If you’re looking for float switches or liquid level sensors you might be a little daunted about where to start. There’s a lot to take into take into consideration, and in most industrial applications switches serve a vital role that can’t be left to chance or happenstance.
If you’re really not sure about what you need, the best thing to do is to talk to an expert who can guide you through the process of finding the right units for your needs. Odds are they’ll ask these questions, though, so it might be worth it to start asking them yourself so you have the right information on the ready.
Questions for Float Switch and Level Sensor Buyers
Do you need point level or continuous level measurement?
Point level measurement means that a switch or sensor’s job is to determine the presence or absence of the liquid media being measured at a given point. If fluid gets too high or low, in other words, the switch is activated. This makes point level sensors good for high-level alarms, emergency power cut-offs, and other similar applications. In contrast, continuous level sensors can determine the liquid levels of a given tank or vessel in real time – like the fuel gauge in your car. Knowing which you need is a crucial step when buying a float switch or other level sensor. Learn more about point level versus continuous level measurement.
Where will your switch be mounted?
Will your switch be mounted internally or externally? Will it be mounted on the side of the tank or vessel, at the top, or on the bottom? Various practical concerns will affect this, such as tank access, shape of the vessel, and others.
What is the fluid or chemical to be measured?
Different chemicals are more or less compatible with different materials. Common materials in the manufacture of float switches and level sensors include stainless steel, brass, nitrile rubber, kynar, polypropylene, and others. Depending on the liquid being measured, one or more materials might be vastly preferable to any given other (for example, normal steel will rust in sea water applications – certain plastics or ceramics would be preferable). Find more information about float switch chemical compatibility.
What is the required output?
Will your application require analog output, relay output, digital output, or something different? This will help to determine your ideal switch.