DIY float switch

[georgeortiz]

Hi guys,
I just wanted to share my first attempt at a float switch with you guys.

I have two switches for redundancy just in case the one on the bottow sticks the second one will cut off the pump. I am going to have it all hooked up to a timer so I will be able to control when it is in operation as a further safe gurard.

I made it out of spare acrylic, 16 guage wire, 2 floatswitches, a two wire extension cord and that is about it. I routed out the center of the mounting plate to make it adjustable in case I want to change the level of water in my sump. It definetely look like a DIY job but, hey if it works who cares it is out of view anyway.

[::pete::]

Looks fine to me !!!

[AlienAnchovies]

how exactly does that work?

[georgeortiz]

It is pretty simple actually. The bottom float switch and top switch are connected in a series circuit. The top swith will always be in the on position so all that is left is for the bottom to fluctuate between on and off with the level of the water in the sump. As the water level lowers the bottom switch turns on and voila the pump hooked to my resevoir send water to the sump until the float switch goes to the off position again when there is enough water. Just in case the bottom switch gets stuck the top switch shuts the system off when the water level actuates that switch. Furthermore you can make sure that you only top off during certain times by adding a timer to the mix. This will ensure that you limit the amount of time the system runs per day and limits the damage any disaster may cause.

[Tim Marvin]

Nice job! Let us know how they work. I've tried those floats a couple times in the past and they have always failed within 6 months. I may just be unlucky with them. I never made such a fancy bracket for them either. Mine were connected to eggcrate.

[georgeortiz]

Cool,
I will let you know. I ordered some extra. At 6 bucks each you can't go wrong. I am sure eventually I may replace enough to have bought a real controller but, I know I made this one.

[eric]

I like the idea of the timer controlling when it is activated.

Tim, how did those fail on you?

[NaCl_H2O]

Nice design! I have a Reef Fanatic controller that uses these same (similar) switches and it has worked great for close to 6 months now. It has stuck once or twice due to "FOD". Mine also has two switches, but the second switch is in the resovoir at the "Resovoir low" shutoff level (the switch is always under water). This keeps the resovoir from being emptied and running the pump dry. I adjusted that switch so that if the one in the sump fails, It will only pump down about 1/3rd of the resovoir capacity, which is good because the resovoir is full of Kalk water ;)

[georgeortiz]

That is a good Idea. I can probably add a third switch to the mix for the resevoir. I would just have to add a third switch to the series. Thanks!