Mini Float Switch V4A Normally Open Contact

The mini float switch made of V4A stainless steel with normally open/normally closed function: robust level monitoring from 4 cm, also for pool and salt water

The Schabus mini float switch SHT 5014 monitors liquid levels in tanks, shafts, containers and systems. Its design made entirely of V4A stainless steel (material 1.4571) is intended for applications with increased requirements for corrosion resistance, for example with salt- or chlorine-containing media such as pool water. The shaft is turned and milled from solid material, the switch is handmade.

A ring magnet is located in the movable float. It actuates a reed contact encapsulated in the shaft. By turning the float body over, you set the normally closed (NC) or normally open (NO) function. Thanks to the compact design, the SHT 5014 switches from a level height of around 4 cm. It is intended as an accessory for the Schabus water detectors SHT 5000, SHT 5001 and SHT 5002.

Reliable switching, even in demanding media

What is included in the box

The SHT 5014 has no options and no additional variants. Connection material or water detectors are not included.

• Mini float switch SHT 5014, V4A stainless steel, normally closed (NC) / normally open (NO)
• Permanently encapsulated on 2.5 m LIYY control cable with two cores
• Operating instructions

How the SHT 5014 is constructed

The SHT 5014 consists of a few robust parts: the shaft with contact and cable and the movable float with magnet. Encapsulated components must not be opened.

Correct installation and connection

The shaft must be vertical and the float must remain freely movable. The mounting position determines the switching height.

Installation

1. Mount the shaft vertically; a maximum deviation of 30° is permissible.
2. Determine the switching height: The mounting position determines the switching height. Select it so that the desired signal is issued in good time.
3. Ensure free movement of the float over the entire travel. It must not catch on the container wall, cables or deposits.
4. Carry out sealing and fastening to suit the installation situation, for example with the matching mounting bracket.
5. Check the connection assignment on the label of the specific variant.
6. After installation and connection, carry out the complete functional test.

Connection

• Suitable devices: Water detectors SHT 5000, SHT 5001 and SHT 5002 (available separately). Observe the instructions of the connected device and check its type and version
• Cable: Use thin, unshielded LIYY cable (2 × 0.14 mm²). The cable must never be laid parallel to 230 V mains cables. Protect it from crushing, tension and sharp edges and protect connections against moisture
• Extension: The factory cable can be extended up to a total length of 50 m; minimum is 2 × 0.14 mm² LIYY. When connecting several sensors in parallel, the cable lengths are added together. For the Schabus water detectors, a maximum of 50 m per alarm line is provided
• Switching function: Normally closed or normally open is set on the float body, not via the wiring. After connection, check both switching states

Protecting the reed contact

Incorrect electrical connection can destroy the sensitive reed contact and lead to malfunctions of the system. The float switches are not universal load switches. Therefore observe the following:

• No direct operation on circuits with inductive load, for example relays or solenoid valves
• No direct operation on circuits with capacitive load, for example PLC or PLS
• No cable lengths over 50 m
• Do not exceed the permissible switching capacity
• With inductive loads, protect the reed contact with an RC element or a freewheeling diode; this is mandatory. Different solutions are required for DC and AC, matching the load and switching voltage
• For 24 V AC the manufacturer specifies an RC protective circuit of 100 Ω and 0.33 µF (RC element type A 3/24); RC elements for reed contacts are rated for 10 to 40 VA
• The protective circuit does not increase the permissible switching values; all limit values of the model must be observed

Setting normally open and normally closed by turning over

With the SHT 5014, the position of the float body determines whether the contact closes or opens when the level rises. You therefore set the function on the switch itself.

Reversing the function

1. Isolate the system: Isolate the system before conversion.
2. Release the retaining ring: Carefully release the ring at the lower end of the shaft and do not lose it.
3. Remove the float: Pull the float body downwards off the shaft.
4. Turn the float over: Flip it 180° so that the top and bottom sides are swapped.
5. Fit and secure: Slide the float back on and fully insert the retaining ring.
6. Check: The float runs freely, the retaining ring is firmly seated and both switching states work.

Reversing is only possible with suitable mini float switches with reversible normally open/normally closed function, not with changeover contacts.

Testing, cleaning, finding faults

Functional test

1. Visual inspection: Check fastenings, cables and seals. Is the float freely movable?
2. Trigger detection: Slowly and in a controlled manner raise the liquid level past the switching point.
3. Observe reaction: Check the signal and the intended subsequent function. Test a connected pump or valve in a controlled manner.
4. Restore normal state: Lower the level again. Check the reset and any required acknowledgement on the water detector.

Cleaning and care

• Regularly check fastening, cables and free float movement
• Clean with a soft, damp cloth
• Do not use solvent-containing agents
• Carefully remove deposits and residues
• Repeat the functional test after cleaning or conversion
• The LIYY cable is only briefly waterproof and not intended for permanent water contact
• Do not continue to use damaged cables, housings or seals; do not open encapsulated components

Troubleshooting

• No reaction? Check model, connection and input. Has the float moved?
• Signal remains? Check residual water, deposits, a blocked float or acknowledgement on the water detector
• Unexpected signal? Check damp connections, cable routing and the selected contact function
• If the fault persists, put the system into a safe state and contact Schabus Support

Matching accessories (available separately)

The SHT 5014 itself has no options. The following separate articles supplement it for mounting and extension.

• Mounting bracket (Art. No. 300787): For precise, vertical mounting on a side wall of a tank or shaft. The bracket is made of V2A stainless steel and must be aligned so that the shaft is vertical. It ensures reliable switching function and prevents jamming
• Dirt trap basket with mounting bracket (Art. No. 300320): Protects against leaves, sediments, small branches and small animals, ideal for shafts, outdoor areas and rainwater systems. It does not replace cleaning and functional testing. According to the manufacturer it is not suitable for chlorine- or salt-containing media; the suitability of the accessory must be checked separately
• LIYY control cable 2 × 0.14 mm² (by the metre): For proper extensions up to a maximum total cable length of 50 m per alarm line. Use only thin, unshielded LIYY cables; larger cross-sections can cause malfunctions

What the float switch is not

• It is not a water sensor for conductive water at contacts, but monitors a liquid level
• It is not a universal load switch and must not switch pumps or solenoid valves directly
• It is a low-voltage switch and must not be connected to mains voltage
• The liquid must have a density of at least 0.7 g/cm³ and operation must be pressureless
• V4A does not replace checking compatibility with the specific medium
• It is not a changeover contact; there is no third contact
• The cable is only briefly waterproof and not intended for permanent water contact

Manufacturer notes

• Before installation, read the pages of the operating instructions belonging to your model as well as the instructions of the connected evaluation unit and keep both
• Work on mains voltage may only be carried out by qualified electricians. Isolate and verify absence of voltage before work. Never connect low-voltage models to mains voltage
• Before installation, check medium, temperature, installation position and the permissible electrical limit values of the specific model
• Housing and connection cable must be suitable for the place of use
• Do not continue to use damaged products; do not open encapsulated components
• Packaging material does not belong in children’s hands
• Always carry out the complete functional test after installation, connection or modification
• The EU declaration of conformity is available for download on the manufacturer’s website

Warranty, guarantee and disposal

The SHT 5014 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. Repairs and maintenance may only be carried out by the manufacturer or authorised specialist personnel.

The SHT 5014 does not belong in household waste. In accordance with the European Directive 2012/19/EU on waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE), it must be collected separately at the end of its service life and sent for environmentally sound recycling (WEEE Reg. No. DE91394868). Hand it in at a municipal collection point; further information is available from your city or municipality. Also dispose of the packaging material in an environmentally friendly manner and recycle it if possible.

Why the SHT 5014 is suitable

Areas of application

• Tanks and cisterns
• Shafts and pump shafts
• Containers and systems
• Pool technology and pool water
• Salt water systems
• Water treatment
• Food industry
• Chemical plants and cooling technology
• Overflow warning and level monitoring
• Applications with permanently humid environments

The Schabus SHT 5014: robust, corrosion-resistant, reliable in level monitoring.

Frequently asked questions