DIY ATO question

[necrio]

Hundreds of hours, thousands of posts. I have read a lot.

A few posts caught my eye though, instead of using a normal extension cord, using the 120v and overloading the little ol' float switch, people used 12v phone chargers or something. Low volts. Low power, directly connected.

http://s17.postimg.org/mvourn3xr/top_off_diagram.jpg

That is what im saying.

Is it fine, or does it still need a relay? Since a relay is really only reducing the 120v to the reduced voltage.
I wired my float switch into a 3.5v air pump, tested. OK! So, the switch is only getting 3.5v, right?

Thanks. I am no electrician, but would love to hear more knowledge on electricity .

 

[jonnyu]

Well you would need a contact or relay to connect voltage. On high side and use low side to close the contact. You would also want to put a time delay relay let's say 10 minutes or more. This way float switch will not turn on and off the pump repeatedly if level is between on and off.

 

[DgenR8]

I used a doorbell transformer and low voltage sprinkler valve.