Flip-up Float Switch 230 Volt

The hinged float switch for suitable 230 V control circuits: side mounting, normally open or normally closed by 180° rotation, with robust Ölflex cable

The Schabus hinged float switch SHT 5030 monitors liquid levels in tanks, cisterns, wells, shafts, pump sumps and other containers. It is installed laterally and horizontally from the inside into the container wall and is handmade. Its design allows use in suitable 230 V control circuits when all electrical switching limits are observed. It is intended as an accessory for the Schabus water detectors SHT 5000, SHT 5001 and SHT 5002.

The movable float hinges up or down with the liquid level and actuates the encapsulated reed contact via a magnet. By rotating the entire switch 180° about its horizontal longitudinal axis, you select between the normally closed (NC) and normally open (NO) function.

Reliable switching, even in demanding environments

What is included in the box

The SHT 5030 has no options and no additional variants. Connection material or water detectors are not included.

• Mini hinged float switch SHT 5030, plastic, hand-encapsulated in Wepuran®
• Permanently connected to 2.5 m LAPP Ölflex 108 cable (2 × 0.5 mm²)
• Operating instructions

How the SHT 5030 is constructed

The SHT 5030 consists of a few robust parts: the housing with thread, the hinged float with magnet and the permanently connected cable. Encapsulated components must not be opened.

Correct installation and connection

The switch is inserted horizontally into the container wall. The movable part must be able to hinge freely up and down.

Installation

1. Prepare the opening and sealing surface according to the approved dimensional drawing. As key data the manufacturer specifies an installation depth of 57 mm and a thread of 15.8 mm.
2. Mount the switch with the provided seal and mounting nut laterally and horizontally from the inside in the container wall.
3. Ensure that the movable part can hinge freely in the correct position and does not touch the wall, cables or built-in parts.
4. Select the installation direction to match the desired switching function.
5. Fill the container in a controlled manner and check the seal, switching point and reset.

Connection

• Qualified electrician: Connection may only be carried out by a qualified electrician. Before connection, maintenance or adjustment work, isolate the system and verify absence of voltage
• Residual-current device: The SHT 5030 may only be used in 230 V circuits if these are protected by a residual-current device (RCD)
• Switching limits: For alternating voltage a maximum of 275 V AC, 1.0 A and 10 VA applies; for direct voltage a maximum of 30 V DC, 0.5 A and 10 W. All limit values must be observed simultaneously; the maximum current must therefore not be fully utilised at every voltage
• Load: The switch can switch suitable relays or control circuits. The connected load, including its inrush behaviour, must match the permissible switching values. The switching contact does not supply power to connected devices
• Cable: Route the Ölflex cable protected against tension, crushing and sharp edges. Extensions and connection points must match the electrical and mechanical stress as well as the environment. No cable lengths over 50 m
• Suitable devices: Intended as an accessory for the water detectors SHT 5000, SHT 5001 and SHT 5002 (available separately). Observe the instructions of the connected device

Protecting the reed contact

Incorrect electrical connection can destroy the sensitive reed contact and lead to malfunctions, in the worst case with personal injury or property damage. Therefore observe the following:

• No direct connection to inductive loads, for example relays or solenoid valves, without suitable protective circuitry
• No direct connection to capacitive loads, for example PLC or PLS, and no long cables over 50 m
• Do not exceed the permissible switching capacity
• For alternating voltage a suitable protective circuit, for example an appropriately designed RC element, is required. For suitable DC loads a freewheeling diode can be used
• When using third-party power supplies, a freewheeling diode (for example 1N4148) must be connected in parallel with the relay or contactor. It suppresses voltage peaks during switching off and thus protects the sensitive reed contact
• Selection and connection of the protective circuitry are carried out by the qualified electrician to match voltage and load. Protective components do not increase the permissible switching values

Setting normally open and normally closed by rotation

With the SHT 5030 the installation direction determines the switching function. By rotating the entire switch 180° about its horizontal longitudinal axis you change between normally closed and normally open function.

Selecting the function

1. Isolate the system: Isolate the system before conversion and verify absence of voltage.
2. Select installation direction: Insert the switch in the direction that matches the desired function. Rotated 180° the respective other function is set.
3. Secure tightly: Fasten it with seal and nut and ensure that the float hinges freely.
4. Check: At low and high level, check which state is actually present before putting the system into operation.

Testing, cleaning, finding faults

Functional test

1. Visual inspection: Check fastening, cable and seal. Is the float freely movable?
2. Trigger detection: Raise the liquid level in a controlled manner 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 and check the reset as well as the complete function of the connected control unit.

Cleaning and care

• Regularly check seal, fastening and free float movement
• Carefully remove deposits with a soft, damp cloth
• Do not use solvent-containing cleaners
• Repeat the functional test after cleaning or conversion
• The 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 control unit
• Unexpected signal? Check damp connections, cable routing and the selected installation direction
• If the fault persists, put the system into a safe state and contact Schabus Support

What the hinged 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 power switch and must not switch pumps or other larger loads directly; a suitable relay or contactor is required for this
• It may only be connected in 230 V circuits with a residual-current device (RCD) and only by a qualified electrician
• The liquid must have a density of at least 0.7 g/cm³ and operation must be pressureless
• The operating range is between −20 and a maximum of +80 °C; the compatibility of all wetted materials with medium and temperature must be checked in advance
• It is only intended for lateral, horizontal installation
• It is not a low-voltage model; the SHT 5018 with the same design is the low-voltage version

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
• For 230 V circuits, according to the manufacturer a residual-current device (RCD) is required
• 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 5030 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 5030 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 5030 is suitable

Areas of application

• Tanks and cisterns
• Wells, shafts and pump sumps
• Heating oil tanks and tanks with oil-containing media
• Rainwater systems
• Pump controls
• Systems with 230 V control circuits
• Industrial and technical rooms as well as workshops
• Applications with increased mechanical stress
• Water level signalling and overflow warning
• Applications with permanently humid environments

The Schabus SHT 5030: robust, flexibly adjustable, reliable in level monitoring.

Frequently asked questions