Liquid level switches from TE Connectivity are rugged and reliable solutions for industrial liquid level monitoring. Available in multiple configurations including vertical mount and side mount up to 90° angle.
Liquid Level Switches
We offer liquid level sensors with reed switch reliability in numerous standard and custom configurations. Our single point fluid level switches can be arranged to have the switching element "close" or "open" when the level decreases. Switch orientation options include horizontal and vertical (top or bottom entry), depending upon the configuration chosen. All of our housings have at least IP-65 enclosure rating and both external and internal fit liquid level switches are available.
TE provides a diverse range of vertical and horizontal liquid level switches based on reed switch technology that are available in multiple materials and switching, fitting, and cable options. So, what makes TE products the best choice for your diverse industry applications? Our liquid level switches offer the following advantages:
Key Features
Liquid level switches
- Molded housings obtain a completely water-resistant seal with molded housings to eliminate leak paths.
- Harsh environments – our liquid level switches can withstand temperatures from -40°C to 120°C, making them suited for boiling water or freezing liquids. They also function in pressured liquids, diesel fuels and gasolines, and alcohol and acids.
- Long life – reliable performance over 10 M plus cycles.
- Multiple options – vertical and horizontal mount switches that are available in diverse materials and switching, fitting, and cable options to support your application requirements.
- Range of power inputs – high electrical load capabilities for both AC and DC current, up to a maximum of 100 volts DC or 250 volts AC.
- Standard and customized product offerings – we offer high performance standard products or customize your own solutions to meet specific application needs.
- Key certifications – TE liquid level switches are both International Organization of Standardization (ISO)-certified for industrial applications and ISO/TS 16949-certified for automotive products.
- Easy installation and field service – installation of the switches is simple. Simply orient the mounting mark in the correct orientation and use a threaded or push-in connection. If parts begin to fail near end of life, they can be easily removed and replaced.
- Cross-industry expertise and solutions – design and manufacturing expertise in sensors and switches across a number of verticals, including automotive, industrial, and commercial transportation, and more.
- Quality brand reputation –we offer a world-class manufacturing operation, meaning that we stand behind the quality, reliability, and performance of every product.
- Global scale – regional access to the expertise, development capabilities, and global production you require to manage and scale your business.
Reed Switch Technology
Key Benefits
Reed switch / magnetic float sensors
- A magnetic reed switch is a low-cost approach to answering liquid-level sensor needs.
- It requires no power source to facilitate the switching action and is solely the result of the interaction of the permanent magnet in the moving element (float) with the reed switch.
- The high insulation value of the reed switch means that the “switched off” current draw is lower than what can be achieved with a solid-state electronic device. This can be particularly useful, for example in battery-powered applications.
- The use of a float as the sensing medium means that changes in liquid properties such as dielectric strength, viscosity, liquid concentration, etc., have a minimal bearing on the sensor operation.
- In dynamic applications, the natural hysteresis of the reed switch means that the effects of liquid turbulence can be minimized.
- Due to the high potential operating temperature of the reed switch custom level sensors can be manufactured with temperature capabilities far more than those for solid-state electronics.
- As the reed switch is a passive device, no EMC testing is required. This is useful in reducing lead times and costs in product development.
Typical Applications
Liquid level switches are a workhorse of modern industry. Simple, high-performance, low-cost, and long-lasting, they perform critical operations across diverse industrial and chemical applications. Like the name signifies, these switches detect liquid levels in industrial tanks and other units.
By so doing, they maintain chemical ratios in mixed products, help protect valuable equipment from overheating, help reduce fire risks, and deliver many other benefits.
Chemical and Petrochemicals (Oils)
- Agricultural machinery fuel tanks
- Pressure washers (fuel level)
- Generators (fuel level)
- Lawnmowers (fuel level)
- Wind turbines (gearbox oil level)
- Chemical application injectors (golf course/agriculture)
- Chemical level storage tanks
HVAC
- Air conditioning condensate (water level)
- Cooling towers (water level)
- Chillers (glycol level)
- Boilers (water level)
Food and Beverage
- Industrial dish washing machines
- Food warmers
- Hot water heaters
- Steam cookers
- Storage tanks
Environmental
Water and Wastewater
- Water storage tanks
- Sewage tanks
- Water purification systems
- Ballast tanks
- Filtration systems
- RV holding tanks
- Industrial carpet cleaning machines (water reservoir)
- Industrial floor scrubber machines (water reservoir)
- Pump skids (pump protection)
Application Use Cases
Boiler Feed Tanks
Liquid level sensors control the pump in boiler feed tanks to maintain a precise water level in steam generators. This prevents overheating of the appliance due to insufficient water level. The sensor is comprised of Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS)-approved glass-filled polyphenylene sulfide.
Oil Well Monitoring
An oil well management company uses to remotely monitor the levels of low-producing oil wells in two states. By using the switches, the company is able to send trucks only when wells are ready to be emptied, avoiding unnecessary trips. In addition, the firm can monitor levels to avoid pumps running dry, preventing the damage of costly equipment.
Liquid level switches from TE Connectivity use reed switch technology delivering an extended product life of 10M+ cycles, high electrical load capacity, low contact resistance, and UL approvals. Our liquid level switches are offered in a wide range of standard and custom options.
Frequently Asked Questions - Liquid Level Switches
Q: What mounting configurations are available?
A: Configurations are available for top and bottom mounting as well as horizontal or side mounting. Internal and external fit versions are also available.
Q: What is the typical operating temperature range?
A: Typical operating temperature range is -30°C to +130°C, but can vary by product type and materials.
Q: What type of output options are available?
A: Output types range from "normally open" or "normally closed" in both single pole single throw (SPST) and single pole double throw (SPDT) variations.
Q: What types of liquids are compatible with these switches?
A: The switches can be used in a wide variety of liquids including potable water, wastewater, coolant, fuel tanks, urea tanks, and hydraulic systems.
Q: What is the maximum switching voltage allowable?
A: Typically, the switches can handle 250VAC or 200VDC, but it varies by model number.
Q: What type of switching technology is used in these switches?
A: TE’s liquid-level switches utilize reed switch technology which is an electrical switch operated by an applied magnetic field. Reed switch technology is a technology with many years of proven reliability.