With a water level switch, you can automatically monitor the water level in containers, wells or water tanks and also regulate it by coupling it to a pump. You can find out exactly how this works and what you should pay attention to when buying in our guide.
A water level switch monitors and maintains the desired water level
Our recommendations
our recommendation
H-Tronic WPS 5000 water level switch with 30m sensor cable 2500W water detector level switch
62.45 EUR To the product| Type | classic |
|---|---|
| switching capacity | max. 2500 watts |
| operating voltage | 230V |
| power consumption | 3.5 watts |
| trigger sensitivity | 10/200k ohms |
| functional area | -15°C /+40°C |
| sensor line | 30 m |
| cable length | 2m |
This water level switch is almost without exception highly praised by the reviewers at Amazon - for its high-quality workmanship, easy assembly, extremely simple application and convincing functionality. The technical properties are also impressive. It is also worth mentioning that this device works without mains voltage at the water sensors.
our recommendation
H-Tronic WPS 3000plus electronic fill level differential switch with 2 water sensors 3000W
66.05 EUR To the product| Type | classic |
|---|---|
| switching capacity | max. 3000 watts |
| operating voltage | 230V |
| power consumption | 1.5 watts |
| trigger sensitivity | less than 50 kOhm |
| functional area | -15°C /+40°C |
| sensor line | 2x10m |
| cable length | 2m |
Second place also goes to a device from the H-Tronic series from Wiltec. It differs from the WPS 5000 in several details - for example the lower power consumption and the presence of two sensors. Those are the benefits. However, the lines for this are shorter. If you don't necessarily need two water sensors, you are better off with the slightly cheaper 5000 model. Conversely, the 3000plus version is of course worthwhile for anyone who needs two sensors. In terms of quality, the 3000plus version is just as first-class as its "siblings".
our recommendation
H-Tronic WPS 5000 water level switch with 30m sensor cable 2500W water detector level switch
62.45 EUR To the product| Type | classic |
|---|---|
| switching capacity | max. 3000 watts |
| operating voltage | 9V/DC (max. 12V/DC) |
| power consumption | 10 milliamps |
| trigger sensitivity | unknown |
| functional area | unknown |
| sensor line | max 5m |
| cable length | without cable |
The Kemo water detector is also a classic water level switch, but not quite complete. For operation you need a separate power supply unit and also a two-wire cable with a maximum length of five meters. If you use a shielded cable, it can be up to 100 meters long. Due to this additional effort, we recommend the model primarily to gardeners who are familiar with such systems - for the relatively low purchase price of the water detector, the extra work can definitely pay off.
Purchase Criteria
kind
Classic water level switch: A classic water level switch has a control center with a plug and slot for a consumer (usually a pump) and a water sensor. The control center is mounted on the wall and the sensor is placed in the water butt or in the garden pond (examples only) at exactly the height that the water should not fall below or exceed. The sensors react accordingly and activate or deactivate the consumer, depending on the setting.
float switch: The float switch is a hollow plastic body that you connect to the consumer via a power cable. He is placed on the water surface. The switch houses a ball on the inside, the position of which changes depending on the level in the pond or in the water butt. For example, the switch deactivates the pump if the ball rolls against the wall of the hollow body. If the ball is in the middle, the float switch ensures that the pump works.
our recommendation
Walfront Wire Type Float Switch 6.23ft (12.14ft) Wire Liquid Water Level Controller Sensor, Septic Tank, Sump Pump, Water Tank(Wire Length: 3.7M)
22.59 EUR To the productOn/off delay
It is practical if the water level switch enables a switch-on and/or switch-off delay. You can use this function to schedule pumping, for example. This is how it works: As soon as the maximum level you have set is reached, the pump switches on. Due to the delay setting, the pump only works for a defined period of time. You determine the length of this period in advance. For example, you can choose to only pump for one minute if needed.
No mains voltage at the sensor
When buying a water level switch, make sure that the water probes - i.e. the sensors - are supplied with a very low or better no mains voltage. In this way you prevent the usual oxidation caused by galvanic currents. As you probably know, any oxidation releases free radicals, which in turn are harmful to humans, animals and plants. Accordingly, you should also prevent the formation of free radicals as far as possible when regulating the water in rain barrels (53.99€) and Co.
Technical specifications
In order to check whether the respective water level switch fits your requirements, you should also take a look at some technical data. These include above all
- the switching capacity in watts,
- the operating voltage in volts,
- the power consumption in watts, amperes or milliamperes,
- the trigger sensitivity in kilohms (kOhms) and the
- Functional range in degrees Celsius (plus and minus degrees).
Also check the sensor line and the cable length.
reliability
It is of course crucial that the water level switch works absolutely trouble-free. If he doesn't, he defeats his purpose. After all, it is used so that you no longer have to constantly check the water level in the respective container, well or pond yourself. If you can't trust the water detector to work, it's useless. Be sure to read through many customer reviews and check after purchase through your own practical tests whether the device works properly.
handling
Also make sure that your chosen water level switch is easy to use. This important criterion includes, among other things, the clarity of the display (if available) and the push buttons (On/Off et cetera). Ideally, the operation of the water detector is largely intuitive. Nevertheless, a detailed and clearly written operating manual should definitely be part of the scope of delivery. With regard to handling, it is also worth taking a closer look at the reviews of other customers.
Assembly
The assembly should also be as easy as possible and effortless. To find out if this is the case with your targeted water level switch, it again helps to consult real user testimonials. You will probably always read from the manufacturers themselves that the fastening and installation can be realized without any problems. Do not blindly trust what is written in the promotional product descriptions.
youtubefrequently asked Questions
What is a water level switch?
A water level switch is a device that you can use to monitor and control the level in various containers or in ponds and wells. The system ensures that the water is pumped out when the level reaches an undesirable level, or that the pump stops working when the level is too low.
What is a water level switch used for?
A level switch is used to control and regulate the water level in a garden pond, in a fountain, in a rain barrel or in another "watery area". The latter is only possible in combination with a pump. Otherwise, you can also connect the water level switch to a warning device to be informed acoustically if the water level is too high or too low.
How does a water level switch work?
In principle, level monitoring is very simple: Position the sensor at the point in the pond/fountain/vessel that the water should not exceed or fall below. Fix the "central" (the main housing) on the wall and set it individually, if configurable. You also connect them to the desired consumer (pump, warning device). The latter reacts immediately as soon as the sensor "informs" the control center that action must be taken.
What brands offer good water level switches?
With the H-Tronic WPS series, Wiltec is clearly the best known and most popular brand for water level switches. An interesting alternative is available from Kemo, for example, which is also a German manufacturer.
Where is the best place to buy a water level switch?
As far as the specialist trade is concerned, water level switches can usually only be found in very large and diverse garden centers and hardware stores. You can also get the specific gardening aids in the online shops of the respective companies. Conveniently, however, Amazon also has a few models on offer.
How much does a water level switch cost?
Water level switches are not too expensive. You usually pay ten to 20 euros for simple float switches. You can also get classic water level switches with solid quality from as little as ten euros - but they usually cost between 30 and 70 euros.
equipment
submersible pump
In addition to your chosen water level switch, to achieve a comprehensive water regulation system you also need a submersible pump that will pump out the water when needed.
our recommendation