Float switch quick disconnect?

[aaron186]

I have a Reef Octo skimmer that has a float valve in the lid. My skimmer controller is ran to a different compartment so it’s a pain to disconnect the lid and remove the cable to clean the lid. Is there a way to make a quick disconnect in the float switch wire close to the lid for easier cleaning?

 

[SteveMM62Reef]

Something like this? You would have to Solder this in to the Existing Wires, and use the Water Resistant Heat Shrink Tubing, the stuff with the goop in it. Amazon product

 

[Jamie814]

I have a Reef Octo skimmer that has a float valve in the lid. My skimmer controller is ran to a different compartment so it’s a pain to disconnect the lid and remove the cable to clean the lid. Is there a way to make a quick disconnect in the float switch wire close to the lid for easier cleaning?

This is what I used, cut it in half, wire one end to apex and the other end to the float switch.

I have mine setup as normally closed, so when you unplug the connector, the skimmer shuts down as well for easy cleaning. Plug it back in and it starts back up. No need to even touch the apex for skimmer cleaning. :)

Amazon product

 

[aaron186]

This is what I used, cut it in half, wire one end to apex and the other end to the float switch.

I have mine setup as normally closed, so when you unplug the connector, the skimmer shuts down as well for easy cleaning. Plug it back in and it starts back up. No need to even touch the apex for skimmer cleaning. :)

Amazon product

Just bought a set thank you. This is perfect. I assure it’s just an easy strip of the wires and then crimp together and wrap in electrical tape?

I’m using the RO controller to shut off but I guess the apex would be better for this?

 

[WillpoleReefers]

I have a Reef Octo skimmer that has a float valve in the lid. My skimmer controller is ran to a different compartment so it’s a pain to disconnect the lid and remove the cable to clean the lid. Is there a way to make a quick disconnect in the float switch wire close to the lid for easier cleaning?

I guess it will be important to watch for any corrosion of a socket used near saltwater. Not the kindest of environments for contacts of any sort!

Regards

Steve

 

[EricR]

Just bought a set thank you. This is perfect. I assure it’s just an easy strip of the wires and then crimp together and wrap in electrical tape?

I’m using the RO controller to shut off but I guess the apex would be better for this?

Solder then heat shrink would be best.
Otherwise, waterproof (somewhat) crimp connectors filled with silicone ("goop" like someone mentioned) is easier but wouldn't look as nice.

 

[Jamie814]

Solder then heat shrink would be best.

This is how I did mine...

 

[dcsnet]

Solder then heat shrink would be best.
Otherwise, waterproof (somewhat) crimp connectors filled with silicone ("goop" like someone mentioned) is easier but wouldn't look as nice.

Hello I know this is an old post but I have a question as I am trying to do this now. Could you elaborate on the re wiring? Right now I have the float switch connected with the metal 2 pin connector to the Varios controller. If I cut the wire are there just two wires in there that need to be spliced one to the male plug and one to the female plug?just wanna be sure before I cut this factory wire.
Thanks
Don

 

[Jamie814]

Hello I know this is an old post but I have a question as I am trying to do this now. Could you elaborate on the re wiring? Right now I have the float switch connected with the metal 2 pin connector to the Varios controller. If I cut the wire are there just two wires in there that need to be spliced one to the male plug and one to the female plug?just wanna be sure before I cut this factory wire.
Thanks
Don

I don't know anything about the varios controller but if it utilizes a standard float switch input setup any Male & Female Barrel Plug Connector will work on the splice.

DC Power Extension Cable - cut in half and splice in
OR
8AWG DC Power 5.5mm x 2.5mm Barrel Male & Female Plug Connector
would work fine

 

[dcsnet]

I don't know anything about the varios controller but if it utilizes a standard float switch input setup any Male & Female Barrel Plug Connector will work on the splice.

DC Power Extension Cable - cut in half and splice in
OR
8AWG DC Power 5.5mm x 2.5mm Barrel Male & Female Plug Connector
would work fine

Thanks for the reply. Do you know if the wire from the factory coral vue float switch is just two wires?

 

[Jamie814]

Thanks for the reply. Do you know if the wire from the factory coral vue float switch is just two wires?

I would guess yes, but like I said I have never used a varios controller.

Can you show a picture of the of the switch and plug?

If the float only has one float on it, it should just be 2 wires. If it is a double float switch it would have 4 wires.