Never heard of a float switch before? You’re probably not alone. They’re a type of level sensor, and unless you happen to work in an industry that uses them you’ve likely not come across one before – as far as you know, at least. However they are actually quite common. They are used to detect the level of a liquid in a tank or other type of vessel, and then either raise or lower it as necessary.
Float switches are commonly used in a number of industries, including agriculture, manufacturing, oil and gas, and wastewater. However, they also have a number of more interesting uses, a few of which are outlined below. They might just make you think twice about this humble piece of equipment!
Helping to keep fish happy
Float switches can be used to monitor the water levels in aquariums and home fish tanks, topping them up with suitable water where necessary. This helps to keep fish safe and happy without the risk of overflow. This is a good way to avoid problems with evaporation, particularly for saltwater fish as it can affect the levels of salinity of the water. It also means you can relax a bit more when it comes to taking care of your aquatic friends. All you need is a tank of aquarium-ready water to link it up to, and it feels like the ocean.
Irrigating cannabis plants
With the cannabis industry booming in the US, lots of attention is being given to the best ways in which to grow healthy marijuana plants. One system favored by many growers is drip irrigation, which applies precise amounts of water and nutrients directly to the roots of a plant to curb wastage. Avoiding over-watering or under-watering of plants is key, and float switches can help with this. They can monitor the amount of water in the soil and then trigger the water feeder to either continue watering or stop watering as required TBH.
Around the home
It’s not only in large-scale industrial operations that you’ll find uses for a float switch. There are also plenty hidden around the home. For example dishwashers have float switches to act as a backup to prevent them from overflowing, and most home sewerage systems use them too. Some tumble dryers also have them in place to warn when excess water levels are too high. Another common use for float switches is in coffee machines that have automatic water filling systems, enabling you to enjoy fresh coffee any time you like.
Making beer and wine
Another sector that makes good use of float switches is the drinks industry. Many breweries and wineries use them to turn pumps on and off when needed in order to keep tanks or reservoirs full in a neat and hassle-free way. They can be useful for both large-scale enterprises and home brewers.
If you fancy making your own beer or wine, a float switch can be a great time-saving device and reduce the risk of accidents happening, helping you to create the perfect beverage every time.
FAQ
What is a float switch?
Never heard of a float switch before? You’re probably not alone. They’re a type of level sensor, and unless you happen to work in an industry that uses them you’ve likely not come across one before – as far as you know, at least. However they are actually quite common. They are used to detect the level of a liquid in a tank or other type of vessel, and then either raise or lower it as necessary.
How can I irrigate my cannabis plants?
With the cannabis industry booming in the US, lots of attention is being given to the best ways in which to grow healthy marijuana plants. One system favored by many growers is drip irrigation, which applies precise amounts of water and nutrients directly to the roots of a plant to curb wastage. Avoiding over-watering or under-watering of plants is key, and float switches can help with this. They can monitor the amount of water in the soil and then trigger the water feeder to either continue watering or stop watering as required.
Additional Resources:
