[C320-list] Mystery

[hcreech at comcast.net]

Chris,
Are you talking about the ground wire that is hooked to the pump itself?  I guess being under the settee it could have been knocked loose when I was puting stuff in the area.  Going to the Eastern Shore this weekend on a FOP cruise, I'll check it out and let you know what I found.
Thanks, for your suggestions.  

Herb Creech

 -------------- Original message ----------------------
From: "Chris Burti" <clburti at gmail.com>
> 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