Level Control FAQs

Float switch level control brings many advantages to fluid handling applications, such as:

• Automatic control – float switches are ideal for pump and motor automation, starting and stopping operations when liquid levels reach pre-set high or low points.
• Increased safety – by negating the need for manual operation, float switches stop pumps from becoming damaged due to low-level dry running as well as preventing a tank or wet well overflow.
• Remote monitoring – when paired with a suitable monitoring system, some float switches allow for remote monitoring of wet well levels.
• Energy efficient – float switches optimise energy consumption by preventing pump dry running and also reduce potential emergency repair costs and environmental fines due to overflows.

Float switches are devices that detect liquid levels in a tank and control external components accordingly. This could be starting/stopping a pump or valve to prevent a wet well from overflowing or a pump from running dry, or powering an alarm that alerts you to high or low fluid levels.

All of T-T's Flo Series of float switches have an internal microswitch and rolling ball operator - as wet well levels raise the float the micro switch is activated, creating a closed circuit and signaling that fluid levels have reached a predetermined point. When well levels lower the float, the circuit is opened and the electrical signal that was powering the high-level alert stops.

Read our article How Does a Float Switch Work? in our Knowledge Hub for more information.

There are many level control devices available, such as float switches, conductivity rpobes and tuning forks, each with their own variety of options. Choosing the best level control solution for your application can be confusing or even daunting, but T-T Controls is here to help.

Read our How-To Guide in the T-T Knowledge Hub, How-to: Selecting Liquid Level Control Solutions, for an overview of available level control devices and their intended applications.

For further advice, call our team on +44 (0)1630 647200; email response@ttpumps.com; or complete an enquiry form online.

Each of T-T's Flo Series of float switches is designed to work best in different mediums:

• FLO107 - non-mercury float switch, designed for use in potable water applications, WRAS-approved materials.
• FLO101 - ATEX Approved float switch made to be used in Zone 0 applications (explosive atmosphere and hazardous gas environments).
• FLO106 - non-mercury, heavy-duty float switch ideal for use in diesel and fuel oil applications
• FLO103 - a non-mercury, polypropylene and economic float switch for general use.
• FLO102 - a non-mercury, polypropylene float switch for general use and heavy-duty applications.

Counterweights add stability to float switches in turbulent environments and serve as the pivot point for the switch. This allows for a wider range of control over liquid levels by increasing the difference or span between the switch positions.

There are various additional products available to make your float switch installation easier and your final level control solution more reliable.

There are cable/float mounted counterweights for all applications, along with our TTC Ready Level range which is made up of a suspension chain, upper chain hook, heavy duty weight, D shackle and carribeaner for secure mounting in turbulent level control environments. 

Both a float valve and a float switch detect liquid levels and control a system accordingly. A float valve is a mechanical device that regulates liquid flow based on liquid-level detection. A float switch, on the other hand, is an electrical sensor that detects liquid levels and triggers changes in other electrical components, such as activating a pump.

It is not usually recommended to bypass a float switch because its purpose is to detect liquid levels and control the system accordingly to protect the equipment/surrounding environment, such as preventing a pump from dry-running or a wet well from overflowing.