Adding a third water pump switch

[Crankshaft]

Originally Posted by Gary RVRoamer

Apparently you now have 3-way switches that directly power the pump, but the best way to handle multiple switches is with a pump control relay. The switches simply tell the controller that you want the pump activated and the controller does the actual power switching. That would mean a complete rewiring, though.

Here is one popular pump controller:
search

Another alternative is adding a wireless remote to an existing switch, and using the remote at the new location. The common ones are fey fb types, though, so not sure your wife will be able to use those easily.

Amazon.com: 1 Channel Wireless Controller (On/Off) 12V Electronics 15 Amp High Power: Electronics

Thanks for the links

[Crankshaft]

Originally Posted by dabrooks

Here is another latching relay. Intellitec Water Pump Controller, 10 Amp, Latching, 00-00145-100

So what all is involved in converting over to one of these relay units? What kind of switches do I need? What has to be or redone with the wiring?

[Crankshaft]

Originally Posted by YC1

DC 12V 10A Relay 1CH Wireless RF Remote Control Switch Transmitter Receiver New | eBay

Here is a possible solution. A wireless switch. Just velcro the key fob in a convenient location.

I've seen these before. Wiring them up is where I get stuck. If the switch has 12 volts in the center and the outer 2 are travelers, which traveler gets the 12 volts from the wireless module? Or do you hook it to both of them?

[YC1]

Originally Posted by Crankshaft

I've seen these before. Wiring them up is where I get stuck. If the switch has 12 volts in the center and the outer 2 are travelers, which traveler gets the 12 volts from the wireless module? Or do you hook it to both of them?

I would have to see the device. It probably has a simple relay output and you can supply 12 volts to on contact or ground and then output it to the water pump circuit.

[dpinvidic]

Originally Posted by Crankshaft

The inside switch has a separate indicator light, no light in the switch in the water bay. The switches are not momentary. The only way into the half bathroom is behind the vanity. The only way to get behind the vanity is to take the sink out. Did that once, it can be done again. Is there any reason I just can't piggy back another switch onto the switch in the water bay?

If you turn the pump on with one switch, can you turn it off with the other switch?
if not, then yes, you can piggy back a switch.

If yes, then you need s 6 terminal switch which can connect to wet bay switch.

Look up How To Wire A 3way Switch with google, and then adding a 4way switch.

Dan

[Crankshaft]

Originally Posted by dpinvidic

If you turn the pump on with one switch, can you turn it off with the other switch?
if not, then yes, you can piggy back a switch.

If yes, then you need s 6 terminal switch which can connect to wet bay switch.

Look up How To Wire A 3way Switch with google, and then adding a 4way switch.

Dan

One switch can turn on and the other can turn off, 3 wires at each switch, 12 volt wire and 2 travelers. I checked 4 way switch wiring diagrams on Google and then attempted to find a 12 volt 4 way switch. None to be found. Based on the diagrams I'm seeing, wouldn't a DPDT switch do the same thing? Connect the middle terminals together and then run the travelers through the top and bottom terminals. Am I missing some special function of the 4 way switch that this won't accomplish?

[twinboat]

There is another option.

I picked up a small, 2 gallon pressure tank and push fit tee from Home Depot. I cut into the cold water system under the sink in a dead space. With PEX pipe, you could put it anywhere.

I did this to cut down on pump cycling but discovered we could get 3 or 4 flushs, with out the pump running. Now we travel with the pump off.

Just be sure it is designed for potable water.

[pasdad1]

Originally Posted by Crankshaft

One switch can turn on and the other can turn off, 3 wires at each switch, 12 volt wire and 2 travelers. I checked 4 way switch wiring diagrams on Google and then attempted to find a 12 volt 4 way switch. None to be found. Based on the diagrams I'm seeing, wouldn't a DPDT switch do the same thing? Connect the middle terminals together and then run the travelers through the top and bottom terminals. Am I missing some special function of the 4 way switch that this won't accomplish?

Here is another option for you.

Use one of the remote control relays that is a simple on/off. You have been given some examples in prior posts.

since you are just worried about having the pump on in certain situations, don't mess with the existing switches or wiring as it works now. Simply use the remote relay to cut the 12 volt feed to the pump when you want.

Then leave one of your existing switches turned "on" and cut the power with the remote control when you want.

This method won't turn on the pump if the other switches are set to "off"....however this isn't a problem since you will know how it works.

It is also easy to undo this modification when the time comes to trade in or sell the coach.

[Crankshaft]

Originally Posted by pasdad1

Here is another option for you.

Use one of the remote control relays that is a simple on/off. You have been given some examples in prior posts.

since you are just worried about having the pump on in certain situations, don't mess with the existing switches or wiring as it works now. Simply use the remote relay to cut the 12 volt feed to the pump when you want.

Then leave one of your existing switches turned "on" and cut the power with the remote control when you want.

This method won't turn on the pump if the other switches are set to "off"....however this isn't a problem since you will know how it works.

It is also easy to undo this modification when the time comes to trade in or sell the coach.

So, your saying that the remote relay would be installed on the positive side of the pump line after the switches. Turn the pump on with the inside switch and then the remote becomes a wireless on and off switch for the pump.

I like it.

Thanks

[dpinvidic]

Originally Posted by Crankshaft

One switch can turn on and the other can turn off, 3 wires at each switch, 12 volt wire and 2 travelers. I checked 4 way switch wiring diagrams on Google and then attempted to find a 12 volt 4 way switch. None to be found. Based on the diagrams I'm seeing, wouldn't a DPDT switch do the same thing? Connect the middle terminals together and then run the travelers through the top and bottom terminals. Am I missing some special function of the 4 way switch that this won't accomplish?

Yes, you can use a DPDT switch.
I think you understand how to wire it.

In your current setup, the wires you call travelers, are basically parallel wires, and only one at a time is being used.

If you went to your RV and swapped the connection of the travelers, the pump would toggle to the opposite state. With the DPDT switch, you want to cut the travelers, then use the new switch to restore the connection. When the new switch is thrown, it basically swaps the travelers.

Let me know if this makes sense, or I can draw a diagram.

Regards,

Dan

[dpinvidic]

Originally Posted by Crankshaft

So, your saying that the remote relay would be installed on the positive side of the pump line after the switches. Turn the pump on with the inside switch and then the remote becomes a wireless on and off switch for the pump.

I like it.

Thanks

Remember, if you do this, the remote becomes a master switch. When on, the other switches work as normal, when off, other switches are useless.

Regards,

Dan

[dpinvidic]

Forgot to add.
To wire the DPDT switch, take 2 short wires and connect the corner terminals in a X configuration.

This lets the switch "cross" connect the travelers.
then cut one traveler and connect one end to center terminal, and the other end to a end terminal.
Repeat for other traveler.

Hope this helps.

Dan

[Crankshaft]

Originally Posted by dpinvidic

Remember, if you do this, the remote becomes a master switch. When on, the other switches work as normal, when off, other switches are useless.

Regards,

Dan

This is going to be the easiest way to add the third switch. Granted, it will be the master switch but as long as we don't forget how we redid the wiring we should be OK. I have a remote relay on order from EBay.

[Crankshaft]

Originally Posted by dpinvidic

Forgot to add.
To wire the DPDT switch, take 2 short wires and connect the corner terminals in a X configuration.

This lets the switch "cross" connect the travelers.
then cut one traveler and connect one end to center terminal, and the other end to a end terminal.
Repeat for other traveler.

Hope this helps.

Dan

Thanks for the help