Has anyone successfully used a float switch on their pump systems? A few different switch options have been mentioned, but I do not recall anyone using a float switch. My concern with any push button type setup is that you could accidentally run the pump dry. In most cases, this can shorten the lifespan of the pump. With the float switch, one could allow the switch to float automatically, or they could lift it manually. Thoughts? Has anyone out there used a float switch successfully? Derek --------------------------------------------------------------- Please limit all email attachments sent to this address to a maximum of 0.5MB. All email attachments that are larger then 0.5MB will automatically be deleted. --------------------------------------------------------------- ICQ: 262152266, AIM: GlamourpetsD, MSN: [my email address], Yahoo Messenger: glamourpets --------------------------------------------------------------- *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Derek wrote: > Has anyone successfully used a float switch on their pump systems? A > few different switch options have been mentioned, but I do not recall > anyone using a float switch. One problem with a mechanical float switch is that the amount of water needed to activate the switch may exceed the amount you would tolerate swashing around in the bilges. Another problem is that conventional mechanical switches are well-known for maintenance issues (= failure when you need one the most). If you are committed to this type of pump activation, you might prefer a Water Witch ( http://www.waterwitchinc.com/product_sheet/bilge_switchsheet.html ), which uses a contact-free system for activating the pump. Buddies out here who use these in their power boat bilges swear by them, after having had one or more mechanical float switches fail, sometimes in catastrophic situations. The simplest model should work for a kayak, and only draws 6 mA at rest. -- Dave Kruger Astoria, OR *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
I tried a regular float switch before changing to the Water Witch switch. Your right, the sloshing water made the regular float switch problematic. It took a lot of water to turn it on and it shut off with too much still left. It really would only work well if you lifted it up and kept it up manually, which is an option. Instead of the typical mounting for the Water Witch, I have mounted it on it's side with both electrode facing down so that it goes on and off more at a certain level. You have to find the spot where the pump will remove enough water to turn it off. Mark Sanders http://sandmarks.home.comcast.net -----Original Message----- From: owner-paddlewise_at_paddlewise.net [mailto:owner-paddlewise_at_paddlewise.net]On Behalf Of Dave Kruger Subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Float Switches One problem with a mechanical float switch is that the amount of water needed to activate the switch may exceed the amount you would tolerate swashing around in the bilges. *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
In the first attempt I made at an electric bilge pump, I used an automatic float switch. But every time I rolled or carried the kayak on my shoulder the pump turned on. It also did not empty as well as wen under manual control. All the versions I have used since use a hot tub "air switch" which works well. The "button switch" has no corrodible parts and the actual electrical switch is safely inside an otterbox. At 08:03 AM 08/10/2006, Derek wrote: >Has anyone successfully used a float switch on their >pump systems? A few different switch options have >been mentioned, but I do not recall anyone using a >float switch. *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Mike wrote: >All the versions I have used since use a hot tub "air switch" which >works well. The "button switch" has no corrodible parts and the >actual electrical switch is safely inside an otterbox. G'Day, My experience exactly. After having replaced three electrical switches I moved to an air switch and its been a model of reliability for three years now. All the best, PeterO *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
This archive was generated by hypermail 2.4.0 : Thu Aug 21 2025 - 16:33:42 PDT