Deciding whether you need to have a normally open float switch or a normally closed float switch for pump control can be a little confusing. We at APG would like to clear up the confusion and provide the ultimate guide to configuring your float switch.
When we say normally open float switches or normally closed float switches, we are referring to an electrical circuit. An open circuit is incomplete, meaning that the electric current is unable to complete the loop due to a gap. A closed circuit is complete with no gaps, enabling the current to travel through the whole loop.
With level switches, these circuits are opened and closed by the float either moving up or down based on the rising or falling level of the liquid. Deciding whether or not you want the circuit to be closed or opened when the float is either up or down can be tricky.
The most effective way to decide whether you want a normally open float switch or a normally closed float switch is to determine what the switch should do when the float is at rest. When we say at rest, we mean that the float is not suspended in the liquid. We often see confusion with the term normal as others have misinterpreted it as a float suspended. Remember, normal, in terms of switches, refers to a float at rest.
So, if you want the switch to be energized, or on, when the float is at rest, then you will need the switch to be normally closed. If you want the switch to be de-energized, or off, when the float is at rest, then you will need the switch to be normally open.
Also, it may be helpful to know that normally open switches are typically used for pumps that empty a tank, while normally closed switches are typically used for pumps that fill a tank.
Let us know if you need help deciding whether you need a normally open float switch or normally closed switch, and we will be glad to help.
