We offer a comprehensive choice of float switches for level control in all mediums. The FLO series is designed and manufactured in the UK by our experts, with quality construction materials and over six decades of fluid handling experience to guarantee reliable long-term level control for your pumping systems.
Float switch-operated pumps provide peace of mind automation and level monitoring across all sectors, from domestic to industrial. Our FLO series includes models suitable for installation into sewage pumping stations, flood control sump pumps, ATEX Rated settings and potable water applications.
We have different types of float switches suitable for level control and system automation in a variety of mediums, including ATEX-approved low-current microswitch models for Zone 0 applications, floats with EPR insulated cables for fuel applications and models constructed from WRAS approved materials for safe installation in potable water sources.
How to Install a Float Switch
Float switches can be installed in a number of ways depending on the application – they can be used for filling and emptying or alarm applications.
For installation into tanks and sumps (such as in pumping stations, water treatment plants and basements), float switches need to be tethered to the inside of the tank or on the pump in a place where it can move freely to activate and be easily accessed for visual inspections and maintenance.
Filling and low-level alarm usage – use the brown and blue cable cores on the FLO Series float switch, this means the contact will close when the float is down and open when it is up.
Emptying and high-level alarm usage – use the brown and black cable cores on the FLO Series float switch, this means the contact will open when the float is down and close when it is up.
Independent alarm operation (low, mid and high level) – separate float switches are needed for each alarm that is required.
Common Float Switch Issues
Common issues encountered by pump float switches include a lack of free movement if the float is not correctly positioned, loose mounting causing the float to move from its fixed position and obscure level monitoring or premature failure due to degradation from using an incorrectly selected float for the application.
These issues can all be avoided with correct float switch selection and installation, contact our team for expert support with your level control unit today.
Level Control FAQs
What are the advantages of using a float switch?
Float switch level control brings many advantages to fluid handling applications, such as:
Automatic control – float switches are ideal for pump and motor automation, starting and stopping operations when liquid levels reach pre-set high or low points.
Increased safety – by negating the need for manual operation, float switches stop pumps from becoming damaged due to low-level dry running as well as preventing a tank or wet well overflow.
Remote monitoring – when paired with a suitable monitoring system, some float switches allow for remote monitoring of wet well levels.
Energy efficient – float switches optimise energy consumption by preventing pump dry running and also reduce potential emergency repair costs and environmental fines due to overflows.
What is a float switch?
Float switches are devices that detect liquid levels in a tank and control external components accordingly. This could be starting/stopping a pump or valve to prevent a wet well from overflowing or a pump from running dry, or powering an alarm that alerts you to high or low fluid levels.
How do float switches work?
All of T-T's Flo Series of float switches have an internal microswitch and rolling ball operator - as wet well levels raise the float the micro switch is activated, creating a closed circuit and signaling that fluid levels have reached a predetermined point. When well levels lower the float, the circuit is opened and the electrical signal that was powering the high-level alert stops.
There are many level control devices available, such as float switches, conductivity rpobes and tuning forks, each with their own variety of options. Choosing the best level control solution for your application can be confusing or even daunting, but T-T Controls is here to help.
For further advice, call our team on +44 (0)1630 647200; email [email protected]; or complete an enquiry form online.
Are T-T's Flo Series float switches suitable for potable water?
Each of T-T's Flo Series of float switches is designed to work best in different mediums:
FLO107 - non-mercury float switch, designed for use in potable water applications, WRAS-approved materials.
FLO101 - ATEX Approved float switch made to be used in Zone 0 applications (explosive atmosphere and hazardous gas environments).
FLO106 - non-mercury, heavy-duty float switch ideal for use in diesel and fuel oil applications
FLO103 - a non-mercury, polypropylene and economic float switch for general use.
FLO102 - a non-mercury, polypropylene float switch for general use and heavy-duty applications.
What are float switch counterweights?
Counterweights add stability to float switches in turbulent environments and serve as the pivot point for the switch. This allows for a wider range of control over liquid levels by increasing the difference or span between the switch positions.
What equipment is needed for float switch installation?
There are various additional products available to make your float switch installation easier and your final level control solution more reliable.
There are cable/float mounted counterweights for all applications, along with our TTC Ready Level range which is made up of a suspension chain, upper chain hook, heavy duty weight, D shackle and carribeaner for secure mounting in turbulent level control environments.
What is the difference between float valve and float switch?
Both a float valve and a float switch detect liquid levels and control a system accordingly. A float valve is a mechanical device that regulates liquid flow based on liquid-level detection. A float switch, on the other hand, is an electrical sensor that detects liquid levels and triggers changes in other electrical components, such as activating a pump.
Can I bypass a float switch?
It is not usually recommended to bypass a float switch because its purpose is to detect liquid levels and control the system accordingly to protect the equipment/surrounding environment, such as preventing a pump from dry-running or a wet well from overflowing.
Case Studies
FLO Float Switches: From Design to Product Launch
Find out how the T-T Controls team went from design to product launch with their FLO Series float switches for level control in a range of applications.
Read all about the testing and quality control that went into ensuring we produce reliable and accurate float switches for our customers.
