Faulty Float Switch

strike2867 · 02/07/2010, 08:05 AM

I just got a float switch from ebay and it only works some of the time. Is this normal? Is there anything I can do to fix it or did I just get scammed? Where would you suggest getting a good float switch?

Phyxius · 02/07/2010, 08:11 AM

A float switch should work ALL the time or you risk a flood on the floor or a system running dry. Cant really say you got scammed unless they intentionally sold you a bad float.
A few of the sponsors here on the site sell floats like BRS and the like

jk75 · 02/07/2010, 08:15 AM

Did you get the one that shipped from China? I have been through a few. They don't last long. I also would like to find a good one that doesn't break the bank.

strike2867 · 02/07/2010, 08:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jk75

Did you get the one that shipped from China? I have been through a few. They don't last long. I also would like to find a good one that doesn't break the bank.

You got it.

Eel-byte · 02/07/2010, 08:44 AM

Anything electrical will fail eventualy. I had one from autotoppoff.com that lasted a year, but luckliy failed in the off position. You could do a gravity feed system with a float valve in the sump.

strike2867 · 02/07/2010, 09:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eel-byte

Anything electrical will fail eventualy. I had one from autotoppoff.com that lasted a year, but luckliy failed in the off position. You could do a gravity feed system with a float valve in the sump.

Sure, but this was brand new. Looking to find a more reliable seller.

liquidlunch · 02/07/2010, 09:01 AM

Before switching over to a Litermeter years ago, I had this setup which never failed me. The higher float opens the circuit when activated.

Reefbox · 02/07/2010, 09:40 AM

Float switches will most likely fail sooner or later for some reason or another. Double float switches or optical seeing eyes are better than just one float switch.

Chris27 · 02/07/2010, 09:50 AM

Check to see if you have a Grainger local to you - they sell a very reliable one for $12.

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/items/2A554?Pid=search

I would trust their products over an e-bay bargain item any day of the week.

Playa-1 · 02/07/2010, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by strike2867

I just got a float switch from ebay and it only works some of the time. Is this normal? Is there anything I can do to fix it or did I just get scammed? Where would you suggest getting a good float switch?

Did you save some money?

muddybluewater · 02/07/2010, 01:11 PM

i use a float switch from an air conditioning supply company that cost $9 on my ro barrel that works very good. It controls a solenoid valve. I also have a top off system from Bulk Reef Supply on my sump that has a back up float. definitely use a back up.

strike2867 · 02/11/2010, 02:52 PM

I've bought three more from another supplier and the ebay supplier is sending me a replacement. I am planning to create a more foolproof system of switches.

strike2867 · 03/31/2010, 02:01 PM

For those interested, it turned out the Voltage I had going through the float switch was too much for it. I put in a much smaller pump to lower it. I've redone it with two switches having to change for it to go on, and another for safety above them. 3 weeks no complaints.

02/07/2010, 08:05 AM	#1
strike2867 Registered Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Buffalo Grove, IL Posts: 700	Faulty Float Switch I just got a float switch from ebay and it only works some of the time. Is this normal? Is there anything I can do to fix it or did I just get scammed? Where would you suggest getting a good float switch?

02/07/2010, 08:11 AM	#2
Phyxius Moving About Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: RTP NC Posts: 2,405	A float switch should work ALL the time or you risk a flood on the floor or a system running dry. Cant really say you got scammed unless they intentionally sold you a bad float. A few of the sponsors here on the site sell floats like BRS and the like __________________ -Mike I never drink water because of the disgusting things that fish do in it. W. C. Fields Current Tank Info: JUST SOLD AND TOOK DOWN ALL 11/10---210g AGA, 80g sump, Tunze Streams. Tunze ATO,RK Elite Controller, RKII,Dart, GEO Calcium& Nielsen Kalk Reactors,GEO media reactor, Kaleini Rock, 3-250 watt 14k EVC , VHO..... 34g Solana and 60g cube

02/07/2010, 09:40 AM	#8
Reefbox Registered Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Butler, PA Posts: 1,045	Float switches will most likely fail sooner or later for some reason or another. Double float switches or optical seeing eyes are better than just one float switch. __________________ Jason

02/07/2010, 08:15 AM	#3
jk75 Registered Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: fl Posts: 61	Did you get the one that shipped from China? I have been through a few. They don't last long. I also would like to find a good one that doesn't break the bank.

02/07/2010, 08:44 AM	#5
Eel-byte Premium Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Duluth, Mn Posts: 1,508	Anything electrical will fail eventualy. I had one from autotoppoff.com that lasted a year, but luckliy failed in the off position. You could do a gravity feed system with a float valve in the sump.

02/07/2010, 09:01 AM	#7
liquidlunch Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Neptune, NJ Posts: 503	Before switching over to a Litermeter years ago, I had this setup which never failed me. The higher float opens the circuit when activated.

02/07/2010, 09:50 AM	#9
Chris27 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Virginia Beach, VA Posts: 4,452	Check to see if you have a Grainger local to you - they sell a very reliable one for $12. http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/items/2A554?Pid=search I would trust their products over an e-bay bargain item any day of the week.

02/07/2010, 01:11 PM	#11
muddybluewater Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 24	i use a float switch from an air conditioning supply company that cost $9 on my ro barrel that works very good. It controls a solenoid valve. I also have a top off system from Bulk Reef Supply on my sump that has a back up float. definitely use a back up.

02/11/2010, 02:52 PM	#12
strike2867 Registered Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Buffalo Grove, IL Posts: 700	I've bought three more from another supplier and the ebay supplier is sending me a replacement. I am planning to create a more foolproof system of switches.

03/31/2010, 02:01 PM	#13
strike2867 Registered Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Buffalo Grove, IL Posts: 700	For those interested, it turned out the Voltage I had going through the float switch was too much for it. I put in a much smaller pump to lower it. I've redone it with two switches having to change for it to go on, and another for safety above them. 3 weeks no complaints.