Fully submersible float switch

[Reflective]

I would like to put a float switch near the bottom of the brute trash can I use for my ATO water so I can get an email from my APEX when it needs to be refilled. I don't want to leave my RO/DI unit running all the time.
Is a switch like this fully submersible? Can I just glue it to the bottom of the trash can?

 

[DaveMorris]

Typically yes, they are waterproof. However I always either silicone the spot where the wires come out or buy them with the plastic adaptors to add 1/2" tubing to them.

 

[AZDesertRat]

I use the horizontal style float switches so the wiring is outside the storage vessel. I have a high and a low switch so the level has to drop a set distance before the RO/DI starts then shuts off when it hits the top switch.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Liquid-Wate...613?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item51b02f673d

 

[Reflective]

It's going to be installed on one of those brute trashcans so I figured the round edge would make it more prone to leaking. I also didn't know how well something like silicone would seal it since it's plastic.

 

[redfishbluefish]

The inexpensive float switch you linked is not waterproof. They should NOT be submerged. Go with what AZDesertRat linked and drill the Brute. The softness of the Brute plastic, minimal arc, and small size of the switch will easily seal nicely to the Brute. Won't be a problem.

 

[Reflective]

Great thank you!

 

[AZDesertRat]

Yes, the one I linked to is pretty small and the curvature in a brute is minimal so it will not leak.

 

[Bthomas]

Reviving this thread because im in a similar situation and need a float switch that can be completely submerged. Im wanting to use one in the bottom of my top off container so my apex will send me an alert when it needs to be filled. I fill it manually so drilling a hole through the container for a horizontal float switch wont work in my case. I just need to be told when to fill it up lol
What kind of switch can i use that is submersible and ideas on how to mount it?

 

[redfishbluefish]

Here's what I'd do.....

Piece of PVC pipe longer than the depth of the ATO reservoir, an elbow and an end cap. Glue this up with the endcap blocking off one part of the elbow with the other side of the elbow attached to the pipe....it will look like a golf club. Drill the end of the endcap and install a horizontal float switch. Wiring stays dry inside the pipe. 1/2 inch pipe should be more than enough. Hope my explanation is understandable.

 

[Bthomas]

Here's what I'd do.....

Piece of PVC pipe longer than the depth of the ATO reservoir, an elbow and an end cap. Glue this up with the endcap blocking off one part of the elbow with the other side of the elbow attached to the pipe....it will look like a golf club. Drill the end of the endcap and install a horizontal float switch. Wiring stays dry inside the pipe. 1/2 inch pipe should be more than enough. Hope my explanation is understandable.

I think im understanding you but how do u get the pvc pipe to stand up straight? Also my container has a lid so the pvc pipe would have to stop right before the top of the container which should be fine because i usually dont fill it to the rim anyway but I need the pipe to stand up somehow

 

[redfishbluefish]

It's difficult offering specific advice not knowing exactly what you have.....here's idea number two. Put together the follow pipe arrangement. If possible, drill a hole along the edge of the container top to fit the pipe. With the reservoir dry, silicone this pipe piece to the side of the container, including silicone around the bottom were the pipe piece rests. Ideally wait a week to allow the silicone to cure. I forgot to mention silicone...use this silicone made for plastics....found in HD where they sell acrylic sheet goods.

Here's the pipe arrangement:

 

[Bthomas]

Here is the setup i have if this will help.. I don't want to have to silicone things in place if i cant help it.. don't want to be without my top off container for any period of time as i know i would never remember to top if off manually.

 

[redfishbluefish]

Criminy, it's a plastic bin. Do the above pipe thing and cut that plastic top (probably with a good pair of scissors), so that you could still easily take the top off to fill it up.

 

[Bthomas]

One last question and ill leave you alone.. I just found this float switch
https://www.marinedepot.com/Marine_..._Off_Units-Marine_Depot-MD8145-FIDPAT-vi.html
One of the reviews says they use it at the bottom of their ato but one of the questions asked is can it be submerged and they answer no..
Would you trust this switch fully submerged? This would simplify things so much if i could just find something like this that I could just stick in there lol

 

[redfishbluefish]

........Would you trust this switch fully submerged? ......

NO!

 

[Bthomas]

Would i be better off just drilling a hole through the container to mount the horizontal float switch.. for some reason I was thinking horizontal switches were meant to be hooked to an ro line but since that's not the case maybe I should just to that route..

 

[redfishbluefish]

A plastic bin....that's what I'd do...one hole and done. That's what I did with the bucket I use as a reservoir.

Float switch inside reservoir:

Float switch outside reservoir:

 

[Bthomas]

Yeah I think thats what I'll do.
What about down the road, I'm planning to upgrade that container to a trigger ato container can they be drilled also?

 

[rkpetersen]

Here's what I have in my ATO. Get an optical sensor. Fold it back on itself and secure with a zip tie, then drop it into the bottom of your reservoir with the tip pointing up. Secure it. It will trigger OPEN when there's about 2 cm of water left. Plug it into an Apex FMM and program.