Category
Water Level Switch for Tanks & Sumps
Switch pumps and raise high or low alarms on water tanks and sumps.
A water level switch starts and stops pumps and raises high or low alarms on a tank or sump. Beck's version uses a pressure switch: the water column exerts a pressure proportional to its depth, and an SPDT contact trips when that pressure reaches its set point, with no float to stick or tangle.
1 Product · Water Level Switch
Selection guide
Water Level Switch for Tanks & Sumps Guide
How a pressure-based water level switch works
The switch connects to the tank or sump below the water surface. As the water column rises, it exerts more pressure on the switch's diaphragm; once that pressure reaches the set point, the diaphragm moves and operates an SPDT changeover contact. As the level falls, the contact resets, and because sensing is by pressure rather than a mechanical float, there's nothing submerged to stick, tangle or get damaged by turbulence.
How to choose a water level switch
- Contact type: the Beck switch has a single SPDT changeover contact, usable as normally open or normally closed, which suits most pump starters and alarm circuits directly.
- Application: suited to tanks, sumps and reservoirs for pump start/stop, dry-run protection or overflow alarms.
- Set point: tell us the level (or pressure) at which you need the switch to trip, and we'll confirm the version.
- Switch point vs continuous reading: if you need to see the actual water level rather than just a trip point, choose a water level transmitter instead.
For building water tanks with a BMS-style installation, see the HVAC water level transmitter.
FAQ
Common questions
Is a pressure-type water level switch better than a float?
A pressure switch has no moving parts in the water, so there's nothing to stick, tangle in cables or fittings, or get damaged by turbulence from a pump or inlet. It senses the water column's pressure directly through a diaphragm, which keeps working reliably in sumps and tanks where a float can jam.
What contact does the Beck water level switch have?
A single SPDT (changeover) contact, which can be wired as normally open or normally closed to close the circuit on rising or falling level as your application needs. That flexibility covers most pump-control and alarm wiring without extra relays.
Can a water level switch control a pump directly?
The switch contact can switch a pump starter or controller coil at the set level, for start/stop or dry-run protection. Tell us your pump's control voltage and current and we'll confirm direct connection, or specify an interposing relay if the load needs one.
Do I need a level switch or a continuous reading for my tank?
A level switch gives a single on/off contact at one set point, useful for pump control and alarms. A level transmitter gives a continuous signal proportional to the actual water level, so you can see how full the tank is at any time, not just whether it has crossed a point.
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