Two Float Valves in Sump Pit ??

[thubten]

Hi,
I have a sump pit with two sump pumps on different AC circuits as well as different output lines. I also in the basement have an ejector pit with one grinder pump in it.
I find that inevitably the pumps and the grinder pump lasts indefinitely but the cheap Chinese float valves **** out.
Is there a way to install two cheap Chines float valves so that if one craps the other takes over? I have the kind that plug in to the AC and then the pump plugs into that plug.
Any ideas?

 

[Lassen Forge]

If you can find a pair that are wired like a 3 way switch, then yes, but I haven't seen anything like that.

 

[LinuxMercedes]

What you want to do is run both switches in parallel so if either one switches on, the sump pump switches on.

You can do this by plugging both switches into the same circuit and making a Y cable with two male plugs and one female plug. Kind of a reverse of this splitter:

BE CAREFUL; if one switch is on and you unplug one end of the Y cable, the male plug will be live. However, that shouldn't be much of an issue unless you commonly unplug your sump pump while it's on. If you're worried about that, you can make up something with a few relays so all the switching logic happens at a less dangerous voltage.

 

[larry_g]

How do you tell if one switch has failed? Two switches is a good idea but only if you have a system in place to say one has failed and the backup switch is in use. Otherwise you are just delaying until the second switch fails and you flood.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[Terrick down Under]

Just a hint from me.
If you use cheap silicone cables ,then they will go hard and not activate, especially in hard ground water and water that has chlorine. (BTW, Good silicone cable will cost about triple the cost of the cheap ones and not get brittle for years).
I use the mid price floats with rubber cables, in Bore, chlorinated and hard ground water they tend to last about 4 years.
You can also get "vertical mast floats" that work really well but are twice the price. Still have the same piggy-back plug for safety and convenience.
This is just an example of the vertical..
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Superior-Pu...372440?hash=item1ea2160ad8:g:LT4AAOSw6BtVTEua
Terrick
PM me if you would like to.

 

[Terrick down Under]

BTW if you plug two switches into the same power receptacle and either one fails then the pump still wont start.
terrick