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SHT 8060 Active Mini Float Switch – "Logic Level" Switching Principle

The active plastic mini float switch with logic-level output for PLCs, microcontrollers and logic circuits

The Schabus SHT 8060 is an active plastic mini float switch (polypropylene and ABS) with logic-level output. It is supplied with an operating voltage and, when water is detected (i.e. when the float is raised), outputs a voltage level equal to the operating voltage: float down = LO (0 V), float up = HI. The switching contact switches from a level height of approx. 4 cm.

The voltage change is evaluated by systems such as home automation, building management systems, programmable controllers or microcontroller boards. The output is current-limited by a resistor and can be connected directly to high-impedance logic circuits; with a common operating voltage also to TTL or CMOS inputs.

Since the float switch operates according to the “changeover” principle, it is not necessary to turn the float body over. It is suitable for all liquids with a density of at least 0.7 g/cm³, for example water, heating oil, diesel, vegetable oil or lubricating oils.

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Important note: The SHT 8060 is an active sensor and is not suitable for direct connection to Schabus water detectors of the SHT 5000, SHT 5001 or SHT 5002 series. Schabus water detectors are designed only for passive sensors with potential-free contacts. Likewise, the float switch is not intended for potential inputs without auxiliary voltage.

Reliable level detection from 4 cm

The SHT 8060 delivers a clear Low/High voltage signal for direct evaluation in your controller.

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Switching contact from 4 cm

The switching point is at approx. 4 cm level height – for tanks, shafts and sumps.

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Logic-level output

Active voltage output from 0 V to the operating voltage: float down LO, float up HI.

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Switching principle “changeover”

It is not necessary to turn the float body over.

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Independent of conductivity

As a mechanically actuated switching contact, it also detects distilled water and oil-containing liquids.

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For many liquids

Suitable for all media with a density of at least 0.7 g/cm³, e.g. water, heating oil, diesel, vegetable oil, lubricating oils.

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Up to 1 trillion switching cycles

The lower the current, the higher the service life: 1 trillion switching cycles at 5 V / 1 mA, 10 billion at 5 V / 10 mA.

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Directly to logic inputs

With integrated current limiting, can be connected directly to high-impedance inputs, TTL and CMOS circuits.

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Cable extendable up to 20 m

4 m LIYY control cable (3 × 0.14 mm²), extendable to max. 20 m.

What’s in the box

The float switch is supplied ready with connection cable.

  • SHT 8060 active mini float switch
  • Operating instructions

How the SHT 8060 is designed

The SHT 8060 consists of a float body on a stem with thread and a permanently connected control cable.

1

Float body

The white float body rises with the liquid level and actuates the switching contact (reed technology). The material is plastic (polypropylene and ABS). The overall dimensions are L = 58 mm × Ø 23 mm.

2

Stem with thread and fastening nut

Via the thread with fastening nut, the float switch is fastened to a suitable bushing on a pipe or holder. Secure vertical fastening is also possible with the matching mounting bracket (Art. No. 300787) from the Schabus range.

3

Active electronics with logic-level output

The switching contact is equipped with active electronics. When the float is raised it outputs the operating voltage (HI) and when the float is lowered 0 V (LO). The output is current-limited via a resistor (output impedance 1 kΩ). The housing is potted with Wepuran®; the degree of protection is IP67.

4

LIYY control cable (3-core)

The white cable (3 × 0.14 mm², Ø 3.8 mm) is 4 m long. The cores: brown = + operating voltage, white = output voltage, green = ground / ground. The cable is only temporarily waterproof, flame-retardant, self-extinguishing and resistant to many oils and coolants.

Mounting and connection

Read the operating instructions carefully before mounting and commissioning.

Mounting the float switch

  1. Mount the float switch vertically, inclined by a maximum of 30°. The switching contact switches from a level height of approx. 4 cm.
  2. For secure vertical fastening, the mounting bracket (Art. No. 300787) is suitable. Alternatively, the float can be fastened through a suitable bushing on a pipe or holder.
  3. Route the LIYY cable in a dry environment or in a protective tube, as it is only temporarily waterproof. If required, the control cable can be extended to max. 20 m.

Connecting the float switch

  1. Provide an operating voltage of 5 to 42 V DC. Connect the brown core to + operating voltage, the green core to ground.
  2. Connect the white core (output voltage) to a high-impedance input of your controller. The operating voltage (e.g. 5 V or 12 V) must be shared with the circuit.
  3. Evaluate the signal: LO (0 V) when the float is down, HI (operating voltage minus 0.1 V, at Ub = 10 V and I = 10 mA) when the float is up.
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Important: The float switch may only be connected to high-impedance inputs; high-impedance interrogation is a prerequisite for long, wear-free operation. No direct load may be switched. The recommended output current is max. 20 mA.

Manufacturer’s notes

  • Read the operating instructions carefully before mounting and commissioning and keep them
  • Do not open the device; it contains no parts that can be serviced by the user
  • Packaging material is not a toy and must be kept away from children
  • Float switches are designed for humid environments and use in liquids; the LIYY cable, however, is only temporarily waterproof
  • Avoid moisture (splash or rain water), dust and direct sunlight on the device
  • Clean only with a dry linen cloth; if heavily soiled, slightly dampened; do not use solvent-based cleaning agents
  • Temperature range: −15 °C to max. +60 °C
  • Intended for residential areas, commercial and business premises as well as small businesses
  • The CE declaration is available for download on the manufacturer’s website

Statutory warranty, guarantee and disposal

The device is covered by the statutory warranty of at least 2 years in the EU. The manufacturer Elektrotechnik Schabus also offers a 5-year guarantee that can be registered online. Repairs and spare parts are available directly from the manufacturer. In the event of a defect, please contact the manufacturer; within Germany you will receive a free return label by e-mail.

The device does not belong in household waste. The crossed-out wheeled bin symbol reminds you to use the take-back systems for waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE No. DE91394868).

Why the SHT 8060 is suitable

Clear logic signal

LO and HI directly evaluable, without additional converters.

For many media

Water, heating oil, diesel, vegetable oil, lubricating oils from 0.7 g/cm³.

Low wear

Up to 1 trillion switching cycles at low current.

Changeover principle

No need to turn the float body over.

Wide voltage range

Operating voltage from 5 to 42 V DC.

Flexible cable length

4 m LIYY cable, extendable to max. 20 m.

Areas of application

  • Water level signalling and level detection in tanks
  • Cisterns and wells
  • Pump sumps
  • PLC controllers and industrial plants
  • Arduino and Raspberry Pi projects
  • Home automation and building management systems
  • Visualisation and signalling systems
  • Tank and level monitoring

The Schabus SHT 8060 delivers a clear logic signal from 4 cm level height – ideal for all controllers with high-impedance inputs.

Frequently asked questions

What does “active float switch” mean?

An active float switch generates an electrical voltage signal on contact with water, typically a change from 0 V to the operating voltage. It is therefore particularly suitable for controllers with high-impedance logic inputs such as TTL or CMOS circuits.

Can the float switch be connected to Schabus water detectors such as the SHT 5000?

No. The SHT 8060 is not compatible with Schabus water detectors. It is intended for independent controllers with logic inputs, not for the potential inputs of the water detectors.

How does the switching logic work?

At a liquid level of approx. 4 cm the output changes from LO (float down) to HI (float up). The float switch has the “changeover” switching principle; it is not necessary to turn the float body over.

How much current can the switch switch?

The switch is designed for very low switching currents; a maximum of 20 mA output current is recommended. The lower the current, the higher the service life: up to 1 trillion switching operations at 5 V / 1 mA and 10 billion at 5 V / 10 mA.

What do I need to observe when connecting?

The float switch must be connected to a high-impedance input. The operating voltage (e.g. 5 V or 12 V) must be shared with the circuit. No direct load may be switched.

How is the cable assigned?

Brown = + operating voltage, white = output voltage, green = ground / ground.

What operating voltage is required?

The SHT 8060 operates with 5 to 42 V DC. The output delivers 0 V (LO) or operating voltage minus 0.1 V (HI, at Ub = 10 V and I = 10 mA).

How is the float switch mounted?

Vertically, inclined by a maximum of 30°. For vertical mounting the mounting bracket (Art. No. 300787) is suitable. Alternatively, the float can also be fastened through a suitable bushing on a pipe or holder.

Is the cable waterproof?

The LIYY cable used is only temporarily waterproof. It is flame-retardant, self-extinguishing and resistant to many oils and coolants, but should be routed in a dry environment or in a protective tube. The control cable can be extended to max. 20 m.

Is the float switch suitable for humid environments and use in liquids?

Yes, float switches are designed for humid environments and use in liquids. Unlike sensors with open electrodes, there is no risk of electrolysis here.

Does the float switch also detect distilled water?

Yes. Since it is a mechanically actuated switching contact, the conductivity of the liquid is not decisive. The float works reliably in all media with a density of at least 0.7 g/cm³, i.e. also in demineralised water or oil-containing liquids.

How long is the guarantee valid?

The statutory warranty of at least 2 years in the EU applies. In addition, the manufacturer Schabus offers a 5-year guarantee that can be registered online.

Questions about the SHT 8060 float switch?

Our support team in Germany will advise you free of charge on selection, installation and configuration.

Datasheets
Datasheet 1

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Datasheet 1 (1.85 MB)

Schabus SHT 8060 Active Mini Float Switch Made of Plastic – “Logic Level” Switching Principle

General Data

  • Active mini float switch for water-level reporting and reliable fill-level detection
  • Switching principle: logic level (HI/LO)
  • Mechanically actuated switching contact
  • Switching contact from a liquid level of 4 cm
  • Suitable for tanks, cisterns, wells, pump sumps, and comparable applications
  • The conductivity of the liquid is not decisive for operation
  • Suitable for liquids with a density of at least 0.7 g/cm³

Electrical Data

  • Operating voltage: 5–42 V DC
  • Output voltage LO/HI: 0 V / Ub − 0.1 V
  • Output impedance: 1 kΩ
  • Output current: maximum 20 mA; lower loading is recommended
  • Current-limited output for connection to electronic circuits
  • Can be used directly with TTL-level circuits
  • Requirement: high-impedance reading of the switching state
  • Switching life: 1 trillion switching cycles at 5 V/1 mA, or 10 billion switching cycles at 5 V/10 mA

Mechanical Data

  • Ingress protection rating: IP67
  • Cable length: 4 m
  • Cable type: LIYY, 3 × 0.14 mm²
  • Cable diameter: 3.8 mm
  • Cable color: white
  • Mounting: vertical, maximum 30° inclination
  • Material SHT 8060: ABS / PP, encapsulated with Wepuran®

Environmental Conditions

  • Operating temperature: −15 to +60 °C

How It Works

  • The float switch is supplied with an operating voltage.
  • When water is detected and the float is raised, the sensor outputs a voltage level equal to the operating voltage minus 0.1 V.
  • The output is current-limited by a resistor and is designed for high-impedance inputs.
  • Due to the changeover switching principle, the float body does not need to be turned over.

Compatibility and Notes

  • Suitable for evaluation by home automation systems, building management systems, programmable logic controllers, and microcontroller boards
  • Not suitable for direct connection to Schabus water detectors
  • Schabus water detectors are designed exclusively for passive sensors with potential-free contacts
  • For long-lasting, low-wear operation, a high-impedance reading of the output state is required

Scope of Delivery

  • Active mini float switch SHT 8060
  • Operating instructions
  • Safety instructions

Safety Instructions

  • Read the operating instructions carefully before installation and commissioning.
  • Keep packaging material away from children.
  • Do not open the device. It contains no user-serviceable parts.

Manufacturer information:

Electrical engineering Schabus GmbH & Co. KG

Baierbacher Straße 150

83071 Stephanskirchen
Germany

Telephone: +49 80 36 / 674 979 – 0

Email: info@elektrotechnik-schabus.de

Responsible person:

Didactum® Security GmbH

Im Mühlenfeld 4

48163 Münster
Deutschland

Fon: (+49) 250 19 71 63 54 / (+49) 171 33 11 577

Email: info@didactum-security.de

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