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Float switch ideal for contaminated water

The Robust Mechanical Float Switch with Changeover Contact (SPDT) for Dirty Water

The Schabus SHT 5019 is a mechanical float switch for direct control of pumps, valves or control systems, especially in areas with dirty or turbid water. The switch is made entirely of robust plastic and fully potted: the closed housing reliably protects against moisture, sediment and dirt and achieves protection class IP68.

Unlike delicate reed float switches, this model works purely mechanically, without electronics, and is designed for higher switching capacities: it switches directly up to 1 kW at 250 V; a connected submersible pump or solenoid valve can be operated without an additional relay. The switching process occurs through a change in the position of the float body (tilt function).

The integrated changeover contact (SPDT) allows two operating modes: “Empty” and “Fill”. The desired switching height is simply set via the supplied counterweight on the cable. The float switch is supplied ready with a 1.75 m connection cable and is VDE-tested for approximately 50,000 switching cycles.

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Important note: Not suitable for use in drinking water or food, nor for aggressive media or pressure systems. The float cable must not be connected directly in the water area; the connection to the pump cable is made in a moisture-protected junction box outside the tank, shaft or vessel. The electrical connection and functional check must be carried out by a qualified electrician.

Robust Level Control without Electronics

The SHT 5019 combines a purely mechanical switching principle, high switching capacity and a potted plastic housing in one device.

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For Dirty Water

Also suitable for heavily soiled or turbid water. The closed housing protects against moisture, sediment and dirt.

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Changeover Contact (SPDT)

Two operating modes: “Empty” and “Fill”. Depending on the installation position, it switches on at rising or falling level.

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Direct up to 1 kW at 250 V

Switch pumps or valves directly, without an additional relay. Rated switching current max. 16 A (4 A).

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IP68, Waterproof

Fully potted and suitable for continuous operation in water.

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Purely Mechanical

Microswitch in a mercury-free ball housing, no sensitive reed contacts, no electronics. Switching process by tilt function.

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Approx. 50,000 Switching Cycles

VDE-tested service life of approximately 50,000 switching operations.

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−20 °C to +50 °C

Operating range from −20 °C to +50 °C, max. working temperature 50 °C.

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1.75 m Connection Cable

Cable H07RN-F 3 × 0.75 mm² permanently connected, ready for connection.

What’s in the Box

The float switch is supplied ready with connection cable and counterweight.

  • SHT 5019 Mechanical Float Switch 230 V
  • Counterweight with ring (fixing ring)
  • Connection cable 1.75 m (black)
  • Operating instructions Water Sensors | Float Switches | Accessories

How the SHT 5019 Is Constructed

The SHT 5019 consists of a closed plastic float body with microswitch, a permanently connected float cable and a counterweight with ring.

1

Float Body

The float is made entirely of robust plastic, fully potted and protected to IP68. Dimensions are 88 × 156 × 42 mm. The device contains no user-serviceable parts and must not be opened.

2

Microswitch with Changeover Contact

A microswitch in a mercury-free ball housing is located in the float body. The switching process occurs through a change in the position of the float (tilt function). The switch contains a changeover contact: ON when the float is floating at the top (cores black + brown), OFF when the float is hanging at the bottom (cores black + blue).

3

Float Cable

The black float cable (H07RN-F 3 × 0.75 mm²) is 1.75 m long and permanently connected to the float. It has three cores: brown (br), black (sw) and blue (bl).

4

Counterweight with Ring

The counterweight is fixed to the cable with the fastening ring. Depending on the position on the cable, switching occurs at a higher or lower water level, thus defining the desired switching height.

Two Operating Modes: Empty and Fill

Thanks to the changeover contact, the float switch can switch on at rising or falling level depending on the installation position.

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“Empty” Mode

The connected pump switches on when the float is floating at the top and off when the water level drops. This reliably protects against dry running.

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“Fill” Mode

The function is reversed: when the float drops, water is topped up until the upper switching point is reached.

Mounting and Connection

Read the operating instructions carefully before mounting and commissioning. Mounting must be carried out by a qualified specialist.

Mounting the Float Switch

  1. Set the switching height: Fix the counterweight on the cable. Depending on the position, switching occurs at a higher or lower water level.
  2. Position the float so that it hangs freely movable in the water and does not strike the wall or other components.

Connecting the Float Switch

  1. Before repair, maintenance or adjustment work, unplug all mains plugs.
  2. Do not connect the float cable directly in the water area. It is connected to the pump cable in a moisture-protected junction box outside the tank, shaft or vessel.
  3. Connect the cores according to the operating mode: ON = float at top, floating (black + brown), OFF = float at bottom, hanging (black + blue).
  4. Operate only in residual-current-protected circuits and do not exceed the operating voltage (125 V / 250 V AC, 50–60 Hz) or the rated switching current (max. 16 A, 4 A).
  5. Have the electrical connection and functional check carried out by a qualified electrician.
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For classification: The SHT 5019 is a high-performance mechanical switch for direct pump control. It is not comparable with the mini float switches with reed contact that are intended for low-voltage applications in conjunction with the Schabus water detectors SHT 5000 / 5001 / 5002. It is also suitable as part of a water top-up solution with the SHT 5002.

Manufacturer’s Notes

  • Read the operating instructions carefully before mounting and commissioning and keep them
  • Mounting by a qualified specialist; connection and functional check by an electrician
  • Unplug all mains plugs before repair, maintenance or adjustment work
  • Do not open the device; it contains no user-serviceable parts
  • Packaging material is not a toy and must be kept away from children
  • Not for drinking water or food, not for aggressive media or pressure systems
  • Operation regularly unpressurized; operating overpressure max. 0.1 bar
  • Do not connect the float cable directly in the water area
  • Dirt adhesion is production-related and does not constitute a defect
  • Avoid influence of moisture (splash or rain water), dust and direct sunlight on the device
  • Clean only with a dry linen cloth; if heavily soiled, slightly dampened; no solvent-based cleaning agents
  • Intended for residential, commercial and industrial areas as well as small businesses on the public low-voltage network
  • The manufacturer is not liable for damage or losses resulting from no alarm signal being given despite water level changes
  • 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, also beyond the statutory warranty. 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 5019 Is Suitable

Insensitive to Dirt

Closed, potted housing and purely mechanical switching principle.

Switch Pump Directly

Up to 1 kW at 250 V, without additional relay.

Empty or Fill

Changeover contact for both operating modes.

Simple Mounting

Switching height adjustable via the counterweight on the cable.

Durable

Approx. 50,000 switching cycles, VDE-tested.

Waterproof

Protection class IP68, for continuous operation in water.

Areas of Application

  • Rainwater and wastewater tanks
  • Cisterns and wells, also with leaves and dirt
  • Pump shafts, pump sumps and drainage shafts
  • Containers with heavily soiled water
  • Greywater systems
  • Sewage treatment plants and grease separators
  • Construction sites and basement drainage
  • Pool technology and garden systems
  • Automatic filling or emptying of tanks, shafts and vessels
  • Water top-up in conjunction with the SHT 5002

The Schabus SHT 5019 reliably controls pumps and valves even where delicate float switches reach their limits – robust, mechanical and low-maintenance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the float switch used for?

It is used for direct control of a pump in residual-current-protected circuits, e.g. for automatic filling or emptying of tanks, shafts or vessels. Valves or control systems can also be switched.

What does “changeover contact (SPDT)” mean?

The switch contains a changeover contact and can therefore be used in two operating modes: “Empty” (pump on when the float is floating at the top, off when the water level drops) and “Fill” (top-up when the float drops, until the upper switching point is reached).

Is the SHT 5019 suitable for heavily soiled water?

Yes. The closed, potted plastic housing with a purely mechanical switching principle protects against moisture, sediment and dirt. It is not suitable for aggressive media, pressure systems, or drinking water and food.

How do I set the switching height?

Via the supplied counterweight: it is fixed to the cable. Depending on the position, switching occurs at a higher or lower water level. The float must hang freely movable and must not strike anything.

How much power can the float switch handle?

Directly up to 1 kW at 250 V. The operating voltage is 125 V / 250 V AC at 50–60 Hz; the rated switching current is max. 16 A (4 A).

How do I connect the float switch?

The float cable is not connected directly in the water area, but is joined to the pump cable in a moisture-protected junction box outside the tank, shaft or vessel. Switching points: ON (float at top) via black + brown, OFF (float at bottom) via black + blue. The connection must be carried out by an electrician.

Can I use the float switch with the Schabus water detectors SHT 5000 / 5001 / 5002?

The SHT 5019 is a high-performance mechanical switch for direct pump control and is not comparable with the mini float switches with reed contact that are intended for low-voltage applications with SHT 5000 / 5001 / 5002. As part of a water top-up solution it can be used with the SHT 5002. If in doubt, our support will advise you.

May the float switch be used under pressure?

No, it is not suitable for pressure systems. Operation is regularly unpressurized; the operating overpressure is max. 0.1 bar.

Is the float switch suitable for drinking water?

No. According to the manufacturer, the SHT 5019 is not suitable for use in drinking water or food.

Is dirt on the float a defect?

No. According to the manufacturer, dirt adhesion is production-related and does not constitute a defect.

How do I clean the float switch?

Only with a dry linen cloth, which may be slightly dampened if heavily soiled. Do not use solvent-based cleaning agents.

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 5019 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 (1.83 MB)

Float Switch – Ideal for Dirty Water

Technical Data

  • Operating voltage: 125 V / 250 V AC, 50–60 Hz
  • Operating range: −20°C to +50°C
  • Protection rating: IP68
  • Dimensions: 88 × 156 × 42 mm
  • Power consumption: 16 A (4 A)
  • Pressure: unpressurized, max. 1 bar (operating overpressure)
  • Weight: 0.45 kg
  • Service life: approx. 50,000 switching cycles
  • Cable: 1.75 m

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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