Pump float switches, available in several styles, help take the guess work out of operating your sump and sewage systems. When you are looking for a way to prevent water damage, these sump pump switches offer a simple, helpful solution.
Wide Angle Liquid Level Control Float Switch
Shown: 20' Float Switch
Float switch features:
- Wide angle liquid level control is an in-line control for automatic operation of switch-less pump motors
- For use with sewage lift pumps, relay controlled packages, sump pumps, alarm systems, or liquid level control applications
- Float switch is a direct-acting, in-line control system for automatically controlling small pumps in water and sewage systems
- Switch comes equipped with a piggyback plug to allow the pump motor to plug directly into it
- Furnished with an adjustable strap for mounting to a discharge pipe
- Housing made from corrosion resistant ABS material
- These switches do not contain mercury
- Easy to install and extremely reliable
- Pump DOWN (emptying liquids) and Pump UP (filling liquids) style float switches available
- Typical float switch installation
- NOTE: Do not use these float switches in potable water, gasoline, volatile substances, or any other combustible liquids
Pump DOWN Style Float Switches
(Electricity is turned ON when float is UP)
Please note the 100' float switch has a lead time of 2-3 days to ship.
Order 6, 12, 24 or more of the same item for additional savings!
Pricing discounts will show up in your shopping cart.
Pump UP Style Float Switches
(Electricity is turned ON when float is DOWN)
Please note the 100' float switch has a lead time of 2-3 days to ship.
Order 6, 12, 24 or more of the same item for additional savings!
Pricing discounts will show up in your shopping cart.
Prevent flooding from power loss by ordering a failed circuit alarm.
Caution: some suppliers sell lower priced mercury switches. Float balls can leak eventually and mercury is toxic, therefore, we don't want to sell mercury floats.
| Float Switch Adjustment Information (in inches) |
Differential
Tether Length
Tether Location*
|
7.5
3
4
|
11.5
6
6
|
15.5
9
8
|
19.5
12
10
|
23.5
15
12
|
27.5
18
14
|
32
21
16
|
36
24
18
|
40
27
20
|
44
30
22
|
48
33
24
|
52
36
26
|
| * Tether location is approx. and may need to be varied to achieve appropriate turn-on/off positions. |
INSTALLATION:
- Using the above table, determine the differential (distance between the On and Off positions), the tether length required to achieve the differential, and the location of the tether point.
- Using the tie wrap provided, secure the cord to a rigid surface (i.e. the discharge pipe) at the appropriate tether location. Ensure that the float switch swings freely from the tether location and the float switch will not be obstructed during operation.
- Insert the piggyback plug into a grounded receptacle equipped with a ground fault interrupter device, then insert the plug from the pump into the piggyback plug. Apply power to the equipment.
VERIFY OPERATION
- Fill the liquid level container with water until the pump turns on.
- Ensure that the pump removes the water and turns off before the pump runs out of water. Note: Ensure that the switch turns off at least two inches above the bottom of the pump intake.
- Ensure that there are no obstructions in the upward and downward movement of the float switch.
- If the on and off points are incorrect, disconnect power from the equipment. For a larger differential, increase the cord tether length. If the differential is correct, but the level is incorrect, the tether point may need to be changed. Apply power to the equipment, and repeat steps 1 through 4.
- After all adjustments have been completed, tighten the tie wrap to ensure the cord is held securely.
HIGH TEMPERATURE - Narrow Angle Liquid Level Control Float Switch
Float switch features:
- Pump DOWN (emptying liquids) style float switch
- Maximum operating temperature: 190° F.
- Electrical rating: 120 Volt AC 10 AMP maximum, 240 Volt AC 5 AMP maximum
- Narrow angle liquid level control is an in-line control for automatic operation of manual pump motors used in conjunction with a control panel
- For use with sewage lift pumps, relay controlled packages, sump pumps, alarm systems, or liquid level control applications
- 50 ft. cord, shipped without a plug since it is meant for use with a control panel
- Housing made from corrosion resistant ABS material
- These switches are direct acting and do not contain mercury
- Easy to install extremely accurate and reliable
- NOTE: Do not use these float switches in potable water, gasoline, volatile substances, or any other combustible liquids
High Temperature Narrow Angle Float Switch with 50' Cord = $228.33
Little Giant RS-5LL Remote Switch
Converts manual 115 Volt pumps (up to 10 amps) to automatic operation
Remote switch features:
This remote switch can be used as an alarm when used as an on/off switch for a
120V alarm system such as a horn or light. This system comes with a 25ft cord, and can convert manual pumps to automatic operation.
However, please see the
related FAQ below.
Easy Installation:
- Use with 115 volt pump rated 10 amps or less
- Attach the RS-5LL to a pipe with the cable ties provided.
- Slots are also provided at the upper collar of the switch housing
to enable you to secure the switch to piping.
- The other cable tie should be used to secure the power cord to the piping
approximately 3" above the switch collar as shown in image to the left.
- Plug in the system and you're ready to go.
- View a typical installation diagram
This is the same switch used on the Little Giant #5-APCP pool cover pumps
Compact Sump Pump Float Control
Float Control Features:
- Very easy installation, can be installed in minutes
- ABS plastic housing for switch
- Use for 110/120 volt pump units with up to 15 amp motor, piggyback cord
- 40" length, 2"id PVC insert tube (2 3/8"od)
- For sump pits with very limited space, as small as 3 inches diameter, (too small for conventional float switches)
- Designed for sump pit with a maximum depth of 30 inches
- Minimum water draw 3.5" (+/- 1")
- Maximum water level 26"
- Minimum on/off pump range 3" (+/- 1")
- Maximum on/off pump range 23" (+/- 1")
- Easy adjustments of water depth by movement of start and stop positions
- Float made of marine foam filled tube
- Drip proof design
- Can convert narrow water range pump into a wide water range
- Self tap lock screw to prevent top control unit separation
- View exploded view of inner works
- View typical installation diagram
Order 6, 12, 24 or more of the same item for additional savings!
Pricing discounts will show up in your shopping cart.
SumpWatcher - Electronic Sump Pump Switch!
Electronic Sewage Pump Switch (effluent)
SumpWatcher Features:
- Replaces most float switches
- Makes most manual pumps automatic
- Use the Smart Button to program a precisely timed pump cycle
- Simply secure the sensor to the discharge pipe
- Sensor should be placed slightly below the water inlet piping
- The sensor is never submerged in water, so is unaffected by water
with high mineral or iron content
- Pump will turn on when water touches the sensor tip
- Pump turns off when the timed cycle length is completed
- Fits in very narrow sump pits, where most floats are hard to fit
- Ideal for a second pump when space in the pit becomes very tight
- Installation is easy, requiring no tools
- Plugs into a standard electrical outlet
- No mechanical parts to wear out
- This electronic switch has intelligence built-in
- The built-in intelligence warns if there is a problem with the pump
- Sensor cable length (approx): 144" (12 ft.)
- Control unit dimensions (approx): 3-1/2"L x 2-3/4"W x 2-1/2"H
- View SumpWatcher sump pump controller installation instructions
Note: these electronic pump switches work with sump or sewage pumps rated up to 13.8 amps.
Frequently Asked Questions About These Float Switches
What is a float switch?
The float switch is what turns your sump pump on and off in response to the water level in the sump pit. It's like a beach ball that "floats" on top of the water. When the water rises, the float rises with it. When it gets high enough, a switch inside the float closes and turns on the pump, draining the pit. When the water drops low enough, the switch inside the float opens and turns the pump off. And the cycle is repeated hundreds, thousands, and even hundreds of thousands of times during the life of the switch.
Why will it eventually fail?
The float switch can fail for any number of reasons. Many times the float simply gets stuck between the pump and the wall of the sump pit. That's because the pump vibrates slightly whenever it runs, and can "walk" across the bottom of the pit, eventually trapping the float between it and the side of the pit. Other times, after so many up and down cycles, it just gives out and stops responding to the rise and fall of the water in the pit. Often it stops working while the pump is running. When this happens, the pump is left switched on so that it runs continuously until it burns itself out. You can't do regular maintenance on a float switch, you can only replace it once it fails.
How long do these float switches last?
Sooner or later the float switch on your sump pump is going to fail. There is no way to predict when it will happen, and there isn't any way to tell when it is starting to fail. The only thing you will know for certain is that it has failed and that is because you will have water all over your basement - and the expensive repairs from water damage!
Are they reliable?
Install a SumpWatcher! It's low cost and easy to install (doesn't require a plumber). The SumpWatcher does what the float switch does, only much, much better. The float switch hasn't changed much in the 75 to 80 years it's been used to control sump pumps. It is a mechanical device that has to eventually wear out. The SumpWatcher, on the other hand, uses reliable microprocessor technology to control the sump pump. In fact, the SumpWatcher is so reliable the manufacturer guarantees it for a full 5 years when used under normal conditions! The SumpWatcher doesn't have any moving parts. It uses reliable solid state components to detect the rise and fall of the water in the sump pit.There are no moving parts to wear out!
Can they do anything else?
Because it is so much smarter than a float switch it can do a lot more, like:
- Warn you if your sump pump motor is starting to fail
- so you can replace it before the water damage happens
- Warn you if it can't drain the sump pit
- because the pipes are frozen, the pump is bad, the impeller's damaged, the cord is unplugged, whatever the reason
Are they easy to install?
Just plug the SumpWatcher into a 115 VAC outlet, lower the sensor into the sump pit and secure it, plug the sump pump into the SumpWatcher control module and Go!
What's the difference between the Electronic Sewage Pump Switch and the Electronic Sump Pump Switch?
What's the difference between the Electronic Sewage Pump Switch and the Electronic Sump Pump Switch?
The only difference is the way water is detected. The Electronic Sewage Pump Switch uses the pump as the ground reference. This means the Sewage Pump Switch Sensor must be installed so it will not touch anything else in the basin or pit (example; discharge pipe, power cord, wall, pump, etc.) The Electronic Sump Pump Switch has a ground reference in the sensor, so the Sump Pump Switch Sensor can be attached directly to the discharge pipe inside the basin or pit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. "Okay, so all I have to do is plug in the electronic float switch and forget about it, right?"
A. Make sure to follow all of the manufacturer's instructions and directions by performing the proper maintenance and inspections to ensure that you are fully protected from flooding -this is ever-so-important with (man-made) safety devices as they will eventually fail.
Q. "Can I cut off the plug from the end of the Little Giant RS-5LL remote switch so that I can hardwire it into my system?"
A. No; not only would that void the manufacturer's warranty, removal of the plug will not allow the RS-5LL switch to function properly (if at all). Pressure from rising water pushes against a diaphragm inside the RS-5LL switch, which is how the switch turns off. For the diaphragm to move, the air above the membrane must be expelled; to allow this air to escape, a small vent tube runs from the top of the switch and along the cord, exiting at the plug. If the plug is removed and the switch is hardwired, the air tube would essentially be "plugged off"; the air from the area above the diaphragm membrane could not vent, which means water pressure would be unable to move the membrane to close the switch.
Q. "How does the sensor work for the Electronic Sump Pump Switch?"
A. The sensor senses water by measuring the resistance between the sensor and the grounded pump motor. When the water is below the sensor the resistance is very high (Figure 1), but when water reaches the tip of the sensor, the resistance is relatively low (Figure 2). When the sensor detects the low resistance from the water, it triggers the control module to turn the pump on. Once the water drops below the sensor, it has no affect on the control of the pump until the next cycle.
Q. "How does the Electronic Sewage Pump Switch sensor work?"
A. The sensor detects water by measuring the resistance between the sensor and the grounded pump motor. When water is below the sensor the resistance is very high (Figure 1), but when water reaches the tip of the sensor, the resistance is much lower (Figure 2). When the sensor detects the low resistance from the water, it triggers the control module to turn the pump on. Once the water drops below the sensor, it has no affect on the control of the pump until the next cycle.
Please note: The sensor should not be strapped directly to the discharge pipe inside the sump basin or pit. It should be strapped to the discharge pipe a few inches ABOVE the cover or lid of the sump basin. The sensor can be put through the electrical cord access hole. The tip of the sensor should be lowered so it will be below the level of the inlet pipe. The sensor tip should NOT touch anything else inside the basin or pit, like the discharge pipe, the wall of the basin or pit or the pump or pump cords. The pump cords can be zip tied to the discharge pipe to keep them away from the sensor tip. If the sensor touches anything else in the basin or pit it will sense a low resistance and trigger the pump to turn on without cause to do so.
Q. "How can I know if a float switch or electronic control will work with my pump?"
A. The float switch or electronic control must be able to accommodate the electrical voltage and amperage of the pump you want it to operate. Most float switches and electronic controllers operate at either 110-120V or 220-240V, and between 10-15 amps. Make sure the voltage and the electrical draw (amperage) of your pump falls within the stated range of the float switch electronic controller you're interested in purchasing.
