The items shown are various designs of float switches, a type of liquid level sensor. These devices are used to detect the level of a liquid in a tank, sump, or other container and automatically control connected devices like pumps, valves, or alarms
Specifications
Key Information
Function A float switch operates on the principle of buoyancy. A buoyant float moves up or down with the liquid level. This movement physically or magnetically activates an internal switch (commonly a reed switch or microswitch) to open or close an electrical circuit at a specific, pre-set point.
Types The image displays two primary types:
Cable-suspended float switches (the majority of the items) are attached to a flexible cable and move freely with the liquid in large tanks or sumps. The angle of the tilt determines the switch activation.
Stem-mounted float switches (e.g., the black unit on the right, or the small yellow/blue components) constrain the float's movement along a fixed vertical or horizontal stem, often used for more precise, single-point level detection in smaller spaces.
Applications They are widely used in a variety of residential and industrial applications, including:
Automatic control of sump and bilge pumps.
Water level management in tanks for potable water, wastewater, and sewage systems.
Overfill protection and low-level alarms in industrial processes, the food industry, and HVAC systems.
Configurations Float switches can be wired as normally open (NO) or normally closed (NC) depending on whether they need to turn a device on or off when the liquid level rises or falls to a certain point.
