A float switch is a level sensor used to detect the level of liquid usually in a tank, container or well. The flotation part of the device sits on top of the liquid and will switch on the rise and fall of the liquid. Float switches are used for automatic level control of groundwater, wastewater, and sewage pumps, for raw water and liquid transfer pumps at waterworks, and for high water alarm.

Float switches have numerous features and benefits, the most important is for the protection of equipment, they are also used due to their highly flexible, extremely insensitive to turbulence, they are both shock and rupture proof, and have high mechanical load rating.

How does a Float Switch work?

Float switches have a reed switch and a pivoted magnet and can be used for normally open (N/O) or normally closed (N/C) operation. The switch action can be reversed rotating the switch through 180°.

The switch sits on top of a water level and the changing fluid level will cause the reed change to work (for instance close or open) at a specific level. The internal mechanical switch opens or closes the electrical circuit with gravity which enables it to turn equipment on and off such as a water pump. They can be mounted in a variety of ways due to work with the applicational requirements, one of the most popular being vertical float switches, and come with different voltages such as240V as well as various others dependent upon use.

What materials are float switches made of?

• Nylon – used for oils, diesel, organic chemicals.
• Polypropylene (PP) – acids and alkali, detergents, oils, water, organic chemicals.
• Polyphenylene sulphide (PPS) – used for more aggressive chemicals, and higher temperatures, up to 120ºC.
• Stainless steel – medical and food industries, hydraulic fluids, chemicals.

Browse the broad range of Float Switches RS Group has to offer from brands such as Xylem and Atmi and order today for next day delivery.