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Thread: Float switch orientation?

  1. #1
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    Float switch orientation?

    I'm working on mounting 2 magnetic float switches similar to the picture in my sump on a 125g.

    The bottom one is for ATO.
    The top on is for a high water level

    I can flip the floats for a normal open or normal closed. (NO/NC)

    My question...
    Is there a best practice for mounting the float and choosing NO or NC to best anticipate failure with the least impact?

    Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

  2. #2
    Frequent Visitor Todd's Avatar
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    The default state for a switch is OPEN, so take that into consideration if they might get disconnected from the breakout box. I have found that with time the rods can foul with growth and cause the floats to stick. So they would tend to get stuck in the nominal location. I have had a few fail completely, but can't recall the mode. I keep extras on hand since they are relatively inexpensive. I also apply additional silicone to the area where the wires enter just as backup.

  3. #3
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    Since they read as open when disconnected I always set them so open means no water from the top off. So for the lower one closed should start the top off water and open should stop it. For the top one open should mean high water and stop any top off. That way if a wire gets disconnected the top off does not run till empty.

  4. #4
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    Thank you very much!!!!
    John

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