Bilge pump float switch

[menos22]

Would like to replace my Rule 2000 bilge pump paddle switch with a new electronic switch such as the Sea Witch or the Johnson Ultima switch. Anyone use either of those switches and what are your thoughts. Notice the Sea Witch has three wires and the Johnson only has two, my existing rule float has two wires. Can I just splice two of the wires where my float was spliced? What about the 3rd wire on the sea witch?. Any thoughts and or comments would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[JimG]

I have not used either but...
Being electronic the Water Witch uses the 3rd wire for power and then provides switched power to the pump.

The data sheet show the hook-up:
https://www.defender.com/pdf/500660_WaterWitch.pdf

 

[menos22]

Thanks for the info Jim. Getting tired of these mercury switches getting hung up either open or closed. The sea witch looks like a winner.

 

[66pony]

I have used the Johnson switch, I love it, the one i used was a magnetic switch and also required a third wire (ground) but is well worth it. I replace my rule switches almost every year, not any more with the Johnson Switch.

 

[menos22]

Thanks 66pony. Guess I will look into both. Don't know why I keep calling the Water Witch a Sea Witch.

 

[bmac]

I used the Water Witch on the shower sump on my 52DB. I only had that boat for a season after the installation but it worked better than the Rule float switch. Havanna Shamrock (Joe) knows the owner of that boat, he may have feedback over the 5 seasons since it was installed. Install was very straightforward.

 

[seatray]

I have 3 wires on my standard float switch... one is the negative and the others are positive (auto on fed from battery and the other from a switch on a panel). I had to check a few of mine as thought they had stopped but need cleaning from time to time.