Deluxe Madison Float Switch - Horizontal Mount

Why does BRS recommend this?

Most float switch brackets can swing around or change level by just simply bumping them with your hand or arm.  The Deluxe Madison Horizontal Mount Float Switch is just a typical float switch however the greatest part is that it has standard ½” NPT Male threads for mounting.  This can screw directly into a ½” threaded bulkhead to give any sump that custom touch and keeping the wires completely out of water.

Recommended for water applications like level controllers, auto top off (ATO) systems or other aquarium uses. 

Deluxe Madison Float Switch is great for:

• General water level control application
• Aquarium top-off applications
• Humidification/de-humidification applications
• Hydroponics projects
• Water features
• Air conditioning drain pan applications

Features

• Normally closed or normally open (see more)
• 24” leads (22 gauge wire)
• 1/2” NPT tapered fitting – does not include a nut
• Certifications: UL, CSA, NSF
• Gasket & Nut Sold Separately

Note: Not for use in heavy duty applications like sewage pumps.

A pump rated at just 5 watts can destroy a float switch rated for 50 watts, locking it in the “on” position and pumping a lot of water where you do not want it.

The magnetic reeds enclosed in liquid level sensors are extremely reliable and long-lasting when utilized properly. Failures are nearly always a result of current overloading. Pumps, solenoids and many other devices that require control by a liquid level sensor carry "steady state" current ratings. These devices can draw ten times (or more) their steady state power ratings on start-up or shut-down. When the reeds inside our switches are exposed to this kind of "spiking voltage" they can overheat and become deformed. In some cases they may even weld together or break off, causing the switch circuit to remain closed (or open) regardless of the level of the float. Deformed reeds can also function intermittently, causing problems with troubleshooting. A 50 watt float switch can be destroyed by a pump rated at 6 watts and, unfortunately, it may take many cycles before the failure occurs.

Because they can destroy an otherwise very reliable float switch, care must be taken to completely isolate the switch from the current drawn by pumps, solenoids or other devices subject to spiking voltage. Resistors or diodes may be used, but the most common solution is to utilize a circuit board or a relay.

In the illustration, a relay acts as a switch for a pump, thereby isolating the float switch from any spikes that the pump may draw. The float switch turns the relay coil on and off. In this way, the only current handled by the float switch is that small amount required by the relay coil. Please consult with your relay supplier to assure that the relay current requirements are well within the specs of the float switch.