Stainless Steel Float Switch Water Level Sensor - 200mm Length

Specifications

• Material: Stainless Steel (SUS304/316)

• Total Length: 200mm (Shaft length)

• Switching Voltage (Max): Typically 110V DC or 220V AC (Check specific model ratings)

• Switching Current (Max): Typically 0.5A

• Contact Type: Normally Open (N.O.) or Normally Closed (N.C.) - Often reversible by flipping the float

• Operating Temperature: -30°C to +125°C (High-temp models up to 200°C)

• Wiring: High-temperature insulated wire leads

• Mounting Thread: Standard metric (e.g., M10 or M12)

Key Applications and Projects

• Industrial Boilers and Heaters: Monitoring water levels in high-temperature environments to prevent dry-firing of heating elements.

• Automated Pump Control: Triggering a refill pump when a reservoir drops below a certain point, or shutting off a pump to prevent overflow.

• Chemical Processing: Tracking liquid levels in vats containing mild acids, bases, or solvents where plastic sensors would fail.

Unlock New Capabilities (Project Evolution)

• Safety Upgrade: Replace fragile plastic float switches in your hot water or oil systems with this stainless steel model to significantly increase the lifespan and safety of your monitoring setup.

• Logic Reversal: Simply remove the bottom retaining clip and flip the float upside down to change the default behavior from Normally Open (N.O.) to Normally Closed (N.C.), giving you total flexibility in how you wire your alarms or relays.

Package Includes:

• 1 x 200mm Stainless Steel Float Switch

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

1. Is this sensor waterproof? The shaft and float designed to be submerged are waterproof, but the top wiring exit should be kept dry and above the liquid line.

2. Can I use this with boiling water? Yes, the stainless steel construction and high-temperature wiring make it suitable for boiling water and hot liquids.

3. How do I change it from Normally Open to Normally Closed? Most models allow you to remove the C-clip at the bottom of the shaft, take the float off, flip it over, and reinstall it to reverse the switch logic.

4. Can this switch handle high current directly? No, the internal reed switch is designed for low-current signal switching (usually <0.5A). You MUST use it to trigger a relay or contactor if you want to control a heavy load like a pump.

5. What is the maximum voltage? While some are rated for up to 220V, it is highly recommended to use low voltage (5V, 12V, or 24V) through the switch to control a larger relay for safety.

6. Will it rust? It is made of stainless steel (usually 304 or 316), which is highly resistant to rust and corrosion in water and many chemicals.

7. How is it mounted? It is designed for vertical mounting. You drill a hole in the top of your tank, insert the sensor from the inside, and secure it with the nut on the outside.

8. Can I mount it sideways? No, this specific style requires gravity to return the float to its resting position. It must be mounted vertically.

9. What size is the mounting thread? The threaded section is typically an M10 or M12 metric thread.

10. Is it safe for drinking water? Stainless steel is generally food-safe, making it a good choice for potable water systems.

11. How long are the wires? The high-temperature insulated leads are typically around 30cm to 40cm long.

12. Can it measure the exact depth of the water? No, it is a binary switch. It only tells you if the water is above or below a specific point.

13. What happens if the liquid is viscous (like thick oil)? Highly viscous liquids might cause the float to stick. It is best suited for liquids that flow relatively freely.

14. Does it need a power supply to operate? The switch itself is passive (just a mechanical contact), but you need to supply a voltage through it to create a readable signal.

15. What is the 200mm dimension? It refers to the approximate length of the stainless steel shaft extending downwards from the mounting threads.

16. Can I shorten the shaft? No, the internal reed switch is positioned specifically for that length; cutting the shaft will destroy the sensor.

17. Is it compatible with Arduino or Raspberry Pi? Yes, it acts just like a standard push-button switch and can be easily read by any microcontroller.

18. Do I need a pull-up resistor? Yes, when connecting to a microcontroller, use a pull-up or pull-down resistor to ensure a stable digital reading.

19. What is the maximum pressure it can withstand? Stainless steel floats can handle significantly higher tank pressures than hollow plastic floats, often up to 1 Mpa or more.

20. Can I use multiple sensors in one tank? Yes, it is common to use one sensor for a "Low" alarm and another sensor (perhaps a different length) for a "High" alarm.