Bildge Pump Float Switch

[Sadey]

I’m hoping this is it easy question/solution. I have three bildge pumps with three float switches located on the hull at the forward, mid, and aft locations. There is also a high water float switch located slightly higher mounted on the stringer in the aft and mid location. All except the two high water float switches test OK. The high water bildge switches do not turn the bilge pump‘s on when tested. What silly, stupid, or magical thing am I missing? Shouldn’t these two switches test? I found the high water alarm speaker and I have a high water alarm switch, which is on, located underneath the step along with all of the other battery switches.

[darrenlife]

My suspicion is your high water alarm might be faulty? I would suggest checking continuity it it and go from there

[Midnightsun]

My understanding is the high water alarm only sounds an alarm and does not activate the bilge pumps. It is there to tell you the bilge pumps are not functioning or the hole in the boat is so big the pumps cannot keep up. The float switches for the pumps should have activated the bilge pumps long before. Bottom line is the high water alarm is not a backup float switch.

The speaker is disconnected or not functioning is my guess.

On my previous boat I made my own high water alarm with one of these which you could use if your alarm is defective. https://www.amazon.com/DIGITEN-Flash-Alarm-Indicator-Buzzer/dp/B017YL31OY/ref=pd_bxgy_img_2/145-0846989-5422949?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B017YL31OY&pd_rd_r=902cc617-5897-11e9-9d06-a332060cea22&pd_rd_w=ng1MR&pd_rd_wg=B66un&pf_rd_p=a2006322-0bc0-4db9-a08e-d168c18ce6f0&pf_rd_r=K8DEKCPSKFDDJWRM1EZ9&psc=1&refRID=K8DEKCPSKFDDJWRM1EZ9

[Sadey]

The speaker is still attached and I assume functioning. Not sure where the sensor is for that. But it’s the high water floats that don’t seem to be functioning. One, I could see it being the float but both at the same time is odd. The other three normal floats test fine.

[bud37]

On your electrical panel are some bilge pump breakers , one of them should read high water....make sure that breaker is on and I believe Hans is correct, those float switches may just activate the alarm only.

[Midnightsun]

Source of the post The speaker is still attached and I assume functioning. Not sure where the sensor is for that. But it’s the high water floats that don’t seem to be functioning. One, I could see it being the float but both at the same time is odd. The other three normal floats test fine.

It is actually a buzzer, not a speaker, probably a piezo. Just apply 12v to it to see if it is functional and the we can continue to troubleshoot.

[Viper]

Unless there are another set of bilge pumps mounted higher with the higher switches, then the higher switches only power up an alarm such as a horn, beeper, buzzer, etc. If you're activating the switches and expecting the primary level pumps to come on, you may be heading down the wrong path. The failure could be anywhere from the power source/breaker, or wiring, float switches, or alarm device. As mentioned above, the failure may be the alarm device. Apply power to the devise as mentioned above or check for voltage there with a meter while the switches are in the up position. As mentioned, there should be a means to protect the circuit (breaker). These are usually push button breakers that you can't turn off yourself but pop out when tripped. Ensure the breaker is not tripped and check to ensure they are actually working and closing the circuit/passing voltage though. They do fail. It's a simple circuit and should be a fairly easy diagnose, it's pretty much the same as your bilge pump circuit without the "manual" option.

[Sadey]

Well mom was right you learn something new every day. The two high water float switches are there to sound the high water alarm. Kind of sounds like a police siren. Now this point where I admit I am a dumbass. There is a switch on my power distribution panel that is an on/off switch for the high water alarm. Looks like I function tested it in the off position. When I switch it to the on position and activate the highwater float switch it sounds the alarm. Function test normal return to service.

[Viper]

Hey don't feel bad, I'm still learning things about my boat.
You should check (or not), the switch might actually be a breaker, that circuit needs to be protected somehow.

[Sadey]

I will trace it back to make sure it is protected. Sage advice.