HOW LIQUID LEVEL SWITCHES POWERTODAY’S INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONSTE Connectivity’s (TE) Liquid Level Switches Offer Air-Tight Seals,
Rugged Performance, Flexible Configuration, Easy Installation and FieldServiceHow Liquid Level Switches Power
Today’s Industrial Applications

Liquid level switches are a workhorseof modern industry. Simple, highperformance, low-cost, and longlasting, they perform critical operations
across diverse industrial and chemical
applications. Like the name signifies, theseswitches detect liquid levels in industrialtanks and other units.
By so doing, they maintain chemical ratios
in mixed products, help protect valuable
equipment from overheating, help reducefire risks, and deliver many other benefits.

Liquid Level Switches Can Be Found in Applications Such As
Chemical and petrochemicals (Oils)
Agriculture fuel tanks, pressure washer (fuel level), generators(fuel level), lawnmower (fuel level), wind turbine (gearbox oillevel), chemical application injectors (golf course/agriculture),
and agriculture chemical level storage tanks.
Food and beverage
Industrial dish washing machines, food warmers, hot water
heaters, steam cookers, and storage tanks.
Flood/water ingress/event detection
Provide alarms in basements and similar locations when water
is detected.

HVAC
Air conditioning condensate (water level), cooling towers(water level), chiller (glycol level), and boilers (water level).
Production process monitoring
Maintain productivity by providing a low-level warning fortimely refill. Provide effective pump action and fill control.
Water and waste water
Water storage tanks, sewage tanks water purification systems,
filtration systems, industrial carpet cleaning machines (waterreservoir), industrial floor scrubber machines (water reservoir),and pump skids (pump protection).

Case Study: Oil Well Monitoring
An oil well management company uses TE liquid levelswitches to remotely monitor the levels of low-producing
oil wells in two states.
By using the switches, the company is able to send
trucks only when wells are ready to be emptied, avoiding
unnecessary trips. In addition, the firm can monitor levels
to avoid pumps running dry, preventing the damage of
costly equipment.

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How Liquid Level Switches Power
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Taking a Deeper Look at Reed Switch Technology
Liquid level switches are so prevalent in industry because
they are based on a mature and highly reliable technology –reed switches. These devices have been around for decades
and continue to be used across applications because of theirunique qualities, including:• The hysteretic nature of the reed switch minimizes liquidturbulence.

• They require no power source to facilitate switching action,
which occurs as a result of the interaction of a permanent
magnet in the moving float with the reed switch.

• Reed switches typically do not have any issues meeting
electromagnetic capability (EMC) requirements. Testing
can often be minimized or eliminated based upon the endapplication.

• They function in systems that either require specific signallevel outputs (i.e. voltage or current) or as open/closed
signal outputs.

• They provide reliable performance across millions of cycles.

• They can be used in high-temperature environments.
• They have a high insulation value, meaning that the current
draw is lower than a solid-state electronic device, essentially“switching them off”. This quality makes them a good
choice for battery-powered applications.

• They can be used in a variety of containers includingpressurized tanks.

In fact, demand is so great, that analysts predict the reedswitch market will grow by 7.4 % between 2019 and 2023,
pushing a $1.49 B market to $2.3 B in four short years 1). Market
appetite is driven first by China, due to its surging investment
in automotive innovation, followed by the United States andGermany 2).

Case Study: Boiler Feed Tanks
TE’s horizontal liquid level sensor, LS509-11 model,controls the pump used to maintain a precise water levelin steam generators. This prevents overheating of theappliance due to insufficient water level.
The sensor is comprised of Water Regulations Advisory
Scheme (WRAS)-approved glass-filled polyphenylene
sulfide.

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How Liquid Level Switches Power
Today’s Industrial Applications

TE provides a diverse range of nearly 20 vertical andhorizontal liquid level switches based on reed switch
technology that are available in multiple materials andswitching, fitting, and cable options. So, what makes
TE products the best choice for your diverse industry
applications? Our liquid level switches offer the following
advantages:• Molded housings – Obtain a completely water-resistant seal
with our molded housings which eliminate leak paths. With
TE liquid level switches, you are protected from potential
corrosion that could affect product performance.
• Harsh environments – TE products can withstandtemperatures from -40°C to 120°C, making them suitedfor boiling water or freezing liquids. They also function inpressured liquids, diesel fuels and gasolines, and alcoholand acids.
• Long life – TE liquid level switches will provide reliable
performance over 10 M plus cycles.
• Multiple options – We provide both vertical and horizontal
mount switches that are available in diverse materials
and switching, fitting, and cable options to support yourapplication requirements.
• Range of power inputs – TE liquid level switches canhandle high electrical loads of both AC and DC current,
up to a maximum of 100 volts DC or 250 volts AC.
• Standard and customized product offerings – Orderstandard models to get fast access to high performancestandard products or customize your own solutions tomeet specific application needs.

• Cross-industry expertise and solutions – TE offers design
and manufacturing expertise in sensors and switches acrossa number of verticals, including automotive, industrial, andcommercial transportation.

• Key certifications – TE liquid level switches are bothInternational Organization of Standardization (ISO)-certified
for industrial applications and ISO/TS 16949-certified forautomotive products.

• Quality brand reputation – TE liquid level switches aredesigned by our world-class manufacturing operation,
meaning that we stand behind the quality, reliability, andperformance of every product.

• Quantities – Order in the quantity you need, from100 customized switches to hundred of thousands ofstandard catalog switches.

• Global scale – TE designs and manufacturers aroundthe world, ensuring that you have regional access to theexpertise, development capabilities, and global production
you require to manage and scale your business.

• Easy installation and field service – Installation of theswitches is simple. Simply orient the mounting mark in
the correct orientation and use a threaded or push-inconnection. If parts begin to fail near end of life, they canbe easily removed and replaced.

TE CONNECTIVITY SENSORS /// WHITE PAPER• Price-to-performance – TE products are extremely
cost-competitive, due to their pricing and extendedperformance.

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How Liquid Level Switches Power
Today’s Industrial Applications

Conclusion
TE has the cross-industry expertise, solution set, and scale
to support you as you develop industrial and commercial
applications that require liquid level sensing. Our liquid
level switches provide the versatility, reliability, and longterm performance you need to monitor and manage criticalapplications. Whether you need a custom or commodity
solution, TE can help you achieve your business and technicalgoals successfully.
Visit TE.com to learn more about our standard and custom
liquid level switches.

TE Liquid Level Switch Product Information
Horizontal Liquid Level Switches

Vertical Liquid Level Switches

LS Series

VS Series

LCS Series

Available in a wide range of materials,

Wide range of materials and switchingswitching, and fitting options with UL

options, switch can also be internally orand WRAS models.

externally fitted.

Push fit external mounted sensor,

VCS Series

with cable or integral connector.

Compact sensor available in a range ofplastics suitable for use in boiling waterand fuels.

LDS Series

Has a close differential between operate
and release, for sensing small changes in
the liquid level.

EVS Series

Extended range of sensor in plastics,
brass, and stainless steel which can
indicate up to three positions or levels
and be up to one meter long.

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PAGE 5ABOUT TE CONNECTIVITYTE Connectivity is a $12 billion global industrial technology leader creating a safer, sustainable,
productive and connected future. Our broad range of connectivity and sensor solutions, proven in
the harshest environments, enable advancements in transportation, industrial applications, medicaltechnology, energy, data communications and the home. With approximately 80,000 employees,
including more than 7,500 engineers, working alongside customers in approximately 140 countries,
TE ensures that EVERY CONNECTION COUNTS. Learn more at www.te.com.

AUTHORS
Robert Cooper | Staff R&D/Product DVL Engineer, TE Connectivity
Gaddiel Garcia | Product Manager, TE Connectivity
John Pendleton | Product Development Engineering Manager, TE ConnectivityREFERENCE
1) “Tracking the Growth of the Global Magnetic Reed Switch Market in 2019,” Online Report Description, Thomas Insights,February 4, 2019, https://www.thomasnet.com/insights/tracking-the-growth-of-the-global-magnetic-reed-switch-market-in2019/#register2) Ibid.

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