A level switch senses liquid levels in tanks using a plastic tube filled with air. They come in various sizes and designs, from simple to complex, and can be adjustable or two-stage. They can also detect wet/dry conditions and liquid-liquid interfaces.
A level switch, also commonly referred to as a float switch, is a device that senses the level of a liquid in a water tank. It is a specialized type of pressure switch, which can sense pressure with a plastic tube. In a tub, for example, the plastic tubing runs from the level switch inside the control console and continues along the outside of the bottom of the tub.
The plastic tube in a level switch is filled with air. In the bathtub example, the water enters the inside of the bathtub and some of it enters the plastic tube. The water in the plastic tube then rises and puts pressure on the air inside. In turn, this causes the air pressure to rise. Eventually, the air pressure reaches a point where it trips the switch.
A level switch is usually available in both small and large sizes. Also, these devices can range from simple to very complex designs. The simplest form of level switch has a mercury switch located inside a hinged float. A more complicated model uses complex sensors.
In general, these switches are adjustable. It is also possible to purchase a two-stage level switch. This can be very useful because it can prevent flooding.
With a two-stage level switch, the liquid inside an object rises to the trigger point in the first stage. After a pump is activated, the liquid will continue to rise if the pump is blocked or malfunctioning. In this case the second stage of the switch operates, shutting down the pump, triggering an alarm, or both.
A level switch can also be versatile enough to sense wet and dry conditions. It can also detect liquid-liquid interfaces and can determine whether a substance is foam, air or liquid.
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