best way to extend the switch on an ATO

PapaKlix · 06/18/2009, 03:11 PM

got my ATO from autotopoff.com and need to extend the switch to reach my pump, located about 40' away. the 2 float switches are wired to some sort of switch box via white 22 ga wire, is it OK to cut into this wire to extend it so that the switch is in the basement with my RO/DI reservoir or would it be better to extend the heavier gauge power cord?

i hope the 22 ga is fine as this will be a much easier cord to run.

brad2157 · 06/18/2009, 03:49 PM

I would cut the wires and run a thicker gauge wire to your pump and make certain to waterproof the wire area where you do your splicing at to keep water from getting in and shorting out the wires. You could get some heatshrink tubing and slip over the wires before you splice and heat it up with a heat-gun or a hair dryer, then wrap electrical tape over the ends.

Reefer2727 · 06/18/2009, 04:53 PM

What kind of pump are you running?

THE ROOK · 06/18/2009, 05:22 PM

I'd open the box & remove the old pump cord. Then cut & install a 50 foot extension cord into the box.

PapaKlix · 06/18/2009, 05:43 PM

thanks for the replies - the pump is a fountain tech ft-300, rated for the head height that i require. paul from autotopoff responded to an e-mail i had sent saying that they had run 30' extensions to the float wires with no problem in the past. i'm going to set it up and test it before i run the wires, but that's the route i'll be taking.

PapaKlix · 06/18/2009, 10:25 PM

in case anyone is curious, i used about 50' worth of 22awg wire to extend the float wire and it worked just fine. it worked so fine that it shocked me - i was tired and not thinking... plugged the switch side in and went to connect the wire to the float switches, grabbed the wires like nothing was going to happen and got a little buzz

oh well, it's working great now - pretty easy to do at the end of the day, so happy i don't have to lug pitchers of water twice a day and i'm guessing the more steady salinity will help the tank.

PRDubois · 06/19/2009, 12:40 AM

You can buy waterproof caps at the hardware store in the Sprinkler section.
Made for wire conncetions under ground.

06/18/2009, 03:11 PM	#1
PapaKlix Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Central Massachusetts Posts: 374	best way to extend the switch on an ATO got my ATO from autotopoff.com and need to extend the switch to reach my pump, located about 40' away. the 2 float switches are wired to some sort of switch box via white 22 ga wire, is it OK to cut into this wire to extend it so that the switch is in the basement with my RO/DI reservoir or would it be better to extend the heavier gauge power cord? i hope the 22 ga is fine as this will be a much easier cord to run.

06/19/2009, 12:40 AM	#7
PRDubois Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Chester, VA Posts: 3,626	You can buy waterproof caps at the hardware store in the Sprinkler section. Made for wire conncetions under ground. __________________ http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2534403 Current Tank Info: 225 gal Reef, 60 gal reef & 40b frag tank

06/18/2009, 03:49 PM	#2
brad2157 Registered Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Pleasant View, TN Posts: 112	I would cut the wires and run a thicker gauge wire to your pump and make certain to waterproof the wire area where you do your splicing at to keep water from getting in and shorting out the wires. You could get some heatshrink tubing and slip over the wires before you splice and heat it up with a heat-gun or a hair dryer, then wrap electrical tape over the ends.

06/18/2009, 04:53 PM	#3
Reefer2727 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Canada Posts: 995	What kind of pump are you running?

06/18/2009, 05:22 PM	#4
THE ROOK Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Springfield, MA Posts: 2,100	I'd open the box & remove the old pump cord. Then cut & install a 50 foot extension cord into the box.

06/18/2009, 05:43 PM	#5
PapaKlix Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Central Massachusetts Posts: 374	thanks for the replies - the pump is a fountain tech ft-300, rated for the head height that i require. paul from autotopoff responded to an e-mail i had sent saying that they had run 30' extensions to the float wires with no problem in the past. i'm going to set it up and test it before i run the wires, but that's the route i'll be taking.

06/18/2009, 10:25 PM	#6
PapaKlix Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Central Massachusetts Posts: 374	in case anyone is curious, i used about 50' worth of 22awg wire to extend the float wire and it worked just fine. it worked so fine that it shocked me - i was tired and not thinking... plugged the switch side in and went to connect the wire to the float switches, grabbed the wires like nothing was going to happen and got a little buzz oh well, it's working great now - pretty easy to do at the end of the day, so happy i don't have to lug pitchers of water twice a day and i'm guessing the more steady salinity will help the tank.