Magnetic Float Switch
11 October 2024
What is a Magnetic Float Switch?
A magnetic float switch is a type of liquid level sensor that uses a magnet and a reed switch to detect the level of liquid in a tank or container. It’s one of the most common and reliable types of float switches, especially for industrial and commercial applications. At Alan Butcher Components, we stock the PIC range of magnetic float switches.How Magnetic Float Switches Work
Float with Magnet: The float contains a small permanent magnet inside.
Reed Switch: A reed switch is installed either inside the float or in a stationary position in the tank. The reed switch consists of two thin metal reeds sealed inside a glass envelope, which are sensitive to magnetic fields.
Movement of the Float: As the liquid level rises or falls, the float moves up or down with it.
Magnetic Activation: When the float reaches a certain level, the magnetic field of the float closes or opens the reed switch, completing or interrupting the electrical circuit.
Electrical Action: This change in the circuit can be used to send a signal to control a pump, alarm, indicator light or valve, depending on the application.
Contact Forms:
Normally Open Float Switch (NO) / Form A: The circuit remains open until the liquid level rises or falls to the trigger point, causing the magnet to close the switch and complete the circuit.
Normally Closed Float Switch (NC)/ Form B: The circuit is closed (on) until the float moves to the designated position, where it opens the switch and breaks the circuit.
Mounting Options:
Vertical Float Switch – for tanks with top or bottom access
PLS-PP Series – Polypropylene float switch Mico float switch - PLS020A-3PP
PLS-PA Series – Polyamide level sensors Vertical Float Switch - PLS-PA series
PLS-VA Series – Stainless Steel float switches
Horizontal Float Switch – mounted on the side of a container. The PLS-PPH Series allows assembly from outside, in a closed tank. The special seal safely seals the required drill hole.
PIC Float Switch Materials:
PLS-PP Series – Polypropylene housing
PLS-PA Series – Polyamide housing
PLS-VA Series – Stainless Steel housing
Advantages of PIC Float Switches
Reliability: Because there are few moving parts, magnetic float switches are known for their long operational life and durability.
Cost-Effective: They offer a good balance of performance and price compared to other liquid level detection systems.
Simple Installation: They are easy to install in both new and existing tanks or systems.
Chemical Resistance: The PLS float switch series is designed to be compatible with a wide range of chemicals, making them suitable for various applications. Click here to download a copy of the PIC Chemical Resistance Chart.
Non-Contact Design: The reed switch is typically isolated from the liquid, making the design durable and less prone to corrosion.
No Power Supply: no power supply is required to operate the float switches.
Multi-Level Detection: Some designs allow for detecting multiple levels by placing a series of reed switches along a vertical rod. PIC Reed Chains offer simple and effective continuous measuring of liquid levels. Please contact us to find out more.
Suitable for Food Contact: The PIC float switch range is suitable for food contact (FDA and NSF)
Applications:
Fluid tanks – Tanks in industrial and commercial environments or machines containing operating fluids, lubricants and other crucial materials. The level of the fluid is detected using a float switch or specifically designed Reed Switch Chains and matching floats containing a magnet. They will detect overfill, spill prevention, leaks, low fluid conditions.
Examples being:
Tumble dryer – condenser dryers collect water within the condenser tank. Once the water reaches a specified level an alarm or visual alert is triggered. It could also start an integrated pump to remove the water.
Printers – float switches can be used to monitor the levels of printing ink within inkjet printers.
Bilge pumps in boats – the pump is activated when water reaches a certain level to prevent flooding.
As mentioned, we stock the PLS Series of magnetic float switches, manufactured by PIC gmbH. We offer level sensors with two switching voltages, 140V and 240V. The 240V float switch is identified with a 6 in the part number ie PLS-031-A-6. Our most popular float switches include:
Mico float switch - PLS020A-3PP
Float Switch
Code: PLS-020-A-3
NO, 130VAC, 18mm float diameter
Float Switch
Code: PLS-031-A-6
NO, 250VAC, float diameter 24mm
Float Switch
Code: PLS-041-B-6
NC, 250VAC, vertical, 24mm diameter float
Float Switch
Code: PLS-045A-6VAI
NO, Stainless Steel, 250VAC, 28.2mm diameter float
Float Switch
Code: PLS-080A-6VAL
NO, Stainless Steel, 250VAC, 28.2mm diameter float
There is a float switch within the PIC range to suit many applications.
Other Press Releases By This Company
- 03/09/2024 - Spark Proof Switches
- 05/08/2024 - Our European Suppliers
- 03/07/2024 - Panel Indicator Lights
- 10/06/2024 - Berker Wall Boxes
- 02/05/2024 - 22mm Push Button Switches
- 16/04/2024 - Berker Switches
- 15/03/2024 - Round Rocker Switches
- 22/02/2024 - Berker Frames
- 26/01/2024 - Ventilation Fans For Household Appliances
- 09/01/2024 - Berker socket outlets
- 07/12/2023 - ISO 9001:2015 Recertification For Alan Butcher Components!
- 29/11/2023 - Electric Motors
- 10/11/2023 - Berker mobile living
- 03/08/2023 - Low voltage rocker switches
- 28/07/2023 - New 4 Ohm Miniature Speakers From Specialist Distributor, Alan Butcher Components.
- 10/07/2023 - Quick charge USB A+C socket outlet
- 27/04/2023 - Benefits of Reed Sensors
- 07/03/2023 - Everel Group now ISO 14001 Certified!
- 23/02/2023 - New miniature speakers added to range!
- 10/01/2023 - Electric motors & ventilation fans
- 14/12/2022 - Horizontal float level sensors
- 14/11/2022 - Low Voltage Push Button Switches
- 12/10/2022 - Website Relaunch!
- 09/06/2022 - Berker Integro - high end design & innovation
- 08/04/2022 - Miniature speaker customisation
- 03/03/2022 - Reed sensors for medical applications
- 09/02/2022 - New 20mm LED Push Button Switches
- 04/02/2022 - Distribution Challenges for 2022 – Electronic Components
- 30/01/2020 - Expanding Reed Sensor Production Capabilities
- 23/09/2019 - FDA and NSF Approved Float Switches
- 12/09/2019 - New 250V Neon Indicators
- 09/08/2019 - Everel Brushless Motors
- 11/09/2018 - Caravan Salon 2018, Dusseldorf – Another Successful Show For Berker GmbH!
- 09/08/2018 - New Products From Alan Butcher Components!
- 09/08/2018 - Electret Microphone Components
- 03/08/2018 - Caravan Salon 2018 – 24.08 – 02.09
- 16/03/2018 - Piezo Buzzers
- 09/02/2018 - New 3A, 230V USB Charging Socket from Berker
