Float Level Switches

Float-level switches are usually used to control other devices like pumps and alarms when a liquid has risen or fallen to a specific point. These switches are sought after because they are reliable, cost-effective, and can be used in different liquids.

Components of Float Level Switches

Sensor Component – The sensor is the main component of a float-level switch. These sensors activate as fluids fall out of predetermined levels.

Output Signal – As the float level switch’s sensors activate due to changes in fluid level, they provide various output signals which help provide important data to the computer system they are connected to.

Interface – There are different types of displays for float-level switches. Analog displays consist of a button, dial, or needle to set the switch parameters. Digital ones have numeric readings, and they are more user-friendly. Some computer systems may have multiple float-level switches connected to them for monitoring various and interconnected readings. The computer may also be set up to properly arrange input data and give an output display as a video.

How Float Level Switches Function

A float-level switch consists of a hollow body with a sensor or a switch that is usually a reed switch. This electromechanical switch sends signals via an electromagnetic coil. The switch will have a magnet inside. Due to the level of the media within and the force of gravity, the switch closes or opens. The main function of float level switches is to trigger an alarm when the liquid level is outside the standard. The float level switch sends a signal that opens or closes a connected device.

Types of Float Level Switches

The different types of float-level switches include:

Stem-Mounted Float Switches

Stem-mounted float-level switches can be complex or very simple. They can be as simple as point switches consisting of one float on a single stem. Stem-mounted float switches can also have multi-point switches consisting of several floats on one stem. They can be present in horizontal and vertical orientations. They constrain the motion of the float.

Cable-Suspended Float Switches

As the name suggests, these float switches are suspended to a cable above the determined fluid level. Their sensors are then activated as liquid levels change, and their (floating) position with the cable and the liquid level is altered- for example, the switch will become more horizontal as it begins to float through an increased liquid level. They can be simple and have a single point that controls a switch, or they can be complex with many switch points. If the cable-suspended switch is not tethered, it will simply comply with the liquid level.

Applications of Float Level Switches

Float-level switches have several uses and applications across various industries. Some of their uses are seen in the following industries

• Aerospace
• Automotive
• Manufacturing
• Mining
• Medical

Benefits of Float Level Switches

Float-level switches are packed with numerous economic advantages for controlling, monitoring, and regulating liquids.

Waste Prevention – Controlling bulk liquid material helps in avoiding waste from overflows and spillages. The correct amount of liquid or fluids is maintained constantly with continuous level measurement.

Money Savings – The use of float-level switches has greatly helped to save money in various industries. Float-level switches can provide detailed data on the quantities and volume of the materials in question.

Reliability - The design of float-level switches caters for great performance and accuracy of data.

Switch Installation – The installation of these switches is very easy. This is an advantage if changes are made in storage arrangements and their location needs to be altered as a result.

Compact Benefit – They have a compact design. This makes them easy to fit into any container despite its size, location, dimensions, or shape.

Switch Sensitivity – Float-level switches have a high level of sensitivity, and they provide very precise data