Liquid level switch is often called as liquid level float switch, float level switch,etc. This proves float switches have been widely used for liquid and water level controller. However,float level switch is a kind of antiquity traditional mechanical type level measurement devices.
Float swith has several advantages,e.g.simple to use, easy to operate, low price, etc, but it has some disadvantages, and several are fatal,e.g. float ball is easly blocked and loses switching function. As a result, it will cause water logging and lose your expensive property. The typcal distadvantages of float switch are listed as below:
Cons of Float Switch
1.Lower Performance with Poor Accuracy
Compared with other main type level meters, e.g. ultrasonic, capacitive, optical type, its accuracy is very poor, and the accuracy is only 0.3mm or weaker. Thus, float switches are not suitable for applications where require higher accuracy, for example, medical facilities, etc.
2. Loose Structure and Bigger Size Body
Water float level switches have big size body and loose structure. Its installing needs bigger space, but capacitive and optical level sensors have small size and mini installing space. But at present, more and more electronic devices need to reduce its body size. So water float level switches are gradually given up by many industries.
3.Easy Dirty
After using for several time, float switches can easily produce dirty materials because of its loose structure. This structure makes it very difficult to clean. So float level switches are not suitable for food machinery, because this can't meet standard of food hygiene certification.
4.Shorter Life
The working of float level switches are on the basis of magnetic float ball. Liquid buoyancy pushes float ball up and down to produce controlling signal. Such mechanical structure has shortened its life seriously.
If float switches are used in viscous liquid, its float ball may be locked and can't measure.
If float level switches are used in liquid with impurities, the impurities may go into float ball and make it faulty.
Pros of Optical Level Switch
In regard that float level switches are not ideal, it is better to consider other solutions with more advanced technologies. Though there are many liquid level switches in market, Optical level sensor is enjoying bigger market than other level sensors. As one of the best liquid level switches, it has been an ideal choice to replace float switches. The following are advantages of optical level sensors:
6.No Moving Parts
Optical level sensor has no moving parts. Magnetic float level switches have to borrows buoyant force to move float ball part up/down, then to trigger reed switch and sense level. And the float ball may be seized to stop by water scale and no-proper installing.
7.Installing at Any Direction
Optical level sensor has a small size body and good unity. It can be installed at any direction. However, float switch is bigger in size and has moving parts. It has a poor unity. It can be only installed at up/down direction.
8.Not Easily Influenced
Optical level sensor is not influenced by magnet, heat energy, vibration, etc. But float level switch has a bigger reaction toward magnet and cast iron parts nearby. Its own magnet part will lose magnetism easily influenced by heat energy and vibration.
9.Ideal For Low Level Monitor
The electronic level sensor can test 1mm above the bottom of water container. Because of float&magnet weight, float switches require certain water depth to make it float. As a result,the low level will be influenced. If want lower level, it will have to design a big pit which increases cost and working time.
10.Better Performance and Longer Life
Accuracy of optical level sensor is +/-0.5mm,but float level switch is only +/-3mm.
Standard life of optical level switch is not less than 50,000 hours, but float level switch is about 10,000-15,000 hours.
By the comparison, you should easily notice that optical infrared level sensors are much better than magnetic float level switch. With our rich experience, we have manufactured the electronic level switches with very high cost-effective solution. Thus, it is a very good chance to select optical level sensor for your new project or replace existing float level switches.
Optical level sensors have been selected for liquid level switch by more and more customers. We also provide customization service for your project. Please feel free to contact us for more discussion.
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