where to buy level switchs
- Thread starter ronc98
- Start date
Hey Ron, I think it was these guys.
seandanekind
Active member
I did a powerbuy in Cincy about a year ago from FloatSwitches.net. I still haven't used mine.
Their switches are rated for about 50W, but I'm not sure if that's resistive, capacitive, or inductive load. Sub 300 gph powerhead motors are usually under 25W (MJ1200's are 20W). Then again, I haven't used any of mine yet...
For any real power (especially AC), your better off wiring them to control a relay that switches the high power.
FYI: The switches that come with the Aquatronica are the same as the "new" style sold by FloatSwitches.net. The Aquatronica uses them simply as a control switch in a low voltage DC circuit and switches the appropriate AC relay per the programming.
I just recently cemented the float switch from my Aquatronica to an old algae magnet using "Marine Goop". I don't need all those stupid mounting brackets anymore - just set the magnet at the correct level, and that's it... This weekend I'll check that it's still together, and check the data log to see if the switch is working properly. Once that's determined, I'll actually use it to control my topoff and finally get away from manual topoff.
Their switches are rated for about 50W, but I'm not sure if that's resistive, capacitive, or inductive load. Sub 300 gph powerhead motors are usually under 25W (MJ1200's are 20W). Then again, I haven't used any of mine yet...
For any real power (especially AC), your better off wiring them to control a relay that switches the high power.
FYI: The switches that come with the Aquatronica are the same as the "new" style sold by FloatSwitches.net. The Aquatronica uses them simply as a control switch in a low voltage DC circuit and switches the appropriate AC relay per the programming.
I just recently cemented the float switch from my Aquatronica to an old algae magnet using "Marine Goop". I don't need all those stupid mounting brackets anymore - just set the magnet at the correct level, and that's it... This weekend I'll check that it's still together, and check the data log to see if the switch is working properly. Once that's determined, I'll actually use it to control my topoff and finally get away from manual topoff.
AcroSteve
Make my Funk a P-Funk
I am using some float switches from floatswitches.net. No problems at all, but I use 24vdc and relays to control my 120v device.
Off topic, but timers are much safer for level control. Too many stories of leaks or whatever and the tank getting filled with kalk or just plain water.
I have used a timer and a very slow pump for years with no problems.
Off topic, but timers are much safer for level control. Too many stories of leaks or whatever and the tank getting filled with kalk or just plain water.
I have used a timer and a very slow pump for years with no problems.
Mantis
Active member
I've used float switches without relays for over 15 years with no problems. If your just using a 25 watt Maxi jet as your top-off pump it's not worth the extra trouble or expense to go with the relay IMHO. Just get a little heavier duty float switch and your good to go for years and years.
TacoKing
New member
Brad, the one's you got from floatswitches.net filed you? I'm amazed. I've bought over 15 of these switches over the last 5 years and haven't had a single one fail on me. They've been used for just about any application I can think of. I've put maybe 60 watts through it, but nothing too dramatic.
sammie
New member
Grainger for float switches. Get the size you want, no shipping and no delay. Very reasonalbe also. I've used these for a couple of years with no problem. Built a double float system that's very simple. Use a small Tunze pump to fill. Joe Pizza has virtually the same configuration and pump that I have.
ronc98
New member
I am not going to have any AC load running through the level switch. Only using it for a contact closure on the controller I built. I have had these types of level switches short in the water before so I am to affraid of running AC through one into a tank. You can get them many places however I just have not found them for under 10 dollars. The site porky sent me I think is the one.
Acrosteve is right I would not recommend using just a level switch for top off. There needs to be redundancy somewhere in the loop. I use both, a timer and a level switch to be safe. I lost a 29 gallon tank to a stuck level switch.
Thanks everyone.
Acrosteve is right I would not recommend using just a level switch for top off. There needs to be redundancy somewhere in the loop. I use both, a timer and a level switch to be safe. I lost a 29 gallon tank to a stuck level switch.
Thanks everyone.
