[C320-list] Mystery

[Chris Burti]

You likely have a short circuit.

There are two somewhat separate circuits that can operate your pump and the
following is how mine is wired, if not literally, at least electrically.

One ground wire to the pump, common to both, so that is not the likely
culprit.

One hot wire from the distribution panel bus to the breaker to the switch
and then from the switch's manual pole to the pump creating a switched
circuit for manual operation, again based on your symptoms, not a likely
culprit.

A second hot wire from the 'Auto' pole (bypassing the switch itself) to the
float switch and then to the pump. This stays hot at all times the breaker
is on powering the pump whenever water rises in the bilge. Since the breaker
in your case throws only when the float switch operated, the short is most
likely in the float switch or in the wire between the switch and the pump
(my bet is on the wire or connections).

I'd guess the battery change may be more coincidental than causal.

On Thu, Jul 17, 2008 at 11:40 AM, <hcreech at comcast.net> wrote:

> OK, I need to solicit the aid of those on the list that send out posts
> regarding electrical problems.  You know who you are, the one's that send
> out posts that I, and I suspect, very few on the list understands.
> Here is my mystery:  coincidental to the replacement of one of my
> batteries, the circuit breaker that controls the bilge pump tripped when
> ever the float switch activated.  I could reset the breaker and turn the
> switch on and the pump would work fine, but again every time the float
> switch activated in the auto position the breaker would trip again.  I
> assumed, wrongly, that the float switch itself was the culprit, and I
> replaced it.  No good, still trips.  Therefore I am at a loss to figure out
> what is the exact cause.
> This is why I need your help, as I said, you know who you are!
>
> Sincerely,
> Herb Creech
> Cloud Chaser #606
>



-- 
Chris Burti
Farmville, NC