Float Switches and Sensors: An Overview

float switches

Float switches in any industry, having the proper equipment is a key part of daily production and common business tasks. The storage and management of liquids is a common occurrence in many industries. Your tanks can be used for storage, production, waste collection, and more. When managing your tanks and other storage equipment, monitoring tools such as float switches and float sensors help make daily production both safer and easier.

A float switches sits on top of the fluids stored in your tank and is designed to activate a connected system when the fluid level rises or falls past a preset level. These systems that a switch activates can include valves, pumps, and alarms. This serves to either drain (or fill) a tank or, if connected to an alarm, alert you that your attention is required. While a float switches often serves as a preventative float switches system, a float sensor tends to provide useful tracking information.

electronic float switches

Uses and Benefits of Float Sensors

A water sensor offers many benefits and reasons for installation.

  • A Variety of Readings: sensors can tell you a variety of useful information. Some float switches sensors give you a read-out on liquid levels. Depending on the sensor installed, the type of measurement can vary depending on your need. Some float switches sensors provide general a reading, such as half full or full and others provide precise numerical measurements. Tracking such figures can be essential for common daily float switches business activities.
  • Customization and Ease of Installation: sensors offer a variety of options. Including the type of sensor used, the types and range of measurements used, and associated accessories. In addition, installing such sensors is not a complex process, and often once installed, such sensors require very little maintenance.
  • Long Service Life: while the lifespan of a water level sensor can vary. This can depend on the type of sensor you have installed and the condition and type of liquid you are measuring. In general, such systems will last you several years, but for those in hazardous environments or measuring corrosive liquids, such time frames will be shorter.
  • Mechanical Options: many types of storage tanks are not connected to an electrical source. Depending on location, some tanks may not have such access to electricity due to danger or remoteness. Other tanks are mobile and also can’t make use of electrical sensors. Luckily, mechanical sensors exist and provide readings without the need for an external power source.
  • A Range of Uses: several industries make use of liquid storage tanks for daily business activities. In some cases, such as the beverage industry, these liquids are the product, and tracking tank levels is a key part of goods production. For other industries, tanks may contain liquids used in the manufacturing process or waste material and sensors tell you when a tank needs to be refilled or emptied.

Final Thoughts for Float Switches

Float switches and float sensors are both useful additions to your existing tank system with each filling specific but useful roles. A switch serves as a safeguard and automation of needed equipment and tools while a sensor provides analytical figures to inform about daily business activities and ensure tasks continue as expected. Installing both sensors and switches is a key part of keeping your business running effectively and safely.