best auto floatswitch

[lisaann]

just removed the float switch from the foward pump,the switch is stuck on, this switch has been in the boat since i bought it 9 years ago. its a round cylinder maybe 1.5 in. in diameter and 6 in. long has a metal bracket with a hose clamp to the 1500 rule. seems like a quality unit has a indicator light that shows the switch has power. anyway i get it out and it is a west marine ultra switch never saw one like this before, i think they put there name on somebody elses switch but can't locate one like this. any ideas!
thanks mark

 

[mobilemn1]

Mark,

I just bought an electronic switch to run my pump,,,,,It is only 1/2 inch thick and 3x4 inches and with two wires. I worked really well as I tested it in a bowl of water before I trusted it. Works well and only has about a 1 to 1 1/2 cut on cut out level.

 

[Dustoff44]

For a short time West Marine sold the Ultra float switches
http://www.wolfwire.com/tefgel/frameset.htm
Way better than Rule etc, IMHO

 

[lisaann]

thats the switch, very expensive compared to rule, have to check witch one i have. might be the one with the lifetime warranty
thanks mark

 

[GJH]

The Ultras really are the very best. You might try sending yours back to them. I am gradually converting my boat to them. I use the Juniors since my boat already has indicator lights.

 

[saltshaker]

Has anyone tried one of these?
http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1|51|299222|679971&id=744053
I need to replace a couple of pumps and was thinking about trying these switches.

 

[lisaann]

saltshaker, your link was not hot, but these switchs seem to be up to the quality that hatteras owners expect. i think they are worth the extra money almost three times the cost of the next best switch about 150.00
mark

 

[Mike36c]

I'll second the Ultra Safety System's switches. Like most of you here I've been down the dark road of the Rule switch. I know USS products are high $$$ but we're not talking accent lighting, these pumps need to work! Since converting all of pumps on three boats none have failed.

 

[stormchaser]

Has anyone tried one of these?
http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1|51|299222|679971&id=744053
I need to replace a couple of pumps and was thinking about trying these switches.

Looks like about the same thing as the Ultras, but significantly less expensive. The only problem i see is that they are 12 Volt only. If they worked with 32v, I'd consider trying one and see how it does.

 

[stormchaser]

I'll second the Ultra Safety System's switches. Like most of you here I've been down the dark road of the Rule switch. I know USS products are high $$$ but we're not talking accent lighting, these pumps need to work! Since converting all of pumps on three boats none have failed.

With all the good reviews...I think I know which one I'm puttong on all my main pumps when they need to be replaced...which is only a matter of time with teh RULE switches...hahaha

 

[sgharford]

I put 3 Aqualarm switches on last year (one from defender) and 1 Ultra Bilge Switch Jr. The Aqualarm switch is about half the size of the Ultra. My rudder stuffing boxes were leaking pretty bad last season and while I don't have counter on bilges, the aqualarm must have cycled around 3000 times on a 2000 GPH rule pump and no problems. What's nice with Aqualarm switch is it includes buzzer that goes off if running longer than 3 minutes. I was going to see about using as a contact for relay to louder bell, but that's looking like next year’s project. Also like Aqualarm as electronics and wires are in top and should never be in water (Just like Ultra). The float magnetically activates switch in a truly sealed one piece housing. Apparently this is big issue with Rule switches - the seals leak and you have hot wire in the water that can really expedite galvanic corrosion. The bottom of the Aqualarm also comes off which is good if you have to clean it out, the Ultra is sealed. The Ultra is definitely higher quality, but so far very happy with Aqualarm. Be aware that if you have bilge pumps screwed down, you can't test switch without detaching it from pump as you have to turn them upside down to activate.

 

[GJH]

Interesting; I had installed an Aqualarm on my aft bilge pump, and it could not handle the back flow after the pump shut off; it kept stutter cycling and was on its way to burning up my new pump; way too sensitive. I yanked it out and returned it; bought the Ultra Junior and all is well. There is no comparison quality wise. This is not one of those components that I like to skimp on to save a few bucks. I really need to get going on the rest of the conversions.