Forum Discussion
DrewE
Jun 30, 2020Explorer II
It's the same basic idea as a 3 way switch for a light in a house that's controlled from two (or more) switches. The two switches are both SPDT switches--single pole, double throw. One of the switches connects the common terminal to power, and then the other two terminals go to two wires to the other switch. That switch has the common terminal connected to the pump. The ground from the pump to the system ground completes the circuit.
If both swtiches are set to the same one of the two wires between them, the circuit is on and power flows to the pump. Flipping either switch will have them connected to different wires and open the circuit; and then flipping the other one (or filipping the first one back) will again turn the circuit back on.
If you want to add one or more additional switches, you put them in between the existing switches (electrically speaking). These additional switches need to be DPDT swtiches--double pole, double throw--and wired criss-crossed so as to either reverse the two wires or not depending on how they are thrown. That's what the linked diagram was trying to show.
If the monitor panel has a pilot light indicating the pump is on, then it's the switch that's wired to the pump, and the bathroom one is the one wired to the positive power supply (which may in turn come from...well, most anywhere, possibly including the monitor panel). The reason for this is that the pilot light is wired in parallel with the pump so it can illuminate when the pump is on.
If both swtiches are set to the same one of the two wires between them, the circuit is on and power flows to the pump. Flipping either switch will have them connected to different wires and open the circuit; and then flipping the other one (or filipping the first one back) will again turn the circuit back on.
If you want to add one or more additional switches, you put them in between the existing switches (electrically speaking). These additional switches need to be DPDT swtiches--double pole, double throw--and wired criss-crossed so as to either reverse the two wires or not depending on how they are thrown. That's what the linked diagram was trying to show.
If the monitor panel has a pilot light indicating the pump is on, then it's the switch that's wired to the pump, and the bathroom one is the one wired to the positive power supply (which may in turn come from...well, most anywhere, possibly including the monitor panel). The reason for this is that the pilot light is wired in parallel with the pump so it can illuminate when the pump is on.
About Technical Issues
Having RV issues? Connect with others who have been in your shoes.24,210 PostsLatest Activity: Mar 07, 2025