Quote:
Originally Posted by Eb0la11
Wow, thanks Kien. I think that the autotopoff.com one looks like a winner to me. Not sure if you can answer a couple more q's?
Whats the difference between a single switch ATO and double switch?
Does this ATO system come with a pump or just a switch that will turn a pump on and off? Would I need to use this in conjunction with my bilge pump?
|
The double switch ATO has a secondary float switch that turns off your pump if it triggers. Here's how the whole contraption works..
1. First float switch detects the drop in water level -> switches on your pump
2. Pump pumps water from reservoir into your sump.
3. Float switch detects that water has return to a good level -> switches off your pump
4.... if your first float switch gets stuck, it won't register the rise in water so your pump will just keep pumping in water from your reservoir.. but switch #2 comes to the rescue.
5. If the water raises to the level of switch #2 (somewhere higher in the sump), then it activates and turns OFF your pump.
I don't see why you couldn't use your bilge pump. It doesn't have to be that powerful though. I use a wee little $10 no name brand pump that is submersed in my fresh water reservoir.
One note of caution when setting this up: Be sure to have the outlet from your top off nozzle higher than the top of the reservoir level, otherwise you will create a siphon and even when the pump is turned OFF water will continue siphon out of your reservoir!
K.