My bilge pump breaker has recently started to disconnect immediately after being switched on.
I suspect my rule pump has failed and developed a short to ground although it might be a wire that has either shorted or it might be the water witch float switch.
My thought is to just replace the pump and see if that does it—I have an identical spare pump on board. BTW, I never rely on the float switch when away from the boat—so this breaker is always off unless I am on board. 
Other suggestions from listers are welcome.
Thanks,
Charlie NelsonC&C 36 XL/kcbWater Phantom

Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS

Use a multimeter to measure resistance, +12v to ground, from the load (pump) side of the breaker, with the breaker open, and the float switch open. It should show infinite resistance. If it shows very low or no resistance, you have a short. Disconnect the pump/switch. If the problem persists, it’s not the pump, it’s the wiring.

If there IS infinite resistance, then close the switch. You should see the motor’s resistance. If you see zero resistance, the Pump has likely developed a short. Change the pump.

Similarly, You can also disconnect the pump, and measure the wiring and the pump’s resistance separately. Same idea.

Dave

Ex 33-2

Sent from my iPhone

On Apr 7, 2024, at 10:09 PM, cenelson--- via CnC-List <cnc-list@cnc-list.com> wrote:

My bilge pump breaker has recently started to disconnect immediately after being switched on.

I suspect my rule pump has failed and developed a short to ground although it might be a wire that has either shorted or it might be the water witch float switch.

My thought is to just replace the pump and see if that does it—I have an identical spare pump on board.

BTW, I never rely on the float switch when away from the boat—so this breaker is always off unless I am on board.

Other suggestions from listers are welcome.

Thanks,

Charlie Nelson

C&C 36 XL/kcb

Water Phantom

Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS

Please show your appreciation for this list and the Photo Album site and help me pay the associated bills. Make a contribution at:
https://www.paypal.me/stumurray
Thanks for your help.
Stu

Thanks Dave and Joel for your suggestions—easy to check with multimeter or without.
I can’t remember how long it’s been since I replaced the pump/switch so I doubt it’s the wiring which has been securely zip-tied to my centerboard pennant ‘tube’ for the same unknown years.
Charlie

Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS

On Monday, April 8, 2024, 10:08 AM, Dave S syerdave@gmail.com wrote:

Use a multimeter to measure resistance, +12v to  ground, from the load (pump) side of the breaker, with the breaker open, and the float switch open.   It should show infinite resistance.  If it shows very low or no resistance, you have a short.  Disconnect the pump/switch.    If the problem persists, it’s not the pump, it’s the wiring.  
If there IS infinite resistance, then close the switch.   You should see the motor’s resistance.  If you see zero resistance, the Pump has likely developed a short.  Change the pump.  Similarly, You can also disconnect the pump, and measure the wiring and the pump’s resistance separately.  Same idea.  
Dave Ex 33-2 

Sent from my iPhone

On Apr 7, 2024, at 10:09 PM, cenelson--- via CnC-List cnc-list@cnc-list.com wrote:

My bilge pump breaker has recently started to disconnect immediately after being switched on.
I suspect my rule pump has failed and developed a short to ground although it might be a wire that has either shorted or it might be the water witch float switch.
My thought is to just replace the pump and see if that does it—I have an identical spare pump on board. BTW, I never rely on the float switch when away from the boat—so this breaker is always off unless I am on board. 
Other suggestions from listers are welcome.
Thanks,
Charlie NelsonC&C 36 XL/kcbWater Phantom

Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS
Please show your appreciation for this list and the Photo Album site and help me pay the associated bills.  Make a contribution at:
https://www.paypal.me/stumurray
Thanks for your help.
Stu

FWIW, this problem was caused by a short within the Water Wizard (?) electronic float switch which was found to have an internal short, thus throwing the bilge pump breaker. It looks like the water tight seal for the wires of the Water Wizard gave it up and allowed water inside, shorting the circuit.
Since I never trust the bilge pump or anything else attached to it when I am away from the boat, I removed the switch and the pump works fine--when I turn the breaker on while on board. Another example why I do not power anything on board when I am not on board. 
My previous adventure with a float switch failure (mechanical then) ran the bilge pump continuously while the shore power was replenishing the power losses from the battery. After x hours (or days?) of this, the Zantex battery charger burned through an on board resister and stopped charging the batteries which were subsequently drained completely by the time I returned to the boat. 
If not for the resister (sacrificial maybe), the Zantex might have caught fire and burned the boat to the waterline. Since then NOTHING electrical is ever left on when no one is on board.
Charlie NelsonC&C 36 XL/kcbWater Phantom
On Sunday, April 7, 2024, 10:09:55 PM EDT, cenelson--- via CnC-List cnc-list@cnc-list.com wrote:

My bilge pump breaker has recently started to disconnect immediately after being switched on.
I suspect my rule pump has failed and developed a short to ground although it might be a wire that has either shorted or it might be the water witch float switch.
My thought is to just replace the pump and see if that does it—I have an identical spare pump on board. BTW, I never rely on the float switch when away from the boat—so this breaker is always off unless I am on board. 
Other suggestions from listers are welcome.
Thanks,
Charlie NelsonC&C 36 XL/kcbWater Phantom

Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS
Please show your appreciation for this list and the Photo Album site and help me pay the associated bills.  Make a contribution at:
https://www.paypal.me/stumurray
Thanks for your help.
Stu

I second the water witch

From: ALAN BERGEN via CnC-List cnc-list@cnc-list.com
Sent: Tuesday, April 30, 2024 10:53 PM
To: Stus-List cnc-list@cnc-list.com
Cc: ALAN BERGEN tryalan@alumni.usc.edu
Subject: Stus-List Re: Bilge pump breaker issue

I've used a Water Witch for more than ten years without a problem. Alan Bergen 35 Mk III Thirsty Rose City YC Portland, OR On Tue, Apr 30, 2024 at 2: 24 PM Dennis C. via CnC-List <cnc-list@ cnc-list. com> wrote: I much prefer the Ultra

I've used a Water Witch for more than ten years without a problem.

Alan Bergen
35 Mk III Thirsty
Rose City YC
Portland, OR

On Tue, Apr 30, 2024 at 2:24 PM Dennis C. via CnC-List <cnc-list@cnc-list.commailto:cnc-list@cnc-list.com> wrote:
I much prefer the Ultra Safety Systems junior bilge pump switch. Pricey but worth it.

Dennis C.
Touche’ 35-1


FWIW, this problem was caused by a short within the Water Wizard (?) electronic float switch which was found to have an internal short, thus throwing the bilge pump breaker. It looks like the water tight seal for the wires of the Water Wizard gave it up and allowed water inside, shorting the circuit.

Charlie Nelson
C&C 36 XL/kcb
Water Phantom

Make a contribution at:
https://www.paypal.me/stumurrayhttps://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.paypal.me/stumurray__;!!LIr3w8kk_Xxm!slQTQSIaM7nY3hK-NXmWL7qGheW4wEuZYlYaKKn_6waO0nm2HBodV340IBR86rJ_TsCgT_gYQ45go9mcZv1Jr4g$
Thanks for your help.
Stu
Please show your appreciation for this list and the Photo Album site and help me pay the associated bills.  Make a contribution at:
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Thanks for your help.
Stu

When they get slimed up they think they are under water.  I wipe mine down every month or two

From: Bruce Whitmore via CnC-List cnc-list@cnc-list.com
Sent: Friday, May 3, 2024 9:05 AM
To: Stus-List cnc-list@cnc-list.com
Cc: Bruce Whitmore bruce.whitmore9@gmail.com
Subject: Stus-List Re: Bilge pump breaker issue

I've had issues with the water witch switches in my boat sticking in the on position. I even sent one back to the manufacturer who said they couldn't find a problem with it. I have a couple in my box of spares if anyone wants them,

I've had issues with the water witch switches in my boat sticking in the on position.  I even sent one back to the manufacturer who said they couldn't find a problem with it.  I have a couple in my box of spares if anyone wants them, cheap.

Bruce Whitmore
1994 C&C 37/40+
"Astralis"
Madeira Beach, FL
(847) 404-5092

On Wed, May 1, 2024, 8:28 AM Hoyt, Mike via CnC-List <cnc-list@cnc-list.commailto:cnc-list@cnc-list.com> wrote:
I second the water witch

From: ALAN BERGEN via CnC-List <cnc-list@cnc-list.commailto:cnc-list@cnc-list.com>
Sent: Tuesday, April 30, 2024 10:53 PM
To: Stus-List <cnc-list@cnc-list.commailto:cnc-list@cnc-list.com>
Cc: ALAN BERGEN <tryalan@alumni.usc.edumailto:tryalan@alumni.usc.edu>
Subject: Stus-List Re: Bilge pump breaker issue

I've used a Water Witch for more than ten years without a problem. Alan Bergen 35 Mk III Thirsty Rose City YC Portland, OR On Tue, Apr 30, 2024 at 2: 24 PM Dennis C. via CnC-List <cnc-list@ cnc-list. com> wrote: I much prefer the Ultra
I've used a Water Witch for more than ten years without a problem.

Alan Bergen
35 Mk III Thirsty
Rose City YC
Portland, OR

On Tue, Apr 30, 2024 at 2:24 PM Dennis C. via CnC-List <cnc-list@cnc-list.commailto:cnc-list@cnc-list.com> wrote:
I much prefer the Ultra Safety Systems junior bilge pump switch. Pricey but worth it.

Dennis C.
Touche’ 35-1


FWIW, this problem was caused by a short within the Water Wizard (?) electronic float switch which was found to have an internal short, thus throwing the bilge pump breaker. It looks like the water tight seal for the wires of the Water Wizard gave it up and allowed water inside, shorting the circuit.

Charlie Nelson
C&C 36 XL/kcb
Water Phantom
Make a contribution at:
https://www.paypal.me/stumurrayhttps://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.paypal.me/stumurray__;!!LIr3w8kk_Xxm!slQTQSIaM7nY3hK-NXmWL7qGheW4wEuZYlYaKKn_6waO0nm2HBodV340IBR86rJ_TsCgT_gYQ45go9mcZv1Jr4g$
Thanks for your help.
Stu
Please show your appreciation for this list and the Photo Album site and help me pay the associated bills.  Make a contribution at:
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Thanks for your help.
Stu
Please show your appreciation for this list and the Photo Album site and help me pay the associated bills.  Make a contribution at:
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Thanks for your help.
Stu