Float Switches
Level Float Switch | 100mm Polypropylene | M10 for Water Tanks
TBS-06341SWIT-00029
£4.99
Float Switches
10 products available
A float switch is a mechanical sensor used to detect the level of liquid within a tank, sump, or vessel. It operates a switch to trigger an alarm, start or stop a pump, or signal a controller. Compel supplies float switches designed for reliable performance in industrial machinery, water treatment facilities, and process control systems.
Our range includes vertical and horizontal mount float switches in durable materials like 304 and 316 stainless steel or corrosion-resistant PP plastic. We offer configurations for high-temperature environments, dual-level control, and compatibility with various control voltages. Find the specific steel float or cabled controller your application requires, available for global dispatch.
10 products in Float Switches
Float Switches
Steel Float Switch | 10W Pump Control | Tank Water Level Sensor
TBS-06358SWIT-00034
£5.99
Float Switches
Float Switch | Water Level Sensor for Sump Pumps | 0-110V DC Control
TBS-06357SWIT-00033
£4.99
Float Switches
Steel Float Switch | L-Type Liquid Level Sensor | For Tank or Pool
TBS-06312SWIT-00027
£8.99
Float Switches
Float Switch for Water Tanks | 3 Meter Cable Controller | M15 Series Sensor
TBS-06311SWIT-00026
£14.99
Float Switches
Steel Float Switch | Dual Ball for Tank Level | 220mm Vertical
TBS-06308SWIT-00025
£11.99
Float Switches
Float Switch | Tank & Pool Water Level Sensor | PP Plastic Ball
TBS-06352SWIT-00032
£6.99
Float Switches
Angle Float Switch | Liquid Level Sensor for Aquariums | 220V DC
TBS-06351SWIT-00031
£6.99
Float Switches
Switch | High Temp Stainless Steel | Water Tower Level Control
TBS-06350SWIT-00030
£10.99
Float Switches
Steel Float Switch | 304 Grade | Automatic Tank Level Sensor
TBS-06338SWIT-00028
£4.99
Material Selection: Stainless Steel vs. PP Plastic
Choosing the correct material is for switch longevity and reliable operation. The primary choice is between stainless steel and polypropylene (PP) plastic.
A steel float switch, typically made from 304 or 316 grade stainless steel, is the standard for high-temperature applications like industrial water towers and boiler feed tanks. It provides superior mechanical strength and resistance to physical damage. PP plastic switches are a cost-effective and chemically resistant option for general-purpose water and liquid level sensing in tanks, pools, and sump pumps where temperatures are moderate.
- Stainless Steel: Use for high temperatures, high-pressure systems, or where mechanical durability is a primary concern.
- PP Plastic: A reliable choice for general water level control, aquariums, and applications involving many common chemicals at ambient temperatures.
Switch Configuration: Single vs. Dual Float and Mounting
The switch configuration determines how your system responds to level changes. A single float switch provides one trigger point, ideal for a simple high-level alarm or low-level cutoff. A dual ball float switch has two floats on a single stem, enabling pump control between two set points to automatically maintain a level.
Mounting style depends on your tank's design. Vertical switches are installed from the top of a tank and are the most common type. Horizontal, side-mount, or L-type switches are used when top access is limited or when detection is required at a specific point on the tank wall.
Matching Electrical Ratings to Your Control System
Verify that the switch's electrical ratings match your control circuit. Our float switches are available for a wide spectrum of systems, from low-voltage DC (0-110V) for PLC and Arduino controllers to 220V circuits.
Pay close attention to the power rating (e.g., 10W). A float switch is a pilot-duty device designed to signal a controller or relay, not to directly switch a high-power load like a pump motor. Using a switch to directly control a motor will cause it to fail. Always use an appropriately rated relay or contactor between the float switch and a high-current device.
Buying guide
Choosing Float Switches
- When is a stainless steel float switch required over a plastic one?
- Select a stainless steel float switch for high-temperature liquids, such as in industrial water towers, or when superior mechanical durability is needed. PP plastic switches are a dependable, cost-effective choice for general water level sensing in lower-temperature environments like sumps and tanks.
- What is the function of a dual ball float switch?
- A dual ball float switch uses two floats to control the level between two points. It can activate a pump to fill a tank when the level hits the lower float and stop it at the upper float, or vice versa for draining. A single switch provides only one trigger point.
- Can I use a 10W float switch to directly power my pump?
- No. A float switch with a low power rating is for pilot duty only and will be damaged by a pump's high startup current. You must use the float switch to signal a relay or contactor that is rated to handle the pump's motor load.
- Are your float switches compatible with PLC or Arduino controllers?
- Yes, many of our switches operate on low-voltage DC and function as simple digital inputs, making them suitable for PLCs and microcontrollers. Always confirm the switch's voltage range (e.g., 0-110V DC) is compatible with your controller's input specifications.
- How do I determine the correct stem length for a vertical float switch?
- Measure your tank's depth and decide on the actuation levels. The stem must be long enough for the float to travel to these levels. Our switches are available in various lengths from 45mm to over 400mm to fit different tank sizes.
- Does an IP68 rating on a cabled switch mean the entire assembly is waterproof?
- The IP68 rating applies to the sealed float body and the cable, certifying it for continuous immersion. However, the point where the cable is terminated must be housed in a separate, appropriately rated waterproof enclosure to protect the electrical connection.