There are many types of liquid level switches, which are widely used. Float level switches and capacitor level switches are also widely used. The main function of level switches is to detect and control the liquid level. The difference lies in other working principles, technical parameters, etc. So, what is the difference between these two types of level switches?

Difference 1: Appearance

Although liquid level switches belong to the category of electronic components, their appearance is also closely related to our use, such as installation. The structure of a floating ball level switch is usually a sealed pipe with a floating ball that can move up and down. And capacitive structures are usually flat structures, which are easier to install.

Float level switch

Difference 2: Working principle

The appearance structure of the float level switch is closely related to its working principle. The sealed tube of the float level switch contains a reed switch, and the inside of the float is a ring-shaped magnet and a fixed ring. The float and the magnetic spring switch are located at the relevant positions.

When the floating ball floats with the upward and downward movement of the liquid, the magnet inside the floating ball attracts the contact of the magnetic spring switch, producing an opening and closing action, and then giving a signal.

The capacitance level switch determines the presence of liquid by measuring the conductivity or insulation of the medium, which can be simply understood as determining whether the liquid has reached a fixed water level based on the size of the capacitance value. Capacitors are formed between the liquid level switch and the medium in which it is located. When liquid is detected, the capacitance value changes greatly.

Difference 3: Cleanliness and Hygiene Level

The float type liquid level switch requires direct contact with the liquid to detect changes in the liquid level, and the float has a magnetic magnet inside, which easily adsorbs impurities in the water and produces scale. It is also inconvenient for cleaning, such as the floating ball type and the middle part inside the tube. And the float type liquid level switch does not meet the food hygiene certification standards.

The structure of the capacitive liquid level switch is simple, and it can be detected by simply pressing the capacitive liquid level switch tightly against the container wall. Because it is tested outside the container wall and does not directly come into contact with liquids, cleaning is simpler and hygiene is guaranteed.

Capacitive liquid level switch

Difference 4: Installation Method

Floating ball level switches can generally only be installed on top or bottom, while capacitive level switches can be installed on the bottom or side.

Difference 5: Precision measurement accuracy

The precision measurement accuracy of capacitive level switches is within ± 3mm, while floating ball level switches typically have a precision measurement of ± 3mm, which may be even higher.

Difference 6: Application Environment

Due to its structural design, the float type liquid level switch is prone to jamming, so it cannot be used to detect viscous liquids, and liquids containing impurities can also easily cause the float to jam. Capacitive level switches can detect liquids through a medium, so whether the liquid in the container has impurities, high viscosity, corrosiveness, etc., it will not affect it.

Difference 7: Price

Compared to other liquid level switches, the price of float type liquid level switches is relatively cheaper, while the price of capacitive type liquid level switches is relatively cheaper compared to photoelectric and ultrasonic types, but generally cheaper than float type liquid level switches. However, considering factors such as overall stability and other convenience, capacitive type is more recommended.