The pump will sit on a level surface on the bottom of your basin and the vertical float switch will clamp onto your discharge pipe at the height you determine. The vertical float switch does have a differential of 6 1/2". The power cord for the vertical float switch will be plugged into your 120 volt, 15 amp GFCI rated dedicated circuit. Please note that the plug for the vertical float switch is a "piggyback" style plug, just like the plugs on Christmas tree lights that allow you to "string" multiple lines together. The power cord from the pump will then be plugged into the back of the plug from the vertical float switch. The only portion of the cords that are in contact with any water is the portion that is connected to the pump and switch which is normal.