Sick and tired of level switches failing!

Seth81 · #1 09-02-2013, 04:23 PM

So in my sump I use a float style level switch for top off, another for water change, plus I use another one for a low level switch to protect my pump for a total of 3 level switches. I uses these super cheap float switches see pic below. Well in the past year I have had three of them fail! Usually while I am out of town! I think the problem is that the seal eventually fails and salt water gets into the switch as the water level is usually above most of the switches the entire switch is submersed. Probably these switches are not supposed to be fully submersed, but for a low level switch the only other option is to use a right angle switch and drill a hole in the sump, which also allows for no adjustment on switch position.

So today I have decided to spend some cash and buy an ultrasonic level transmitter. Does anyone have any suggestions on an affordable one?

Cal_stir · #2 09-02-2013, 04:58 PM

I bought one of these, i actually modified it to shut off my skimmer if my sump gets low. works well.

http://spectrapure.com/AQUARIUM/AUTO...-Level-Control

kole · #3 09-02-2013, 05:07 PM

I don't know where you can get an ultrasonic level transmitter but I use the same type of switch that you have pictured.
I use it with my ATO. I cut a hole in the top of plastic bottle cap and pushed the wire end through the hole in the cap and secured it with the plastic nut. I then thread the wires through a hole I made in the plastic bottle then screwed the cap on to the bottle. The bottle is upside down and secured to the side of my sump at the correct level for my ATO.

This way the wires are always dry inside the plastic bottle. Haven't failed me yet.

I hope you can visualize it without pics.

dino · #4 09-02-2013, 05:46 PM

not a answer to you question but I use a float that requires no power just gravity and its never failed me

Seth81 · #5 09-02-2013, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kole

I don't know where you can get an ultrasonic level transmitter but I use the same type of switch that you have pictured.
I use it with my ATO. I cut a hole in the top of plastic bottle cap and pushed the wire end through the hole in the cap and secured it with the plastic nut. I then thread the wires through a hole I made in the plastic bottle then screwed the cap on to the bottle. The bottle is upside down and secured to the side of my sump at the correct level for my ATO.

This way the wires are always dry inside the plastic bottle. Haven't failed me yet.

I hope you can visualize it without pics.

Yeah I could see how that would work, the problem would be securing the bottle in the sump, also I would want it to be somewhat adjustable so I can vary my water change amounts in the future. Could get messy.

Seth81 · #6 09-02-2013, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dino

not a answer to you question but I use a float that requires no power just gravity and its never failed me

If it where just ATO then yeah I could figure out a way to just do this mechanically. But its the automatic water change that really requires two switches, or a transmitter.

Seth81 · #7 09-02-2013, 07:05 PM

Doing a quick search on Ebay and reading some manuals seems like I can get a decent level sensor for $150 - $25 on Ebay. Think I'm going to pull the trigger on this one:

Made by flow line, it measures between 2" - 48" with a 3 mm accuracy. Should be good enough. Manual is here if any one is interested.

http://www.flowline.com/pdf/disconti...u12-lu13-m.pdf

gregzz4 · #8 09-02-2013, 08:15 PM

Are you running 120v through your switches ? This will cook them in short order
They're best used with low voltage
If you must use them on a 120v circuit, check out my thread on how to wire them through a relay

Wiring a float and relay to protect your ATO pump and more

One of the members posted this sensor link awhile back

Seth81 · #9 09-02-2013, 08:32 PM

For my ATO and AWC it's 24 VDC, I use 120 VAC for my SW mixing tank.

Quote:

Originally Posted by gregzz4

Are you running 120v through your switches ? This will cook them in short order
They're best used with low voltage
If you must use them on a 120v circuit, check out my thread on how to wire them through a relay

Wiring a float and relay to protect your ATO pump and more

One of the members posted this sensor link awhile back

gregzz4 · #10 09-02-2013, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seth81

For my ATO and AWC it's 24 VDC, I use 120 VAC for my SW mixing tank.

Hmm, that's odd about the dc ones
I've had a couple low-level switches in my sump for over a year and they are still working
I haven't even cleaned them yet