Do float switches work to turn OFF a pump?

jdircksen · 12/26/2006, 03:05 PM

The switches I have seen are used to add water using a RO/DI source. Will these same switches work to turn off power? I am considering using such a switch to turn off a return pump when the water level in the tank gets too high instead of drilling and plumbing an emergency drain.

Pros/Cons?

jmaneyapanda · 12/26/2006, 03:14 PM

Get an ATO. It has to floats, and you can select their function. One is low (turn on) and high (turn off). I just run it with one sensor in the sump (low- turn on), and one iin the reservoir (low- turn off).

baja_hammer2003 · 12/26/2006, 04:18 PM

Just make sure you get one that use`s a low control voltage in the float switch not 110 volts ac

pjf · 12/26/2006, 05:52 PM

I have a Reef Fanatic Level Controller with two float switches: http://www.reeffanatic.com/products/...-level-control

The switches can be set to trigger when the water is too low or too high. The controller can be set to turn or turn off your pump based on the switch input. My controller will turn off both the skimmer and the return pump if the sump water level is either too low or too high.

Iâ€™ve only had one problem with a switch that corroded when its seal broke. The folks at Reef Fanatic replaced the switch for me.

I remember measuring the control voltage when I was troubleshooting my switch. I don't remember the voltage but it was low.

12/26/2006, 03:05 PM	#1
jdircksen Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: 43081 Posts: 659	Do float switches work to turn OFF a pump? The switches I have seen are used to add water using a RO/DI source. Will these same switches work to turn off power? I am considering using such a switch to turn off a return pump when the water level in the tank gets too high instead of drilling and plumbing an emergency drain. Pros/Cons?

12/26/2006, 05:52 PM	#4
pjf Premium Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Colorado Posts: 2,954	Reef Fanatic I have a Reef Fanatic Level Controller with two float switches: http://www.reeffanatic.com/products/...-level-control The switches can be set to trigger when the water is too low or too high. The controller can be set to turn or turn off your pump based on the switch input. My controller will turn off both the skimmer and the return pump if the sump water level is either too low or too high. Iâ€™ve only had one problem with a switch that corroded when its seal broke. The folks at Reef Fanatic replaced the switch for me. I remember measuring the control voltage when I was troubleshooting my switch. I don't remember the voltage but it was low.

12/26/2006, 03:14 PM	#2
jmaneyapanda Commencing hatred Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 3,784	Get an ATO. It has to floats, and you can select their function. One is low (turn on) and high (turn off). I just run it with one sensor in the sump (low- turn on), and one iin the reservoir (low- turn off).

12/26/2006, 04:18 PM	#3
baja_hammer2003 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: fla Posts: 261	Just make sure you get one that use`s a low control voltage in the float switch not 110 volts ac