2 float switches and a solenoid?

S

snowman82

New member
i want to install 2 float switches in my ATO resevoir. i want the lowest one to turn on the solenoid to run my RO then the top one to shut it off, how would i wire that up?? i know it should be simple but i've having a hard time this morning haha the part i can't get past is when the bottom switch drops and turns the solenoid on, what will keep it from shutting off as soon as it raises?
 
Search for "latching relay" on here. It's simply wiring the relay to allow the upper float to be the "off" switch & the lower being the "on".
 
I have mine set up so as my sump needs to be topped off it pulls water from my resevoir and then as the ATO takes water from the Resevoir the RO/Di unit fills up the resevoir. I just use one float switch in the resvoir and one in the sump. Both work independently.
 
It's worth noting that the schematics in the link above don't have any sort of failsafe mechanism - if the top switch gets stuck or fails, your system can overflow. Worth putting a mechanical float valve on the RO line if you're using this to activate a solenoid for topoff, or another float switch above the top one that cuts the whole thing off if it gets wet.
 
that is true, i have thought about that too. there is 2 fail points with what i want, either the float switch sticks or the solenoid sticks
 
Here is the thread I started a couple years ago including simple diagram. This project worked out great but I never finished the thread. Hope it helps. Just remember that your power supply, your valve and your relay coil all need to be the same. (ie: 24VDC, 24VAC, etc)
 
well as of now i have 120v solenoid so can i use that an an aquahub kit since i seen that mentioned on your thread? i would think i should be able to, they have their setups using return pumps, so i shoud be able to plug my solenoid in, its already wired for a 3 prong
 
snowman, think of this sort of project as having two circuits: One low-voltage circuit between the float switches and the relay coil to turn the relay on and off. Then, a separate circuit between the switch in the relay and the device you want to control.

One way to rig this is to use the same power source (voltage) for both circuits. Another way is to use a low-voltage source (i.e. 12v) for the float switches and relay, then use a wall outlet for the side including the device you want to control. See the schematics in the link I posted above - that's how they are configured.

As far as matching things, you need to match the voltage on the float switch side to the control voltage rating on your relay (for instance, the relay might be rated to be controlled by a 12v signal.) Then, you need to match the device you're controlling (i.e. solenoid, pump, etc.) to the power source used on that side of the circuit.
 
If you use a 120VAC solenoid it MUST BE before the RO/DI filter as it will have exposed metal inside.

If you use the DC relays from McMaster-Carr you can put them before or after the RO/DI ( after assuming you have a ASOV on the RO/DI ).

Stu
 
yeah i have an ASOV but i tried it with a kent float valve and it wouldn't shut it off, havne't played with it much though yet just been turning it on and hoping to remember to shut it off. i planned on having the solenoid before the RO unit. i figured that would be the best place for it...i think i understand the power supply part and everything now...i hope...i'm going to order the aquahub kit, wire it for the latching relay and use my solenoid instead of a pump...
 
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