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An electric float switch is used to measure the level of water in a tank. A wide array of electrical devices uses it. These switches come in various sizes and complexity. A mercury switch is one of the simple forms of such switches. Complex switches are fitted with optical or conductance sensors which send an alert signal when the fluid reaches a certain level. There are often questions that arise about float switch and how they work. This article answers some of the most commonly asked questions about them: Is it possible to fit a float switch into one of the hot wires of either the submersible pump control box or pressure switch of 200 volt submersible pump of my cistern? What if one of the hot wires tries to operate the pump?
It is quite common thing. Usually a float switch breaks both legs of power. But in certain cases a single pole float switch is used to switch one hot leg of 220 volt power frequently. If the float wiring interrupts one leg of power, it is ok. However, it is better to find out which leg of pump power is operating the pump. That would come in handy in case troubleshooting is required in the future. Can a float switch be used in an underground cistern to control a shallow well jet pump lying above the ground?
Case details: Pump specifications - 1/2 hp, max amp load of 12.4 amps at 115 volts, Float switch specifications - rated for a 1/2 hp pump, max pump run of 13 amps at 120 volts. The normally closed contact of a flexible 16 gauge three wire cable will be used to switch on a light when the water is low. Float switches with a rating of 1/2 HP indicates that they have been designed for higher start currents. In the active state of the pump the lamp won’t light. Hence it will not have more than 12.4 amps of power running through it. How can I connect a 110 float switch to a 220 pump?
Case details: Pump motor specifications - 220 v 1/2 hp Franklin motor. You have to wire the float switch into one of the 220 volt legs. Once done, you just connect the pump to the other side of the float. A boat with a bilge pump has a 3 position switch which activates manual control when turned to the right, left is automatic while turning it to the center switches it off. In the automatic position when the water level rises the pump is turned on by the integral float switch. Can a relay be wired into the circuitry to prevent it from draining the battery when the switch is in inactive mode?
First of all you have to connect a common (12 Vdc -) wire to one side of the relay coil and a keyed hot wire to the other coil terminal. The normally open contacts through which power flows close once the key is turned on. In case the pump is operated by the float route one of the float leads through these normally open contacts on the relay. A common terminal can be noticed upon the examination of the relay. It forms a part of a set of contacts. Normally open and normally closed are the other related terminals. To complete the job normally open contacts have to be used. Regular maintenance is essential to ensure that the float switch doesn’t malfunction and cause damage. It is mandatory to wear rubber boot while doing maintenance work. If the problem is complicated it is better to take the help of a qualified electrician to solve the problem. You should ask an electrician if you have other questions or want to know more about float switch issues.
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