Help the development of the site, sharing the article with friends!
With a float switch, you can let your submersible pump work unattended. It prevents the pump from overheating and overflowing or running dry. You can find out what to look out for when buying a float switch in our guide.
The float switch is an important element of the submersible pump
Our recommendations
our recommendation
5m 250V 16A float switch pump submersible pumps level switch changer red
12.07 EUR To the product| Type | float switch |
|---|---|
| number of swimmers | 1 |
| material | PVC, metal |
| Dimensions (LxWxH) | approx. 16 x 8 x 4 cm |
| cable length | 5 m |
| working temperature | max. 50 °C |
| electricity | 16A |
| voltage | 250V |
The WilTec float switch is equipped with a red housing and black cable. With dimensions of around 16 x 8 x 4 cm (LxWxH) and a cable length of five meters, it presents itself as a classic all-rounder. It works up to a temperature of 50 degrees Celsius, so there is no need to worry about malfunctions. According to the reviewers on Amazon, this PVC and metal float switch is a good quality model that is easy to assemble, works perfectly and appears to have a long service life. Furthermore, the price-performance ratio is convincing.
our recommendation
10m 250V 16A float switch pump submersible pumps level switch changer red
19.23 EUR To the product| Type | float switch |
|---|---|
| number of swimmers | 1 |
| material | PVC, metal |
| Dimensions (LxWxH) | approx. 16 x 8 x 4 cm |
| cable length | 10 m |
| working temperature | max. 50 °C |
| electricity | 16A |
| voltage | 250V |
This float switch also comes from WilTec. In principle, it is the same model as our comparison winner: all the features are identical, only the cable is twice as long, so it is ten meters long instead of five. As a result, we recommend this level switch for all hobby gardeners who want a version with a particularly long cable. In terms of quality, there are no differences to the "shorter" float switch, which is also confirmed by the Amazon reviewers with descriptions such as "does what it should" or "works perfectly". Incidentally, the WilTec float switches are also available in the typical color combination of blue and yellow instead of red.
our recommendation
Reusious 3 Meter Cable Water Level Controller Rectangular Float Switch AC 220V 15(8)A
14.99 EUR To the product| Type | float switch |
|---|---|
| number of swimmers | 1 |
| material | n/a |
| Dimensions (LxWxH) | approx. 10 x 8 x 4.5 cm |
| cable length | 3 m |
| working temperature | 0-60℃ |
| electricity | 15A |
| voltage | 220V |
The inexpensive model from Ruesious deserves third place in our comparison of different float switches. It measures approximately 10 x 8 x 4.5 cm (LxWxH) and comes with a three meter cable. The majority of reviewers on Amazon are absolutely satisfied with this float switch. It should be ideal for the garden pond and work reliably. Many a customer complains that they have received a used product that already has flaws. Of course, this can always happen with Amazon. Anyone who notices this right away simply sends the product back and has it replaced free of charge.
Purchase Criteria
Type
float switch: The float switch has different constructions of the float. The most common variant houses a metal ball in a hermetically sealed housing. Depending on the water level and the associated inclination, the ball changes its position on a given meridian as a result of the natural shift in the center of gravity. Electrical contact is established via a lever system. Rarely used alternatives for the pond or pool are models with a permanent magnet or a mechanical linkage.
level switch: A mechanical level switch is actuated by the water pressure via a membrane. However, it is more likely to be used in washing machines and dishwashers than in ponds and pools. There are also electronic level switches. These evaluate the electrical resistance of the water column and, depending on the result in relation to the water level, initiate the appropriate measure - i.e. filling or pumping out.
number of swimmers
Float switches with one float can only be used for one "direction" at a time - i.e. either for filling or for pumping out the pond or pool. However, there are also models with two floats. These designs allow you to control the submersible pump in both directions at the same time.
material
Float switches for the garden pond or the pool are usually made of plastic, more precisely of polypropylene (PP), only the ball inside is made of metal. For other areas of application there are also versions made of nylon, polyphenylene sulphide (PPS) or stainless steel. When making your comparison, make sure that the individual parts of the float switch are well made. Check that the float switch is CE certified, making it a safe device.
size
Also take a look at the dimensions of the float switch and adjust the size to the area of your pond or pool if possible. The float should not be too big so as not to push itself too far into the foreground. In a garden pond with fish, a too bulky float switch could irritate and disturb the fish. Most float switches measure approximately 10 x 8 x 5 cm (LxWxH).
Length of the connection cable
The length of the connection cable plays an important role when purchasing a float switch, as it determines the level at which the connected submersible pump switches on or off. The cable length is generally three, four or five meters - but occasionally you will also come across float switches with longer cables, for example ten metres. Customize the feature to suit your needs.
working temperature
With classic PP float switches, the working temperature is usually between zero and 70 degrees. This area is also perfectly adequate for the garden pond or pool. You should only make sure that the temperature range covers your project if you want to buy the float switch for other purposes.
youtubefrequently asked Questions
What is a float switch and what is it for?
A float switch, often also called a float switch, is a vessel usually made of plastic with an integrated steel ball. It is normally used in combination with a submersible pump for unattended filling or pumping out of garden ponds or pools. Float switches effectively protect submersible pumps from overheating and prevent overflowing as well as dry running.
How does a float switch work?
A hollow body made of plastic floats on the water surface. It is connected to the submersible pump via a cable. A steel ball rolls back and forth inside the hollow body. Depending on its position - it depends on the fill level of the pond or pool - the ball activates a switch that activates or deactivates the pump.
Which brands offer good float switches?
The best known and most popular brands for float switches include Gardena, Einhell, Kärcher, Güde and Wiltec.
Where is the best place to buy a float switch?
Float switches are usually available in all well-stocked hardware stores and garden centers. You will also find what you are looking for in specialized pond shops. Amazon offers you a large selection and a convenient ordering and return system. If you are not satisfied with your float switch, you can usually return it without any problems.
How much does a float switch cost?
The majority of commercially available float switches cost between 15 and 20 euros. There are also a few models for which you only have to spend about ten euros. Conversely, some manufacturers charge more than 20 euros for their high-quality float switches. However, the aids rarely cost more than 30 euros.
equipment
Submersible/Drain Pump
If you don't yet have a submersible or dirty water pump, you can coordinate this and the float switch directly with one another to ensure optimum compatibility. Just make sure the connectors match. There are also sets consisting of a pump and float switch. Basically, it is logically very important that the submersible pump itself is 100 percent convincing in terms of quality.
our recommendation