Types Of ip68 Electrical Float Switch
The sensors have been grouped according to their buoyancy and the switching method.
Bouyant type
These switch types work when the floating element moves up and down in response to the liquid level change. They include the following:
- The sliding or cylindrical floats are designed to operate even in a narrow space. The float moves up and down while checking the liquid level. A cylindrical float is more suitable for small or cramped areas with minimal space. It slides on a stem and provides precise level control.
- The spherical or ball floats are simple and reliable. The float moves up and down the stem but can also tilt. When the float reaches a certain level, it signals the switch to activate or deactivate. A spherical float can be used for both high and low-level monitoring.
- The discoid or toroidal float is a ring-shaped float. A toroidal float is best for large areas. It will also ensure that minimal liquid is displaced when the floating moves
Non-buoyant types
These types do not use buoyancy to detect liquid levels. Instead, they use pressure or other means.
- Multi-point type: These IPT68 electrical float switches have several output switches. The switches change as the float rises or falls within the liquid. They have multiple switches to provide several level signals.
- Single-point type: These are simple and the most common. They only have one output switch. The switch activates or deactivates when the float reaches a specific level.
According to the mechanism of action
- Mechanical IPT68 electrical float switches have a simple system that uses mechanical parts. These include a float, rod, and snap action. They are preferred where there is a need for rugged applications involving heavy liquids.
- Magnetic IPT68 electrical float switches use magnets to operate. A magnetic float will move a magnetic field inside the switch. This enables non-mechanical contact. These are preferred where there is a need for low power consumption and silent operation.
Materials And Design\"
Float switches have different designs based on the application and environment they will be used in.
Design of float switches
- Cylindrical float: It can be made from plastics such as polycarbonate and nylon or stainless steel. Polycarbonate and nylon are good for light-duty areas. Those areas have chemical exposure or require minimal electrical activity. These materials provide a barrier against acids and bases while conducting heat and electricity. On the other hand, stainless steel is used in more robust environments that require mechanical strength and resistance to corrosion, such as food production.
- Spherical float: Like the cylindrical float, the materials vary between stainless steel, polycarbonate, and nylon. Stainless steel is used where there is corrosion. Polycarbonate is used because it is gentle on surfaces and has good chemical resistance. There is also nylon, which is strong, rigid, and resistant to mechanical and thermal wear.
- Toroidal float: It is commonly made from polypropylene or stainless steel. Polypropylene is lightweight and resistant to many chemicals. Stainless steel has high impact resistance. It is also used in high-temperature applications and where corrosion occurs.
Housing materials for non-buoyant switches
- Housing: The non-buoyant sensors can be made from similar materials as the buoyant ones. However, they mostly use plastics like polycarbonate, PP, or PVC. There are also metals like stainless steel or carbon steel for heavy-duty areas. Polycarbonate is good to use where there is risk from chemical exposure.
- Pressure sensor float: It is usually made from polypropylene, silicon rubber, or nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR). Polypropylene is a durable plastic commonly used for sensors in heavy industrial applications. Silicon rubber is used where there are extreme temperatures. NBR has good resistance to oils and fuels.
Commercial Value And Uses
Commercial Value
- Industrial automation: The IPT68 electrical float switches help control liquid levels in tanks and prevent overflows. This reduces the risk of associated damages, increasing operational efficiency, and cutting down on downtime.
- Water treatment: These switches control the water levels in treatment tanks. This helps maintain optimal levels during the treatment process, increasing efficiency while reducing labor costs.
- Fuel systems: In the automotive or aerospace industry, these switches control fuel levels in tanks and optimize fuel usage.
- Cost-effective solution: IPT68 electrical float switches require low maintenance. This makes them a cost-effective solution.
- Rugged and reliable: They are designed to be rugged and reliable even in challenging environments.
Uses
- Agriculture: They monitor irrigation tanks and livestock water supplies.
- Apart from monitoring the water levels in the sewage system, they also give a warning of the low or high levels.
- They are used in monitoring coolant levels in automotive and industrial machinery.
- IPT68 electrical float switches are used in food and beverage industries to control liquid levels in processing vessels and tanks.
- They are used to control the water levels in aquariums and ensure a balanced environment for the aquatic life.
How To Choose
When buying IPT68 electrical float switches, buyers should consider the following factors.
- Buyers should consider the horizontal mounting space available in their property. DT68 electrical float switches are available in different sizes. The small ones are 3/4' to 1' in diameter. The large ones are 1.5' to 3' in diameter.
- These switches use different materials to make the floats and housings. Buyers should consider the materials used and ensure they are compatible with the liquids they will be used in. For example, plastic float switches are suitable for light-duty, chemical-exposed areas. On the other hand, stainless steel floats are for harsh or high-temperature areas.
- Considering the environmental factors of the area the switch will be installed, the switches offer different degrees of protection against these factors. For example, IP67/IP68 are great for outdoor areas. They are also great for areas with water exposure. On the other hand, the IP65 range is suitable for indoor areas.
- Some float switches can switch AC, others DC, and few can switch both. For buyers intending to use their electric float switches in electrical equipment that runs on DC or AC, they should look for one that can handle the voltage and current ratings. They should also ensure the electrical system polarity matches the switch.
- For multiple level controls, buyers can opt for multi-point float switches. However, if they only need a single level control, there is no need to buy the multi-point switch since it will be an extra cost.
Q and A
Q1. Are IPT68 electrical float switches worth it?
A1. Yes. The electrical float switches are worth it. They are designed to be rugged and reliable, even in challenging environments.
Q2. For how long can the IPT68 electrical float switches last?
A2. The lifetime usually depends on the materials used to make the float and housing and the working conditions. The switches that are made with buoyant materials like polycarbonate, nylon, or stainless steel can last for two years.
Q3. IPT68 electrical float switches maintenance required?
A3.The good thing about IPT68 electrical float switches is they require minimal maintenance. However, periodic inspections can help buyers ensure the switches are working properly.
Q4. Do the IPT68 electrical float switches come in different sizes?
A4. Yes, they do. Buyers can choose from several sizes ranging from 3/4' to 1.5' in diameter.
Q5. Can buyers use buoyant switches for non-buoyant applications?
A5. No. The buoyant switches are specially designed for buoyant applications, and non-buoyant switches are for non-buoyant applications. However, there is an exception for magnetic float switches that can be used for both.