On Mon, 23 May 2005 23:34:33 +0100, Kalico wrote:

We have a new float switch in the bilge that pumps out when activated
at a certain level.

There is also a switch on the panel.

Previously, the switch on the panel supplied power to the bilge pump
switch, so that if the panel switch was off the pump would not run, no
matter what level the float switch. ie. they were in series.

The new float switch has been fitted in parallel to the panel switch.
Now, the pump will run when either the panel switch OR the float
switch is on. Before, they both had to be on.

What is everyone's thoughts about the best format? Series or
parallel?

It was useful before to be able to switch off the pump when in a
marina etc. Now, even if the panel switch is off, the float switch
can run the pump and there is no way to turn off.

Equally, a parallel arrangement allows the pump to run even if the
switch has been turned off, although I cannot see why one would want
to run it manually - the float switch should already have kicked in.

Hope I've made it clear enough.

Thanks
Rob


Replace 'spam' with 'org' to reply

Float switches fail more often than regular switches.
So the parallel arrangement has its merits.

Brian W