Hanging Float Switch, Plastic
€49.58
The Free-Hanging Float Switch Made of PP Plastic: No Mounting, Simply Hang In
The Schabus SHT 5017 is a hanging float switch made of plastic (polypropylene) that reliably detects rising water without complex mounting. It is simply hung by the cable into shafts, tanks or barrels. The attached weight ensures that it always hangs vertically in the medium. No additional bracket is required, and no drilling into side walls is necessary.
Inside, a wear-free Meder reed contact works, soldered to the cable and potted with Wepuran®. The float switch activates at a liquid level of approximately 4 cm. By turning the float body, the switching function can be selected as normally closed (NC) or normally open (NO). The 6 m LIYY cable is permanently potted and can be individually adjusted.
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. The SHT 5017 is an accessory for the Schabus water detectors SHT 5000, SHT 5001 and SHT 5002 (available separately). In combination with the SHT 5002, it is suitable for automatic water top-up in ponds, pools or garden systems.
Important note: The SHT 5017 may only be used in conjunction with suitable Schabus water detectors. It must not be operated directly on mains voltage or on inductive or capacitive loads (e.g. relays, solenoid valves, PLC/PLS), as this can destroy the sensitive reed contact. The cable is only temporarily waterproof and must not remain permanently in the water.
No Mounting, No Drilling, Level Detection from approx. 4 cm
The SHT 5017 is the uncomplicated solution when rising water levels need to be monitored without drilling into vessel walls.
Simply Hang In
The switch is hung into the water vessel via the connection cable. The integrated counterweight keeps it vertical.
No Drilling
No need to drill into tank, cistern or container – ideal when drilling into vessel walls is not possible.
Switching Point from approx. 4 cm
The float reacts from approximately 4 cm liquid level and detects rising or falling water levels.
Normally Open or Normally Closed
By turning the float body, you choose between normally closed (NC) and normally open (NO).
For Many Liquids
Suitable for all media with a density of at least 0.7 g/cm³, unpressurized, e.g. water, heating oil, diesel, vegetable oil, lubricating oils.
Up to 1 Trillion Switching Cycles
The wear-free Meder reed contact operates maintenance-free and achieves up to one trillion switching cycles.
Ideal in Humidity and Dirt
The float detects the water level directly, without sensitive electronics in contact with the medium.
6 m Cable, Extendable up to 50 m
Permanently potted LIYY cable (2 × 0.14 mm²), individually adjustable, special lengths on request, extendable up to max. 50 m.
What’s in the Box
The float switch is supplied ready-made with connection cable.
- SHT 5017 Hanging Mini Float Switch Plastic
- Potted to 6 m LIYY control cable 2 × 0.14 mm²
- Operating instructions Water Sensors | Float Switches | Accessories
How the SHT 5017 Is Constructed
The SHT 5017 consists of a float body on a shaft, an attached weight, the reed contact potted in the shaft, and a permanently connected 6 m control cable.
Float Body
The float is made of PP (Ø 23 mm). Inside it is a ring magnet. As the water level rises, the float moves upward on the shaft and the reed contact is closed. When the float body is inverted, the reverse switching function is obtained; only the E-ring at the end of the shaft needs to be released.
Shaft with Connection Thread
The shaft (Ø 8.3 mm, 58 mm long) and the connection thread are also made of PP. Float and shaft together have the dimensions L = 58 mm × Ø 23 mm.
Attached Weight
The integrated weight (H = 15.5 mm × Ø 40 mm) keeps the float switch freely hanging and always vertical by its own weight. This eliminates the need for brackets, mounting and drilling.
Reed Contact and LIYY Control Cable (2-core)
The Meder reed contact is soldered to the cable in the shaft and potted with Wepuran®; the protection class is IP68. The permanently potted LIYY cable (2 × 0.14 mm², 6 m) is securely held by a PG cable gland. It is temporarily waterproof, flame-retardant, self-extinguishing, low-adhesion and resistant to oils, greases and coolants.
Hanging and Connection
Read the operating instructions carefully before commissioning.
Hanging the Float Switch
- Hang the float switch into the water vessel via the connection cable, e.g. into a shaft, tank, barrel or pump sump. The float switch hangs freely and vertically.
- No fastening or bracket is required, nor is drilling into tank, cistern or container.
- Do not leave the cable permanently in the water and protect it for outdoor use. If required, the cable can be individually shortened.
Selecting the Switching Function
- Release the E-ring at the end of the shaft.
- Invert the float body. This gives you the reverse switching function (normally closed or normally open).
- Reattach the E-ring.
Connecting the Float Switch
- Connect the float switch directly to the alarm input of the water detector SHT 5000, SHT 5001 or SHT 5002 (order separately).
- For extensions, use only thin, unshielded LIYY control cable (max. 2 × 0.14 mm²), max. 50 m per alarm line. Larger cross-sections increase the cable capacitance, which can lead to false alarms or faults. When several sensors are connected in parallel, the cable lengths are added (e.g. max. 20 m + 30 m).
- Never run cables parallel to 230 V cables.
- Do not exceed the permissible switching capacity (max. 10 W, 25 V AC / 60 V DC / 0.5 A).
Protection for inductive loads: For inductive loads, the float switch must be protected by an RC circuit (AC voltage) or a freewheeling diode (DC voltage, e.g. 1N4007). Recommended RC circuit for reed contacts (10 … 40 VA): AC 24 V, 100 Ω, 0.33 µF, type A 3/24.
Automatic Water Top-Up with the SHT 5002
With two hanging float switches and the water detector SHT 5002, the water level in a pond, pool or water basin can be maintained automatically.
- The first float switch (S1) marks the lower level: When it drops, a pump is activated or a solenoid valve is opened via the water detector.
- The second float switch (S2) marks the upper level: When the water level reaches it, the top-up is automatically stopped.
- The system operates maintenance-free and is installed in just a few steps.
- Suitable for prolonged hot periods and holiday times, also for individual applications in garden systems, cisterns or technical shafts.
Technical support will help you implement your top-up solution.
Optional Accessories
LIYY Control Cable (Art. No. 300780)
Thin, unshielded control cable 2 × 0.14 mm² sold by the meter for proper extensions up to max. 50 m total cable length per alarm line. Larger cross-sections can cause malfunctions.
Manufacturer’s Notes
- Read the operating instructions carefully before commissioning and keep them
- Do not open the device; it contains no user-serviceable parts
- Packaging material is not a toy and must be kept away from children
- No direct connection to mains voltage
- No direct operation on circuits with inductive load
- No direct operation on circuits with capacitive load, e.g. PLC, PLS or cable lengths > 50 m
- Do not exceed the permissible switching capacity
- The float is designed for permanent humidity, but the cable is not: it is only temporarily waterproof and not suitable for outdoor use without protection
- Never run cables parallel to 230 V mains cables
- Keep the float switch free of contamination; it must not be blocked and must remain freely movable
- Clean with a soft, damp cloth; do not use solvent-based cleaning agents
- Intended for residential, commercial and industrial areas as well as small businesses
- The CE declaration is available for download on the manufacturer’s website
Warranty, Guarantee and Disposal
The device is covered by the statutory warranty of at least 2 years in the EU. The manufacturer Elektrotechnik Schabus additionally offers a 5-year guarantee that can be registered online. Repair 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 email.
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 5017 Is Suitable
No Mounting
Simply hang in; hangs always vertical thanks to the weight.
No Drilling
No drilling into side walls or vessel walls required.
Flexible
Normally closed or normally open by inverting the float body.
Wear-Free
Meder reed contact with up to 1 trillion switching cycles.
For Many Media
Water, heating oil, diesel, vegetable oil, lubricating oils from 0.7 g/cm³.
Long Cable
6 m LIYY cable, individually adjustable, extendable up to max. 50 m.
Areas of Application
- Rainwater tanks and cisterns (retrofitting)
- Pump sumps and drainage shafts
- Garden pond and pool (automatic top-up)
- Rain barrels and IBC containers
- Heating oil tanks and drip pans
- Narrow wells and inspection shafts
- Overfill protection and dry-run protection
- Lifting systems and rainwater systems
- Locations with high humidity, dirt or condensation
- Water level detection with Schabus water detectors SHT 5000, 5001, 5002
The Schabus SHT 5017 monitors the level from approximately 4 cm – without mounting, without drilling, simply hung in.
Frequently Asked Questions
With which devices is the float switch compatible?
The hanging float switch is specially designed for the Schabus water detectors SHT 5000, SHT 5001 and SHT 5002. It is connected directly to the respective alarm input. The water detectors must be ordered separately.
How does the float switch work?
The float contains a reed contact that is activated by buoyancy when the water level rises. From a liquid level of approximately 4 cm, the contact switches and triggers an alarm on the water detector.
How is the float switch fixed?
Quite simply: It is hung into the water vessel via the connection cable, e.g. into a shaft, tank or pump sump. The integrated counterweight ensures that the float hangs vertically. No additional bracket is required; drilling into the tank, cistern or container is not necessary.
Can I reverse the switching function?
Yes. Invert the float body to switch between normally closed and normally open function. Only the E-ring at the end of the shaft needs to be released.
Is the float suitable for permanent humidity?
The float itself is designed for permanent humidity (protection class IP68), but the cable is not. The LIYY cables used are only temporarily waterproof, flame-retardant and chemically resistant, but must not remain permanently in the water.
What do I need to consider for the connection?
The float switch must not be connected directly to mains voltage, inductive or capacitive loads, as this can destroy the sensitive reed contact. Use it only in conjunction with suitable Schabus water detectors. For inductive loads (e.g. relays), an RC circuit or freewheeling diode must be used. The permissible switching capacity (max. 10 W) must not be exceeded.
Is the float switch available with a longer cable?
Yes. On request the manufacturer produces special lengths to your specifications. In addition, the cable can be extended up to max. 50 m; a thin control cable with max. 2 × 0.14 mm² (LIYY type) must be used.
Are the cables waterproof?
The LIYY cables used are only temporarily waterproof and not suitable for permanent water contact. They are flame-retardant, self-extinguishing and low-adhesion, and largely resistant to oils, greases, coolants and lubricants.
Do I need to use a freewheeling diode when connecting a third-party device?
Yes. If a third-party device with a coil (e.g. an external relay or contactor) is connected to the potential-free output, a freewheeling diode must be connected in parallel with the coil. It protects the sensitive reed contacts from voltage peaks (induction voltage) that occur when switching off and is important for longevity and functional reliability.
Why must LIYY cables not be run parallel to 230 V mains cables?
Parallel routing can lead to interference, electromagnetic influences and, in the worst case, safety risks. Always use separate cable ducts or maintain sufficient distance.
How does automatic water top-up work?
When the first float switch (S1) drops to its lower level, a pump is activated or a solenoid valve is opened via the water detector SHT 5002. When the water level rises again and reaches the second float switch (S2), the top-up is automatically stopped.
How long is the warranty?
The statutory warranty of at least 2 years applies in the EU. In addition, the manufacturer Schabus offers a 5-year guarantee that can be registered online.
Questions about the SHT 5017 Hanging Float Switch?
Our support team in Germany will advise you free of charge on selection, installation and configuration.
Suspended Float Switch Plastic – Freely Hanging by Own Weight
Connections & Technical Data
- Operating voltage: max. 25 V AC / 60 V DC / 0.5 A
- Switching power: max. 10 Watt
- Operating range: −20°C to +80°C
- Protection rating: IP68 (cable temporarily water-resistant only)
- Dimensions: L = 58 mm × Ø 23 mm, H = 15.5 mm × Ø 40 mm (weight)
- Relay contact: Normally closed (NC) / Normally open (NO)
- Cable: 6 m, 2 × 0.14 mm², white
- Material: Connection thread PP, shaft PP ø 8.3 mm (58 mm long), float PP ø 23 mm
- Medium: min. 0.7 g/cm³ density, unpressurized
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
