As a general concept, fluid switches and liquid level sensors measure the level of free-flowing substances within a tank, container, or similarly large storage facility. Used for water, oil, slurry, and even granular substances, these sensors detect the substance resting in its natural state and measure it against a pre-set reference point.
What many don’t realize is, these types of sensors are involved in several common, everyday applications. Where might you find one? Consider these devices and uses.
1. In Motor Vehicles
Cars, trucks, and motorcycles all use liquid level sensors to some degree. The most common? The gas sensor that measures and detects how much fuel is left in your tank. But, that’s not all. Anywhere a liquid or fluid is used, your car is equipped with a sensor:
- For the engine oil
- For the brake oil and power steering fluid
- For coolant
- For windshield washer fluid
2. Industrial Applications
Perhaps the most obvious, liquid level sensors are a crucial part of many industrial applications. Many cite the Three Mile Island nuclear meltdown as an example of a sensor not effectively doing its job, but they’re key in more common applications, too:
- Detecting water levels in treatment tanks
- Storing chemicals and liquids in large tanks and cylinders.
- Monitoring liquids in transport
- Storing gasoline and other fuels
3. Household Appliances
Like your car, several household appliances come equipped with liquid level sensors:
- Automated coffee machines that sense water levels and then dispense a specific amount of liquid.
- Water dispensers that monitor how much liquid is inside.
- Juice squeezers
- Steamers
- Refrigerators that dispense water and ice
- Dish washers that have various settings, each with a different amount of water used.