Level Sensors & Switches

Decide first between point level and continuous level. A point-level switch says when a liquid reaches one height, for a high alarm, a low cut-off or a pump start: Icon's float switches (PLS, PLA and the multi-point PLF) come in PVC, PP, PVDF or 316 stainless steel depending on model; the TFS tuning-fork switch handles liquids a float cannot; the NC30 and NC-15/NC-25 sense through a pipe or tubing wall. Continuous level gives a 4–20 mA reading across the range: ProScan 80 GHz radar (0.17 to 34 ft), the MLR-70 guided-wave radar (to 15 m, 572 °F), UltraPro ultrasonic transmitters and submersible sensors. ITC 450 controllers turn the signal into relays. Icon is quoted.

Level sensor and switch FAQ

Float, tuning fork or non-contact switch?

A float suits clean, non-viscous liquids; the PLA and PLF are listed for non-viscous, non-coating liquids. Foam, sludge and sticky chemicals call for a tuning-fork or capacitive switch. Non-contact switches sense through the wall, so nothing touches the liquid. See our float switch guide.

Normally open or normally closed?

Choose the contact so that a broken wire or a stuck float reads as the unsafe state, not the safe one. Then check the wetted material against your liquid's SDS before the length.

Radar, ultrasonic or submersible?

ProScan radar and UltraPro ultrasonic transmitters measure from above the liquid; the MLR-70 guided-wave radar runs along a probe and takes heat to 572 °F. A submersible sensor sits near the bottom and reads the pressure of the liquid above it, in 316 stainless steel, capacitive ceramic or standard versions, with ranges from 14 to 54 ft.