Most float switches are the type that just open or close a circuit as the level of liquid in a tank rises or falls. One type of float switch uses a mercury switch inside a hinged float.
Superior Pump Vertical Float Switch
How does float switch work. How float switches work the purpose of a float switch is to open or close a circuit as the level of a liquid rises or falls. With the more common reed switch the device will have two electrical contacts sealed in a glass casing. Older float switches work by opening and closing circuits dry contacts as water levels rise and fall. The two leads will be close within the housing but they will not be touching. A float switch is a type of level sensor a device used to detect the level of liquid within a tank. They used magnetic reed switches that would complete the circuit once the float reaches its lowest point in the water or when the storage tank is empty.
A float switch works to detect the level of liquid in a tank by using a float magnet and reed switch system that automatically opens and closes when water levels rise and fall inside the tank. Typical float switches are normally resting in the closed position meaning the circuit is incomplete and no electricity is passing through the wires yet. In the case of a float switch with a reed contact with a normally open function on applying a magnetic field the leaves are brought into contact. According to wikipedia a float switch is a type of level sensor a device used to detect the level of liquid within a tank. As the float on the normally open witches rises with liquid level the magnets pull the blades of the reed switch together completing the circuit allowing power to flow to any attached electronics. With normally closed float switches the reed switch opens up as the float and magnets rise with liquid level breaking the electrical circuit.
Old float switch working principle. New float switch working principle in the past old float switches worked byopening and closing dry contacts to send electrical signals that set off a low water level alarm. When the contact between the leaves is made a current can flow via the closed leaves and a switching signal will be detected. Another common type is a float that raises a rod to actuate a microswitch. Most float switches are normally closed meaning the two wires coming from the top of the switch complete a circuit when the float is at its low point resting on its bottom clip for example when a tank is dry. The switch may be used to control a pump as an indicator an alarm or to control other devices.
Gallery of How Does Float Switch Work
