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Float Switches for Liquid Level Control | 10A-16A | Pump Tank Control | IP68
Outdoor Waterproof Switch-Float Switch
KRIPAL manufactures float switches in the UKW7 series for liquid level detection and control in water, wastewater, industrial process and agricultural applications. These cable-suspended float switches use a mercury-free microswitch or reed switch inside a sealed polypropylene float body that tilts as the liquid level rises and falls, opening or closing an electrical circuit to start or stop a pump, open or close a valve, or activate an alarm. Available in normally open (NO), normally closed (NC) and changeover (SPDT) contact configurations, with cable lengths from 3 meters to 20 meters and rated for switching currents up to 10A at 250V AC. The float body is molded from chemically resistant polypropylene with a seamless ultrasonic welded construction that provides IP68 protection for continuous immersion in water and most chemical solutions up to 60 degrees Celsius. The cable is a heavy-duty PVC or oil-resistant neoprene (CR) jacketed flexible cable with a cable weight that anchors the pivot point, controlling the switching angle. The UKW7 is available in pump-up (empty) and pump-down (fill) configurations, with the switching differential (the level change between ON and OFF) determined by the cable length between the float and the anchor point. Certified to IEC 60730-1 for automatic electrical controls, KRIPAL float switches are used in sump and sewage pump control, water tank level control, irrigation systems, and industrial process level monitoring.
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UKY-1 Float Level Switch 3m/5m/10m Wire Cable Water Level Controller Red
KRIPAL UKY Series Float Level Switch provides an efficient and reliable solution for automatic liquid level control in various environments.
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UKY-2 Float Level Switch 3m/5m/10m Wire Cable Water Level Controller Blue
KRIPAL UKY Series Float Level Switch provides an efficient and reliable solution for automatic liquid level control in various environments.
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KRIPAL UKY Series Float Level Switch provides an efficient and reliable solution for automatic liquid level control in various environments.
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Ask a QuoteFloat Switch Selection for Water and Liquid Level Management
A float switch is a simple, reliable liquid level sensor that requires no external power supply and has no electronic components to fail. The float body contains a microswitch or reed switch and a metal ball that moves under gravity as the float tilts, closing or opening the electrical contacts. The float is suspended by its cable at a fixed point (cable anchor or weight), and the liquid level at which the switch operates is determined by the free cable length between the float and the anchor. When the liquid level rises, the float tilts upward and the switch changes state; when the level falls, the float tilts downward and the switch returns to its original state. This selection guide covers contact configuration, pump-up/pump-down logic, cable type and installation.
UKW7 Float Switch Series Technical Specifications
Contact Configuration and Pump Control Logic
The UKW7 is available in three contact configurations. Normally Open (NO): the contacts close when the float tilts upward (liquid rising), used for pump-up/empty control where the pump must start when the liquid reaches a high level. Normally Closed (NC): the contacts open when the float tilts upward, used for pump-down/fill control where the pump must stop when the tank is full. Changeover (SPDT): provides both NO and NC contacts, allowing the installer to select the logic on site and use one float switch for both high-level and low-level alarms. For dual-level control (different ON and OFF levels), two float switches are used: one at the upper level (pump ON) and one at the lower level (pump OFF), with their contacts wired in series or parallel to the pump contactor coil depending on the control logic.
Cable Type and Chemical Compatibility
The UKW7 is available with PVC cable (standard, suitable for clean water, wastewater and most aqueous solutions up to 60 degrees Celsius) and neoprene/CR cable (oil-resistant, suitable for applications with oils, fuels, solvents and higher temperatures up to 80 degrees Celsius). The PVC cable has a heavy-duty jacket with good abrasion resistance for sump and tank installations. The neoprene cable has superior resistance to petroleum products, making it suitable for fuel storage tanks, oil separators and industrial process tanks containing hydrocarbons. The cable outer diameter (typically 6.5mm for 3-core, 8mm for 4-core) is compatible with standard IP68 cable glands. The cable includes a molded-in strain relief at the float body entry to prevent cable damage from repeated flexing at the float pivot point.
Float Body Construction and Sealing
The UKW7 float body is injection-molded from polypropylene, a material selected for its chemical resistance (resistant to most acids, alkalis, salt solutions and organic solvents), low water absorption (less than 0.03 percent), and density suitable for buoyancy in water and most aqueous solutions. The float body is assembled from two halves that are joined by ultrasonic welding, creating a seamless, leak-proof joint that maintains IP68 protection for continuous immersion. The welded joint is tested for burst pressure and helium leak tightness on a statistical sample from every production batch. The internal microswitch is a sealed unit rated for 100,000 mechanical operations, and the switching mechanism uses a stainless steel ball that requires no lubrication and is not affected by condensation inside the float body. The float is free of mercury, cadmium and other hazardous substances, compliant with RoHS and WEEE directives.
Installation and Switching Differential
The UKW7 is installed by attaching the cable to a fixed anchor point (weight, bracket or pipe clamp) at the desired position in the tank or sump. The free cable length between the float and the anchor point determines the switching differential (the vertical level difference between the ON and OFF positions). A longer free cable provides a larger differential, suitable for applications where frequent pump cycling must be avoided. A shorter free cable provides a smaller differential, suitable for applications where tight level control is required. The anchor point must be positioned so that the float cannot become entangled with pipes, ladders or other obstructions, and the float must have sufficient clearance from the tank walls to tilt freely. For deep sumps, a cable weight (supplied as an accessory) is attached to the cable at the desired pivot point to provide a more defined anchor position than the cable alone.
Specify Float Switches for Your Level Control
- Application Specification: Describe your liquid, tank depth and control logic, and we recommend the UKW7 configuration and cable length.
- Installation Guidance: Request an installation diagram showing the correct float anchor position for your required switching differential.
- OEM/Project Supply: Source UKW7 float switches in bulk for your pump station, water treatment or agricultural projects.
Automatic Level Control for Water Tanks, Sump Pumps and Industrial Processes
KRIPAL UKW7 float switches provide simple, reliable liquid level detection for pump control, alarm activation and process monitoring across water, wastewater, industrial and agricultural sectors. With no electronics and no external power required for the sensing function, the float switch operates reliably in remote locations, wet environments and applications where powered sensors would be impractical.
Sump and Sewage Pump Control
Domestic and commercial sump pits use UKW7 float switches to control the sump pump. Two floats are installed: a lower float (pump OFF) and an upper float (pump ON). When water rises to the upper float, the pump starts and runs until the water level drops below the lower float, then stops. This dual-float configuration provides the hysteresis needed to prevent rapid pump cycling. A third high-level alarm float can be installed above the pump-ON float to activate an audible alarm if the pump fails.
Water Storage Tank Fill Control
Elevated water storage tanks use UKW7 float switches for pump-down/fill control. A float at the low level starts the borehole or transfer pump, and a float at the high level stops it. The changeover (SPDT) configuration allows a single float to be used if the switching differential is acceptable. For tanks in remote locations, the float switch directly controls the pump contactor, with no PLC or controller required.
Wastewater Treatment Plant Level Control
Wastewater treatment plants use UKW7 float switches in wet wells, aeration tanks and clarifiers for pump control and high/low level alarm. The polypropylene float body resists the chemicals and biological agents in wastewater, and the heavy-duty PVC cable withstands the mechanical stress of installation in deep wet wells.
Agricultural Irrigation and Drainage
Farm irrigation systems use UKW7 float switches for canal and sump level control, and for automatic pump start/stop based on water level in storage ponds. The float switch operates reliably in the muddy, debris-laden water typical of agricultural applications, where ultrasonic or capacitive sensors would be fouled.
Industrial Process Tank Level Monitoring
Industrial process tanks for chemicals, oils and process water use UKW7 float switches with neoprene cable for level control. The SPDT contact configuration provides both high and low level signals from one float switch. For aggressive chemicals, the polypropylene float body and neoprene cable are compatible with a wide range of process fluids.
Specify Level Control for Your Application
- Application Review: Our engineers review your liquid, tank and control requirements and recommend the UKW7 configuration.
- Installation Support: Request a switching differential calculation and anchor position diagram for your tank.
- Bulk Supply: Source UKW7 float switches in project quantities for pump stations and water treatment projects.
KRIPAL Float Switch Manufacturing: Reliable Level Detection
KRIPAL float switches are manufactured in a dedicated assembly cell where the microswitch mechanism is sealed within a buoyant float body, the counterweight and cable assembly are integrated, and the complete switch undergoes a function test across the specified switching angle. Each float switch is immersed in water for a leak test before shipment for global liquid level control in water, wastewater, and industrial fluid applications.
Microswitch Assembly and Sealing Within Float Body
A hermetically sealed or environmentally protected microswitch is mounted inside the float body at the specified switching angle. The float body is ultrasonically welded or chemically bonded to create a permanent watertight seal. Each sealed float undergoes a hot-water immersion test at 60 degrees Celsius for leak detection, with any bubble emission indicating a seal failure.
Switching Angle and Differential Calibration
The internal microswitch is positioned to actuate at a specific float angle (typically 10 to 45 degrees from horizontal) as the liquid level rises or falls. The switching angle and differential (hysteresis) are verified on every unit by tilting the float through its operating arc on a calibrated angle fixture while monitoring switch contact transition. The switching point is marked on the cable.
Counterweight and Cable Assembly
The H07RN-F or equivalent flexible cable is attached to the float body with a molded strain relief that provides IP68 sealing at the cable entry. The adjustable counterweight is fitted to the cable at a position that determines the effective switching level. Cable length is cut to the specified order length and the free end is stripped and tinned or fitted with terminals per customer specification.
Contact Rating and Function Testing
Every float switch undergoes an electrical function test: switch contacts are verified for correct NO/NC operation at the specified switching angle, contact resistance is measured below 100 milliohms, and dielectric withstand at 1500V AC is tested between the switch contacts and the surrounding water bath to confirm that no leakage current paths exist through the float body.
Distributor Stock Holding Programs for Float Switches
KRIPAL supports distributor inventory programs with agreed stock levels for standard float switch configurations: cable lengths of 3m, 5m, and 10m with common cable types and microswitch ratings. Custom cable lengths and special fluid-resistant cable jackets are available with defined lead times.
Private Label and OEM Branding for Float Switches
Custom cable marking with your part number, OEM packaging, and bundled counterweight and mounting bracket kits are available. KRIPAL supports the supply of float switches with customer-specified switching angles and custom float body colors for brand identification.
Multi-Region Certification and Compliance Support
CE, UKCA, and EN 61058-1 compliance documentation is provided. For float switches used in potable water applications, WRAS or equivalent material certification is available upon request.
Direct Technical Access to KRIPAL Assembly Engineers
Your technical team communicates with the engineers who designed and calibrated your float switches. Application questions including pump control wiring (single switch, dual switch for empty/fill), chemical compatibility of float materials, and custom switching configurations receive answers within 24 hours during China business hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore FAQ >A float switch contains a weighted ball or tilting mechanism inside a buoyant body. As the liquid level rises or falls, the float tilts, causing the internal switch to open or close. The switching level is set by adjusting the cable length between the float and the fixed counterweight.
Yes, with chemical-resistant polypropylene bodies. For heavy sludge or fibrous wastewater, select floats with smooth bodies that resist material accumulation and ensure free movement.
Normally open (NO) closes the contact when the float rises. Normally closed (NC) opens the contact when the float rises. Select NO for tank-fill (stop pump at high level). Select NC for sump-empty (start pump at high level).
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