Single throw pump switch

Abstract

A single pole, snap action, sump pump switch is disclosed having a housing containing a single electrically conductive contact arm with a contact mounted on a forward end portion, which arm is pivotally movable between on and off positions. The contact arm contains a pair of pivot tabs projecting from opposite sides on a rear end portion thereof, which pivot tabs fit within rearwardly opening, triangularly shaped notches on a U-shaped terminal. The notches form a fulcrum about which the contact arm rocks through the U-shaped member when switching between the on and off positions. An actuator arm is pivotally mounted between a pair of shoulders formed on opposing sidewalls within the housing and projects out of a rear end of the housing for connection to a float bulb assembly. A forward end of the actuator arm fits within a recess in one end of a pivot bushing. The other end of the bushing is open to receive one end of a coiled spring therein, the other end being compressed against a rear edge of the contact arm surrounding a centering tab. The actuator arm, bushing and spring combination, directly actuates the contact arm near the fulcrum, thus, providing a relatively long lever arm between the fulcrum and the contact to produce strong forces for moving the contact.