Both of my bilge pump float switches appear to be non-functioning. My bilge pumps will turn on manually with the switch at the helm. A third float switch for the high-water alarm will sound the alarm very briefly (a little chirp is emitted), but not continuously and certainly not enough to be effective. At the moment, I'm not sure if it is a wiring issue (corrosion?) or a float switch issue. Float switches are the original (10 years old) and not-so-highly-regarded Rule-a-matic. I'm a little suspicious that both would fail at the same time; however, it seems possible that I may have been relying on one switch for some time and only now my second switch has failed.

My question is this... If I cut the two wires at either float switch and touch them together, should I expect the bilge pumps to turn on (bypassing the switch)? I intend to replace the switches anyway due to age / reliability, but I'm trying to confirm wiring is OK.

Thanks,
Jeff

One of the wires to the switch should be a 12 volt source, the other should go to the pump. If you cut the wires and touch them together the pump should turn on. If it doesn't check for voltage on the wire not going to the pump to a ground and make sure there is 12 volts there. If there isn't you need to dig further.

Not sure how they are wired from the factory but should be straight off a battery (stay on even when you turn your battery selector switch to off)