Float and Level Sensors

Enicstra stocks float-style level switches — mechanical level sensors that use a buoyant float to actuate a reed switch or trigger an electrical contact at a defined liquid level. Float switches are simple, reliable, immune to foam and steam, and work without electronics in the wetted parts — making them the dominant choice for simple high/low alarms, pump control, and dry-run protection on water, oil, and chemical tanks.

Brands carried include Gems Sensors LS-series, Madison float switches, Tank-Tech, SJE-Rhombus, IFM float switches, Magnetrol Tuffy and Echotel float-style, Endress+Hauser Liquiphant, and Anderson-Negele. Obsolete float switches — discontinued Gems LS-codes, retired Magnetrol Tuffy first generations, end-of-life Madison series — are sourced through our supplier network. Each switch is bench-tested for actuation and contact integrity and ships with a 12-month functional warranty.

For an obsolete float switch, send the OEM part number for a quote within 1–2 business days.

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Float and Level Sensors

ifm efector LT3023 Combined Level and Temperature Sensor

MFR #: LT3023

$678.78/ea ✓ Available

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ifm efector LT8022 Combined Level and Temperature Sensor

MFR #: LT8022

$679.80/ea ✓ Available

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ifm efector LT8023 Combined Level and Temperature Sensor

MFR #: LT8023

$717.71/ea ✓ Available

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ifm efector LT8024 Combined Level and Temperature Sensor

MFR #: LT8024

$389.31/ea ✓ Available

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Pepperl+Fuchs LFL2-CK-U-PUR5-EMS Liquid Level Float Switch

MFR #: LFL2-CK-U-PUR5-EMS

$145.39/ea ✓ Available

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Buying guide

Choosing Float and Level Sensors components

Float switch selection comes down to mounting orientation, the actuation level relative to the mount point, the contact configuration (NO, NC, SPDT), and the wetted materials for chemical compatibility. Float switches are simple devices but the float must be compatible with the media density, viscosity, and chemistry.

Specs to confirm before ordering:

Mounting orientation: vertical (stem-mount, float slides on a stem), horizontal (side-mount, float pivots on a hinge), or external chamber-mount
Stem length for vertical floats — determines the actuation level relative to the mount
Contact configuration: NO (close on rise), NC (open on rise), SPDT (one of each), or multi-stage (multiple actuation levels)
Contact rating at the operating voltage
Float material: polypropylene (chemical resistance), buna (general), Viton (oils), 316SS (high temperature, chemical)
Float specific gravity rating — heavier liquids need heavier floats to sink properly
Stem material — same compatibility considerations as float
Connection style: threaded NPT/G, flanged, or push-through mounting
Cable length, with or without strain relief
Hazardous-area certification if required
Maximum operating temperature and pressure

Common gotchas: a float rated for water (specific gravity 1.0) may not float in lower-density liquids (oils at 0.85), making the switch fail to actuate. Multi-stage stem-mount floats can have the magnets and reed switches in the wrong order if mounted upside down; verify orientation on the spec sheet. Float switches on viscous fluids stick in the wrong position because the fluid drag exceeds the float's buoyancy advantage; vibrating-fork or capacitive sensors are better for viscous applications. Wetted materials matter — polypropylene fails on aromatic solvents, buna fails on oils, and stainless is needed for many high-temperature applications.

Typical applications: sump pump on/off control, oil tank low-level alarm, condensate tank high-level shutdown, cooling-tower makeup water control, hydraulic reservoir low-level interlock, and dosing tank empty detection. On legacy installations, in-kind replacement preserves the actuation level and the contact wiring.

For obsolete float switches, send the OEM part number for a sourcing quote.

Related categories Frequently asked questions

Do you stock obsolete float switches?

Yes. Discontinued Gems Sensors LS-codes, retired Madison float switch variants, end-of-life Magnetrol Tuffy first generations, and earlier IFM series are sourced through our supplier network.

Will a water-rated float work in oil?

Generally no — oils are less dense than water and standard "water" floats sink rather than float. Oils require lower-specific-gravity floats. Verify the rated specific gravity on the float against your liquid's density.

Vertical vs. horizontal float — which is better?

Vertical (stem-mount) gives a specific actuation depth and supports multi-stage levels on one stem. Horizontal (side-mount) is easier to install in existing tanks without top access. Pick by tank geometry and access.

Can the float switch handle 480 V loads directly?

Most float-switch reed contacts are rated for low current (100 mA – 1 A) at low voltage. Use an interface relay for switching higher loads. Connecting a float switch directly to a contactor coil with high inrush is a common cause of contact welding.

What's the maximum operating temperature?

Plastic floats: typically 70–80 °C. Stainless floats with stainless stems: 200 °C+. Verify on the OEM datasheet — exceeding temperature damages the float and may cause cable insulation breakdown.

What is the warranty?

12-month functional warranty. Damage from incompatible media (chemical attack), over-temperature, or contact wear from high-cycle inductive switching is not covered.