Level Sensor | Plastic Float Switch for Pools | 12-24V Operation

This horizontal float switch is a simple way to sense liquid levels in a tank. It reliably finds when water reaches a certain point. This lets you control a pump, a light, or an alarm. This sensor works with systems from 12V to 24V. Features and Benefits - Simple Float Mechanism - A floating magnet activates a sealed reed switch. This design works consistently for pump control. - Horizontal Side Mounting - This switch installs through the side wall of a tank. It detects a specific high or low water level. - Reversible Operation - You can set the switch to either close a circuit (turn on) or open a circuit (turn off) when the water level rises. You do this by flipping the float. - PP Plastic Construction - The polypropylene body works with water, weak acids, and oils. This makes it good for aquariums or as a sump pump switch. Applications - Aquarium Auto Top-Off - Use this switch to automatically refill your aquarium's sump when water evaporates. - Tank Pump Control - Install it to keep a pump from running dry or to stop a tank from overflowing. - Sump Pits & Pools - This switch can trigger a pump or an alarm when water in a sump pit or skimmer reaches a certain level. Mechanical / Float Sensors This product, a plastic float switch, operates by physically sensing the liquid level. As a float switch, it contains a magnetic switch or reed switch which is activated when the float rises or falls with the liquid. This provides a clear "on" or "off" signal, indicating whether a specific level has been reached. It is designed for horizontal mounting and operates on 12-24V DC. Understanding how water level sensors work, particularly this type, involves recognising the simple yet effective mechanical movement that triggers the electrical signal. Ultrasonic Sensors (Non-Contact) While this specific product is a float switch, ultrasonic sensors offer an alternative method for liquid level sensing. These work by emitting sound waves and measuring the time it takes for the echo to return from the liquid surface. This non-contact approach is ideal for applications where the sensor cannot directly touch the liquid or where maintenance needs to be minimal. Unlike a float switch, which provides a discrete "on/off" signal, ultrasonic sensors can provide a continuous measurement of the liquid level. Submersible Hydrostatic Pressure Sensors Submersible hydrostatic pressure sensors determine liquid level by measuring the pressure exerted by the column of liquid above them. As the liquid level rises, the pressure increases, and the sensor converts this pressure into an electrical signal. This type of water level sensor is typically submerged directly into the liquid. It offers a continuous output, providing precise readings over a range of levels, which differs from the simple "on/off" operation of a float switch like this product. Capacitive Sensors Capacitive sensors detect liquid levels by measuring changes in electrical capacitance. A probe, often insulated, is submerged into the liquid. The surrounding liquid acts as a dielectric, and as the level changes, the capacitance between the probe and a reference point alters. This change is then converted into an electrical signal. These sensors can be used for both conductive and non-conductive liquids and offer a non-mechanical solution, contrasting with the physical float mechanism of the plastic float switch. Optical Sensors Optical sensors for liquid level detection work by using light. They typically employ an infrared LED and a phototransistor. When the sensor tip is immersed in liquid, the light refracts differently than when it is in air, causing less light to return to the phototransistor. This change in light detection triggers an output signal. These sensors are often compact and can be used for point-level detection, similar in function to the "on/off" signal provided by a float switch for pools.