number
1979
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331
Haven't been out to the boat in a month so stopped by last week-end. The aft bilge pump is a flojet with a hose that is five feet forward into the lower bilge. Touched the pump and it was hot! Turn off the breaker and found the rule switch was always on regardless of position. I guess those Flojets don't like to run continuously. Next stop was the forward bilge pump. And that one was running too. Checked the switch and it was shorted also. Luckily the Rule pump doesn't seem to mind running all the time. I usually replace the pumps with the computerized models that don't require a switch but haven't done it on this boat.

Now off to boatfix for a new pump and switch.

Dave
 
I noticed that ever since they did away with the mercury switches, Rule pump switches suck big time. The company needs to rethink the design.
 
None of them like to run dry for any length of time. They're water-cooled and the seals are water-lubricated, so running dry will eventually kill the pump. If the motor doesn't overheat and burn out, the seal will eventually fail and water will get into the pump, and THEN it'll burn out. Even a Rule.

Float switches (particularly in the engine room) need to be cycled from time to time or they will stick. I'm not sure why, and it doesn't seem to be exclusively a Rule problem. I just know that manually cycling the float switches from time to time not only tests them but keeps them from sticking.
 
But this isn't sticking issue. Both floats were not stuck and moved freely. Both switch were closed reguardless of float position.

Dave N
 
I noticed that ever since they did away with the mercury switches, Rule pump switches suck big time.

+1
These switches are problemtic,to say the least.

Capt.Bill 1 Thanks, good suggestion.

John
 
quote:
Originally posted by Capt. Bill1

These are the only float switches worth installing IMO. http://www.tefgel.com/contain.php?param=pumpswitch_price

Click to expand...


Big ditto on the Ultra Pumpswitches.

I have sequentially replaced all my four bilge-pump Rules with these, and, and now working my way through the three sumps, which also serve as backups to the bilges. They will cost you about as much as the pump, but what good is the pump without the best switch?
 
I have only seen one Ultra switch go bad in the 20+ years I've been using them.
 
Wish I would have seen this 3 days ago when I replaced my existing failed Atwood pump with a 2200 Johnson pump and Rule float switch.
 
My boat came with the Ultra switches and I think 1 or 2 went bad after 13 or 14 years, but a couple are still working after 17 years. I like that the high water alarm is built right into them also. Thanks for the link, wasn't sure where to get them if I need a new one, I don't think the store I got the replacement ones at still carries them.
 
I haven't had a pump OR switch fail in a long time. However I think the issue with float switches is the current they have to carry. The bigger the pump, the more amps it draws and the more current through the switch. The more current the switch carries the greater the chance it will fail. I use SMALL pumps and the switches last well like forever. For backup I have a BIG pump, but as it rarely if ever comes on, the switch is not overly loaded. I know some wizzard will blow this philosophy off, but it works for me.
 
quote:
Originally posted by stmbtwle

I haven't had a pump OR switch fail in a long time. However I think the issue with float switches is the current they have to carry. The bigger the pump, the more amps it draws and the more current through the switch. The more current the switch carries the greater the chance it will fail. I use SMALL pumps and the switches last well like forever. For backup I have a BIG pump, but as it rarely if ever comes on, the switch is not overly loaded. I know some wizzard will blow this philosophy off, but it works for me.

Click to expand...


I don't know what you call small, but basically your set up is the recommended one, have say a 2000GPH for everyday use and 3700 as a high water unit. I believe the infamous David Pascoe also has an article on this.
 
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