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Mini Float Switch, Plastic Changeover Contact

The mini float switch with changeover contact for level monitoring – Accessory for the Schabus Profi water detectors SHT 5000, 5001 and 5002

The Schabus SHT 5012 is a mini float switch made of plastic (PP) with changeover contact (PPDT). It reports the liquid level from a level height of approx. 4 cm and is used as an accessory for the Schabus Profi water detectors SHT 5000, SHT 5001 and SHT 5002.

It is suitable for tanks, cisterns, wells and pump sumps and for all liquids with a density of at least 0.7 g/cm³, for example water, heating oil, diesel, vegetable oil and lubricating oils. The reed contact operates wear-free and contactlessly.

The SHT 5012 is individually hand-built and tested at Elektrotechnik Schabus. It is reliable, maintenance-free and wear-free and easy to install.

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Important note: Incorrect electrical connection can destroy the sensitive reed contacts and cause a malfunction of the system, in the worst case with personal injury or property damage. The SHT 5012 must not be connected directly to inductive or capacitive loads; the permissible switching capacity must not be exceeded. It must always be operated vertically. The cables must not be laid parallel to 230 V mains cables.

Reliable level detection for shafts, tanks and cisterns

The SHT 5012 reports the liquid level to the connected water detector or to the control system.

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Level monitoring

Reports the liquid level from a level height of approx. 4 cm, for example in tanks, cisterns, wells and pump sumps.

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Changeover contact

Depending on the float position, the changeover contact connects the common contact (COM) with the normally open (NO) or the normally closed (NC) contact.

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Wear-free reed contact

Meder reed contact with ring magnet in the float: contactless, maintenance-free and wear-free.

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For many liquids

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

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Completely made of plastic PP

The reed contact is soldered to the cable and potted with Wepuran®.

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2.5 m connection cable

The cable is permanently potted and can be extended up to 50 m. Special lengths are available on request.

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For Schabus water detectors

Accessory for the Profi water detectors SHT 5000, SHT 5001 and SHT 5002.

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Easy to install

Can be securely fastened vertically to tank or shaft walls with the recommended mounting bracket.

How the float switch works

A magnet in the float switches the reed contact in the shaft, completely without mechanical contacts.

  • A ring magnet is located in the float, a Meder reed contact potted in Wepuran® is located in the shaft
  • When the float moves upwards, the reed contact is closed
  • The contact is already activated from a level height of approx. 4 cm
  • With the changeover contact, the common contact (COM) connects either the normally open (NO) or the normally closed (NC) contact depending on the float position
  • The changeover contact can be used both as normally closed (NC) and as normally open (NO)
  • With the float switch changeover contact, the reverse switching function is achieved by the corresponding connection
  • The float does not need to be turned over; the E-ring at the end of the shaft does not need to be released for this purpose
  • The reed contact operates wear-free and contactlessly

Use with the Schabus water detectors

The SHT 5012 is specially optimised for the Schabus water detectors. It can also be used in other systems with compatible values.

What is included in the box

The float switch is supplied ready with a potted connection cable.

  • Mini float switch plastic (changeover contact)
  • Potted to 2.5 m LIYY control cable 3 × 0.14 mm²
  • Operating instructions

The mounting bracket and the dirt trap basket are not included and are ordered separately.

How the SHT 5012 is constructed

The float switch consists of a few robust plastic (PP) components.

1

Shaft with reed contact

The Meder reed contact is located in the shaft. It is soldered to the cable and potted with Wepuran®. The shaft carries the thread for fastening.

2

Float with ring magnet

The white float runs freely on the shaft. Inside there is a ring magnet that switches the reed contact depending on the level. The float must remain freely movable and must not be blocked.

3

E-ring at the end of the shaft

The E-ring at the end of the shaft holds the float on the shaft. With the variants with normally open or normally closed contact, the float is turned over after releasing the E-ring to reverse the switching function. This is not necessary with the changeover contact.

4

Rubber ring and nut

According to the exploded view, the rubber ring and nut on the shaft serve for fastening. For vertical mounting, the manufacturer recommends the mounting bracket (Article 300787).

5

Connection cable

The 3-core LIYY cable (3 × 0.14 mm², 2.5 m) is permanently potted. The changeover contact requires the three cores for COM, normally open (NO) and normally closed (NC). The cable is only temporarily waterproof and not suitable for permanent water contact.

Mounting and connection

Read the operating instructions thoroughly before mounting and commissioning and follow the safety instructions.

Mounting the float switch

  1. Always install the mini float switch vertically. A deviation from the vertical axis of a maximum of 30° is permitted.
  2. For secure, vertical fastening to tank or shaft walls, order the mounting bracket (Article 300787) at the same time. It ensures a reliable switching function and prevents tilting.
  3. Ensure that the float remains freely movable and is not blocked.
  4. In polluted outdoor waters, additionally use the dirt trap basket (Article 300320).

Extending the sensor cable

The cable is factory-fitted with a length of 2.5 m; the manufacturer produces special lengths on request. The following notes on extension apply:

  • The factory cable length can be extended up to 50 m
  • Recommended cross-section: 3 × 0.14 mm² (LIYY)
  • Only use thin, unshielded cables; larger cross-sections can cause malfunctions
  • When connecting in parallel, the individual cable lengths add up
  • With the water detector SHT 5000, the maximum cable length for sensors and mini float switches is limited to 50 m
  • With the water detector SHT 5001, according to the manufacturer, up to 300 m is possible for mini float switches with the standard thickness of 2 × 0.14 mm² LiYY (cable capacitance limited to 10 nF)
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Please note carefully: The LIYY cables must be unshielded, must never be laid parallel to 230 V mains cables and are only conditionally waterproof. There are no permanently waterproof cables.

Electrical connection and protection of the reed contacts

Errors in connection can destroy the reed contacts. Please note:

  • No direct operation on circuits with inductive load (e.g. relays, solenoid valves)
  • No direct operation on circuits with capacitive load (e.g. PLC, PLS) or with cable lengths over 50 m
  • The permissible switching capacity must not be exceeded
  • In the case of inductive load, protect the float switch with an RC element or a freewheeling diode; this is mandatory
  • When connecting an external device (e.g. an external relay or contactor) to the potential-free output, a freewheeling diode must be connected in parallel with the coil
  • In case of uncertainty, consult an electrician or the manufacturer’s support

RC elements for reed contacts (10 … 40 VA)

The connection diagram of the float switches shows the wiring for alternating voltage (RC element) and for direct voltage (freewheeling diode).

Recommended accessories

  • Mounting bracket, Article 300787: Stainless steel bracket with elongated holes for vertical fastening to side walls in shafts, wells, etc.
  • Dirt trap basket with mounting bracket, Article 300320: Prevents leaves, grass, sediments or small animals from restricting the free movement of the float. Ideal for shafts, outdoor areas and rainwater systems. Not suitable for chlorine- or salt-containing media

Cleaning and care

  • Keep the float switch free of soiling
  • Clean with a soft, damp cloth
  • Do not use solvent-based cleaning agents
  • The float switch must not be blocked and must remain freely movable
  • The device is maintenance-free and wear-free

Manufacturer’s notes

  • Read the operating instructions thoroughly before mounting and commissioning and keep them; they form part of the product
  • Packaging material is not a toy and must be kept away from children
  • Do not open the product; it contains no parts that can be maintained by the user
  • Always operate vertically, maximum 30° deviation from the vertical axis
  • Use only for liquids with a density of at least 0.7 g/cm³ and without pressure
  • The cable is only temporarily waterproof and not suitable for permanent water contact
  • According to the manufacturer, the cable is flame-retardant, low-adhesion, self-extinguishing and largely resistant to oils, greases, coolants and lubricants
  • Intended for residential areas (houses, flats, rooms), sales areas (shops, hypermarkets) and small businesses (workshops, service centres) with connection to the public low-voltage network
  • The manufacturer is not liable for damage or losses of any kind, e.g. individual or consequential damage, resulting from the fact that no alarm signal is given by the water detector despite water level changes
  • The CE declaration is available for download on the manufacturer’s website and can be requested from the manufacturer by e-mail

Warranty, return and disposal

The manufacturer Elektrotechnik Schabus offers a 5-year guarantee that can be registered online. There is a right of withdrawal of 14 days. Repair and spare parts are available directly from the manufacturer.

In the event of a defect, please contact the manufacturer and provide your complete address and the reason for return. Within Germany you will receive a free return label by e-mail. Carriage forward packages will not be accepted; unjustified returns that do not constitute a complaint will be charged subsequently.

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). The product may contain substances that are hazardous to health and the environment. Information on collection, reuse and recycling systems can be obtained from your local waste advisory service or from the manufacturer.

Why the SHT 5012 is suitable

Changeover contact

Normally closed (NC) and normally open (NO) in one device; the switching function results from the connection.

Maintenance-free and wear-free

Contactless Meder reed contact, waterproof potted in Wepuran®.

For many liquids

Water, heating oil, diesel, vegetable oil, lubricating oils and other liquids from 0.7 g/cm³ density.

Hand-built and tested

Each float switch is individually hand-built and tested.

Flexible cable length

2.5 m cable, special lengths on request, extendable up to 50 m.

Repair directly from the manufacturer

Repair and spare parts directly from Elektrotechnik Schabus.

Areas of application

  • Tanks and cisterns
  • Pump shafts and collection tanks
  • Wells and pump sumps
  • Rainwater systems
  • Overflow and dry-run protection
  • Applications with permanently damp environment
  • Machines
  • Heating oil and fuel tanks

The Schabus SHT 5012 monitors the level of water, heating oil, diesel, vegetable oil and lubricating oils and is also suitable for individual control tasks.

Water detectors with which the SHT 5012 is operated

  • SHT 5000 – Profi water detector from Schabus
  • SHT 5001 – Profi water detector from Schabus
  • SHT 5002 – Profi water detector and level controller from Schabus

Frequently asked questions

With which devices can the SHT 5012 be operated?

The SHT 5012 is an accessory for the Schabus Profi water detectors SHT 5000, SHT 5001 and SHT 5002. It is specially optimised for these devices, but can also be used in other systems with compatible values.

How is the float switch connected?

It is connected to the water detector via the permanently potted 2.5 m long LIYY cable. When connecting, observe the notes on protecting the reed contacts.

What does changeover mean?

The changeover contact (PPDT) connects the common contact (COM) with the normally open (NO) or the normally closed (NC) contact depending on the position of the float. This allows the SHT 5012 to be flexibly connected as normally closed or normally open.

Can I reverse the switching function?

Yes, with the changeover contact the reverse switching function is achieved by the corresponding connection. The float does not need to be turned over and the E-ring does not need to be released for this purpose.

From which water level does the float switch?

The contact is already activated from a level height of approx. 4 cm, ideal for early warnings.

For which liquids is it suitable?

For all liquids with a density of at least 0.7 g/cm³, without pressure, for example water, heating oil, diesel, vegetable oil and lubricating oils.

How must the float switch be installed?

Always vertically, with a maximum of 30° deviation from the vertical axis. This deviation is reliably prevented by the mounting bracket (Article 300787).

Do I have to buy the mounting bracket separately?

Yes. For secure fastening, the manufacturer recommends the mounting bracket (Article 300787) as an accessory. It is not included in the scope of delivery.

Is the float switch available with a longer cable?

Yes, the manufacturer produces special lengths on request. In addition, the cable can be extended up to 50 m; a cross-section of 3 × 0.14 mm² (LIYY) is recommended.

Are the cables waterproof?

No. The LIYY cables are only temporarily waterproof and not suitable for permanent water contact. For permanently damp or wet environments, the manufacturer recommends special sensors.

Why must the LIYY cables not be laid parallel to 230 V mains cables?

Parallel laying can lead to interference, electromagnetic influences and, in the worst case, to safety risks. Always use separate cable ducts or maintain sufficient distance.

What do I have to observe when making the electrical connection?

Incorrect connection can destroy the sensitive reed contacts and cause a malfunction. No direct connection to inductive loads (e.g. relays, solenoid valves), no direct connection to capacitive loads (e.g. PLC/PLS) or long cables over 50 m, and do not exceed the permissible switching capacity. In the case of inductive loads, protection with an RC element or freewheeling diode is mandatory. In case of uncertainty, contact an electrician or the support.

Do I have to use a freewheeling diode when connecting an external device?

Yes, absolutely. If you connect an external device (e.g. an external relay or contactor) to the potential-free output, a freewheeling diode must be connected in parallel with the coil. It protects the sensitive reed contacts against voltage peaks that occur when switching off.

How do I clean the float switch?

With a soft, damp cloth and without solvent-based cleaning agents. The float switch must remain free of soiling and freely movable.

How long is the guarantee valid?

The manufacturer Schabus offers a 5-year guarantee that can be registered online.

What do I do in the event of a defect?

Contact the manufacturer and provide your complete address and the reason for return. Within Germany you will receive a free return label by e-mail. Carriage forward packages will not be accepted.

Questions about the SHT 5012 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 (2.93 MB)

Mini Float Switch Plastic Changeover Contact

Technical Specifications

  • Operating voltage: 25 V AC / 60 V DC / max. 500 mA
  • Switching power: max. 10 Watt
  • Operating range: -20°C to +80°C
  • Protection rating: IP68 (cable only temporarily waterproof)
  • Weight: 0.07 kg
  • Relay contact: Normally closed (NC) / Normally open (NO)
  • Medium: min. 0.7 g/cm³ density, unpressurized
  • Water level: min. 4 cm

Cable & Mounting

  • Cable: 3 × 0.14 mm² LIYY, 2.5 m
  • Mounting: Vertical installation position, max. ±30° inclination

Material

  • Connection thread: PP
  • Shaft: PP, Ø 8.3 mm, 58 mm long
  • Float: PP, Ø 23 mm

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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