Washdown Level Switches | McMaster-Carr

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High-Pressure Washdown

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34 Products

Float Switch Relays

Polycarbonate Body

Install one of these relays to actuate equipment that has a higher current rating than your switch. They can be used with any SPST switch. A 10-second time delay minimizes false activation in splashing liquid.

Polycarbonate Body—Polycarbonate relay is rated IP65 for protection from corrosion and washdowns.

	Current @ Voltage	Ht.	Wd.	Dp.	Electrical Connection		Each
120V AC/240V AC Input Voltage







	Polycarbonate Body

	0 to 120	1 Off or 1 On	SPDT	8 amp @ 120V AC	3 3/16"	6 5/16"	2 3/8"	Terminal Block	47475K82	0000000

Noncontact Level Sensor Switches for Conductive Liquids

Measure the level of conductive liquids without drilling a hole in your tank—these switches mount to the outside of the tank and track the capacitance between them and the tank’s contents. Use them on nonconductive plastic or glass wall tanks; they’re not compatible with metal tanks. They automatically adapt to your tank’s wall thickness, making them ready to use. These switches only respond when the liquid reaches the desired level, so foam and residue on the top of the liquid won’t trigger them early. For even more challenging setups, such as those with thick, sticky fluids, or if your tank has walls as thick as 10 mm, you can teach these switches to avoid false detections. All have LED indicators to show their power and output status.

Made of plastic, their body is chemical resistant and NEMA and IP rated, so it keeps out dust and dirt, as well as drips of oil and jets of hot water. UL listed, C-UL listed, and CE marked, they meet U.S., Canadian, and European Union safety standards.

Mount these switches directly on your sight glass using their adhesive back or use the included mounting bracket if you’ll need to remove them frequently. They also include foam pads for mounting them using straps around the outside of your tank.

Level Sensor Switches with M8 4-Pin Connection


With M8 4-pin Connection	M8 4-pin

Switches with an M8 4-Pin connection have a standard plug that’s easy to connect.

PNP Signal Output—PNP switches communicate with your system by sending a positive signal.

	Thk.	Temp. Range, ° F	Switch Starting Position	Switch Designation	Current @ Voltage	Enclosure Rating		Each
10V DC to 30V DC Input Voltage







	Polybutylene/Polycarbonate Body

	PNP	5/8"	1 5/16"	5/16"	-10 to 175	1 Off	SPST-NO	0.1 amp @ 30V DC	NEMA 4X, NEMA 12, IP68, IP69K, IP66	8845N14	0000000


	PNP	5/8"	1 5/16"	5/16"	-10 to 175	1 On	SPST-NC	0.1 amp @ 30V DC	NEMA 4X, NEMA 12, IP68, IP69K, IP66	8845N12	000000

Level Sensor Switches with Wire Lead Connection

With Wire Lead Connection

Switches with wire leads need to be hardwired, so use them in applications where you won’t move them often.

PNP Signal Output—PNP switches communicate with your system by sending a positive signal.

NPN Signal Output—NPN switches send a negative signal to communicate with your system.

	Thk.	Temp. Range, ° F	Switch Starting Position	Switch Designation	Current @ Voltage	Wire Lead Lg., ft.	Enclosure Rating		Each
10V DC to 30V DC Input Voltage







	Polybutylene/Polycarbonate Body

	PNP	5/8"	1 5/16"	5/16"	-10 to 175	1 Off	SPST-NO	0.1 amp @ 30V DC	6	NEMA 4X, NEMA 12, IP68, IP69K, IP66	8845N13	0000000


	PNP	5/8"	1 5/16"	5/16"	-10 to 175	1 On	SPST-NC	0.1 amp @ 30V DC	6	NEMA 4X, NEMA 12, IP68, IP69K, IP66	8845N11	000000
	NPN	5/8"	1 5/16"	5/16"	-10 to 175	1 Off	SPST-NO	0.1 amp @ 30V DC	6	NEMA 4X, NEMA 12, IP68, IP69K, IP66	8845N17	000000
	NPN	5/8"	1 5/16"	5/16"	-10 to 175	1 On	SPST-NC	0.1 amp @ 30V DC	6	NEMA 4X, NEMA 12, IP68, IP69K, IP66	8845N15	000000

Sanitary Level Sensor Switches

Detect when oil rises on water, foam forms on beer, and tanks empty, triggering pumps and valves in food and sanitary lines. These switches are 3-A and European Hygienic Engineering and Design Group (EHEDG) certified since they’re easy to keep clean. Highly polished, they prevent bacteria from growing. They also stand up to hot spraying water, chemicals, and cleaners common to food plants, thanks to their PEEK probe, stainless steel body, BSPP threads, and IP ratings. Their IP67 rating also means they won’t fail if under water temporarily.

To connect to automated systems and remote displays, these switches work with IO Link and 4-20 mA analog output, making them good for hard-to-reach areas. Program the colors on the LED indicator to tell you what the switch is sensing.

USP Class tested, the plastic in these switches won’t leach chemicals. They’re also C-UL listed and CE marked to meet Canadian and European safety standards.

Note: Solids and liquids must have a dielectric constant of at least 1.5 to detect them.

													Electrical
	Pipe Size	Thread Type	Gender	Max. Pressure @ Temp.	Temp. Range, ° F	Insertion Dp.	Switch Starting Position	Switch Designation	Output Current, mA	Signal Output	Probe Material	Overall Lg.	Connection	No. of Poles	Certification	Enclosure Rating		Each
8V DC to 36V DC Input Voltage







				316 Stainless Steel Body

				1/2	BSPP	Male	145 psi @ 70° F	-40 to 230	9/16"	1 Off or 1 On	SPDT	100	PNP, NPN	PEEK	3 13/16"	M12	4	C-UL Listed, CE Marked, EHEDG Certified	IP67, IP69K	3910N11	0000000

Quick-Clamp Adapters

Image of Product. Front orientation. Tube Fittings.

Use quick-clamp adapters to connect these switches to quick-clamp sanitary tube fittings.

Tube Connection		Pipe Connection
For Tube OD	Flange OD	Pipe Size	Thread Type	Gender	Material	Max. Pressure @ Temp.	Food Industry Std.	Certification		Each
1 1/8"	1.988"	1/2	BSPP	Female	316 Stainless Steel	550 psi @ 70° F	3-A Certified 74-07	CE Marked, EHEDG Certified	3910N12	0000000

Ultrasonic Noncontact Level Sensor Switches for Chemicals

Use high-frequency sound waves to detect chemical level. This switch has three relays that can be programmed for multiple set points. Use it to activate several alarms or to automate tank filling and emptying. It’s rated NEMA 4X for protection from corrosion and washdowns.

	Pipe													Conduit
	Size	Thread Type	Gender	Sensing Distance, ft.	Max. Pressure @ Temp.	Temp. Range, ° F	Switch Starting Position	Switch Designation	Current @ Voltage	Lg.	Wd.	Electrical Connection	Enclosure Rating	Trade Size	Thread Type	Gender		Each
95V AC to 250V AC Input Voltage







				Polycarbonate Body

				1	NPT	Male	0.33 to 9.8	30 psi @ 70° F	-5 to 140	1 Off or 1 On	SPDT	0.17 amp @ 120V AC	3 15/16"	5 3/16"	Screw Terminal	IP65, NEMA 4X	1/2	NPT	Female	3785K13	0000000

Vertical-Mount Hazardous Location Float Switches for Fuels and Oils

For use in locations with flammable gases and combustible dust, these switches are UL listed and CSA certified for Class I, Divisions 1 and 2, Groups C and D; and Class II, Divisions 1 and 2, Groups E, F, and G. Mount them vertically through the top of your tank. They're rated NEMA 4 for protection from washdowns.

	Pipe											Float			Conduit
	Size	Thread Type	Gender	Min. Specific Gravity	Max. Pressure @ Temp.	Temp. Range, ° F	Insertion Dp.	Switch Starting Position	Switch Designation	Current @ Voltage	Mounting Location	Lg.	Dia.	Electrical Connection	Trade Size	Thread Type	Gender	Certification		Each
120V AC/240V AC Input Voltage







				316 Stainless Steel Body and Float

				1 1/2	NPT	Male	0.7	100 psi @ 70° F	35 to 275	9 1/4"	1 Off or 1 On	SPDT	10 amp @ 120V AC	Top	4 1/2"	1 5/8"	Wire Leads	3/4	NPT	Female	UL Listed, CSA Certified, FM Approved	4914K97	000000000

Hazardous Location Float Switches for Chemicals


Style B

Designed for use in areas where flammable substances are present, these switches are CSA certified for hazardous locations. Mount them through a tank wall.

Style B—Style B meet Class I, Divisions 1 and 2, Groups C and D; Class II, Divisions 1 and 2, Groups E, F, and G; and Class III, Divisions 1 and 2.

		Pipe											Conduit
	Style	Size	Thread Type	Gender	Min. Specific Gravity	Max. Pressure @ Temp.	Temp. Range, ° F	Insertion Dp.	Switch Starting Position	Switch Designation	Current @ Voltage	Electrical Connection	Trade Size	Thread Type	Gender	Certification		Each
120V AC/240V AC Input Voltage







				316 Stainless Steel Body and Float

				B	1 1/2	NPT	Male	0.4	1,500 psi @ 70° F	0 to 300	3 1/4"	1 Off/1 On	SPST-NO SPST-NC	0.83 amp @ 120V AC	Wire Leads	1/2	NPT	Male	CSA Certified, FM Approved	5300K55	0000000


				B	2	NPT	Male	0.4	1,500 psi @ 70° F	0 to 300	3 1/4"	1 Off/1 On	SPST-NO SPST-NC	0.83 amp @ 120V AC	Wire Leads	1/2	NPT	Male	CSA Certified, FM Approved	5300K58	000000

Hazardous Location Float Switches for Water

For use in locations with flammable gases and combustible dust, these switch are UL listed and CSA certified for Class I, Divisions 1 and 2, Groups C and D; and Class II, Divisions 1 and 2, Groups E, F, and G. Mount them vertically through the top of your tank. They're rated NEMA 4 for protection from washdowns.

	Pipe											Float			Conduit
	Size	Thread Type	Gender	Min. Specific Gravity	Max. Pressure @ Temp.	Temp. Range, ° F	Insertion Dp.	Switch Starting Position	Switch Designation	Current @ Voltage	Mounting Location	Lg.	Dia.	Electrical Connection	Trade Size	Thread Type	Gender	Certification		Each
120V AC/240V AC Input Voltage







				Brass Body and 316 Stainless Steel Float

				1 1/2	NPT	Male	0.7	100 psi @ 70° F	35 to 275	5 1/4"	1 Off or 1 On	SPDT	10 amp @ 120V AC	Top	4 1/2"	1 5/8"	Wire Leads	3/4	NPT	Female	UL Listed, CSA Certified, FM Approved	5363N13	0000000


				1 1/2	NPT	Male	0.7	100 psi @ 70° F	35 to 275	7 1/4"	1 Off or 1 On	SPDT	10 amp @ 120V AC	Top	4 1/2"	1 5/8"	Wire Leads	3/4	NPT	Female	UL Listed, CSA Certified, FM Approved	5363N16	000000
				1 1/2	NPT	Male	0.7	100 psi @ 70° F	35 to 275	9 1/4"	1 Off or 1 On	SPDT	10 amp @ 120V AC	Top	4 1/2"	1 5/8"	Wire Leads	3/4	NPT	Female	UL Listed, CSA Certified, FM Approved	4914K96	000000
				2	NPT	Male	0.7	100 psi @ 70° F	35 to 275	9 1/4"	1 Off or 1 On	SPDT	10 amp @ 120V AC	Top	4 1/2"	1 5/8"	Wire Leads	3/4	NPT	Female	UL Listed, CSA Certified, FM Approved	5363N11	000000

Level Sensor Switches for Conductive Liquids

Designed to use the properties of conductive liquid for operation, these switches actuate when conductive liquid reaches the probes on the tip to close the circuit. They can be used with dirty fluid and liquid with high solid content, but are not for use with flammable liquids. Mount them horizontally or vertically. All are rated NEMA 6 for protection from washdowns.

Min. Specific Gravity	Max. Pressure @ Temp.	Temp. Range, ° F	Insertion Dp.	Switch Starting Position	Switch Designation	Current @ Voltage	Probe Material	Electrical Connection	Wire Lead Lg., ft.	Enclosure Rating		Each







PPS Body

3/4	NPT	Male	1	290 psi @ 70° F	-10 to 175	1 1/2"	1 Off or 1 On	SPDT	1 amp @ 24V DC	316 Stainless Steel	Wire Leads	6	IP68, NEMA 6	3915K11	0000000


3/4	NPT	Male	1	290 psi @ 70° F	-10 to 175	3"	1 Off or 1 On	SPDT	1 amp @ 24V DC	316 Stainless Steel	Wire Leads	6	IP68, NEMA 6	3915K12	000000




		Polypropylene Body

		3/4	NPT	Male	1	85 psi @ 70° F	-10 to 140	1 1/2"	1 Off or 1 On	SPDT	1 amp @ 24V DC	316 Stainless Steel	Wire Leads	6	IP68, NEMA 6	3915K13	000000


		3/4	NPT	Male	1	85 psi @ 70° F	-10 to 140	3"	1 Off or 1 On	SPDT	1 amp @ 24V DC	316 Stainless Steel	Wire Leads	6	IP68, NEMA 6	3915K14	000000

Paddle Level Switches for Dry Materials


Horizontal Mount	Vertical Mount

Monitor the level of dry material in surge bins, tanks, and silos to avoid overspills and outages. With a long paddle, these switches extend farther into large storage containers to detect material levels where other types of switches can’t reach. You can even adjust the paddle's sensitivity to materials of different sizes and shapes, such as powders, plastic pellets, and wood chips. Install multiple switches on the same container to monitor levels at various points. They are rated NEMA 4X and IP66 for protection from corrosion and washdowns.

Horizontal Mount—Commonly installed near the bottom of containers to indicate low levels as material flows out. These switches start to rotate when material falls low enough to uncover the paddle, triggering a conveyor, pump, or other piece of equipment to prevent the container from emptying.

Vertical Mount—Mount to the roof of containers to indicate high levels when loading material. For domed roofs, you can extend these switches farther down by connecting the paddle to your desired length of _1/8 NPT Schedule 40 pipe. The paddle rotates freely until material rises to its level and stops it, triggering a conveyor, pump, or other piece of equipment to prevent overfilling.

With Alarm—Switches with an alarm alert you to potential malfunctions before they occur. They continuously perform self-diagnostics to detect everything from motor failure to seized bearings. When they detect an error, an LED light flashes in a corresponding code, so maintenance workers will immediately know which problem they need to fix.

				Paddle				Switch
	Insertion Dp.	Material Wt. Cap. Range, lb/ft³	Max. Pressure @ Temp.	Speed, rpm	Lg.	Wd.	Material	Starting Position	Designation	Current @ Voltage	Enclosure Rating	Hazardous Location Rating	Certification		Each
Horizontal Mount







				Without Alarm

				6 5/8"	0 to 30	30 psi @ 70° F	1	7"	2"	316 Stainless Steel	1 Off or 1 On	SPDT	20 amp @ 120V AC	IP66 NEMA 4X	NEC Class I Divisions 1, 2 Groups C, D NEC Class II Divisions 1, 2 Groups E, F, G	UL Listed C-UL Listed	49005K51	0000000




						With Alarm

						6 5/8"	0 to 30	30 psi @ 70° F	1	7"	2"	316 Stainless Steel	1 Off or 1 On	SPDT	8 amp @ 120V AC	IP66 NEMA 4X	NEC Class I Divisions 1, 2 Groups C, D NEC Class II Divisions 1, 2 Groups E, F, G	UL Listed C-UL Listed	49005K26	000000


						Vertical Mount







										Without Alarm

										12"	30 to 70	30 psi @ 70° F	1	5"	1 1/2"	316 Stainless Steel	1 Off or 1 On	SPDT	20 amp @ 120V AC	IP66 NEMA 4X	NEC Class I Divisions 1, 2 Groups C, D NEC Class II Divisions 1, 2 Groups E, F, G	UL Listed C-UL Listed	49005K52	000000




												With Alarm

												12"	30 to 70	30 psi @ 70° F	1	5"	1 1/2"	316 Stainless Steel	1 Off or 1 On	SPDT	8 amp @ 120V AC	IP66 NEMA 4X	NEC Class I Divisions 1, 2 Groups C, D NEC Class II Divisions 1, 2 Groups E, F, G	UL Listed C-UL Listed	49005K36	000000

Replacements for Paddle Level Switches

Paddle Material		Each
316 Stainless Steel	49005K72	000000

Voltage, V AC	Includes		Each
120	Bracket, Washer	49005K71	0000000

Horizontal-Mount Hazardous Location Float Switches for Fuels and Oils


Style A	Style B

Style C

Designed for use in areas where flammable substances are present, these switches are CSA certified for hazardous locations. Mount them through a tank wall. All are rated NEMA 4 for protection from washdowns. All are single pole, double throw (SPDT) and can be installed to turn one circuit from “off” to “on” or from “on” to “off”.

Switches with a stainless steel body are more corrosion resistant than switches with a brass body.

		Pipe									Conduit
	Style	Size	Thread Type	Gender	Min. Specific Gravity	Max. Pressure @ Temp.	Temp. Range, ° F	Insertion Dp.	Current @ Voltage	Float Material	Trade Size	Thread Type	Gender	Hazardous Location Rating	Enclosure Rating		Each
120V AC/240V AC Input Voltage







				Brass Body

				A	1	NPT	Male	0.7	350 psi @ 70° F	0 to 220	1 3/4"	5 amp @ 120V AC	304 Stainless Steel	3/4	NPT	Male	NEC Class I Divisions 1, 2 Groups B, C, D NEC Class II Divisions 1, 2 Groups E, F, G	NEMA 4	4909K12	0000000


				A	1	NPT	Male	0.9	1,000 psi @ 70° F	0 to 220	1 3/4"	5 amp @ 120V AC	Polypropylene	3/4	NPT	Male	NEC Class I Divisions 1, 2 Groups B, C, D NEC Class II Divisions 1, 2 Groups E, F, G	NEMA 4	4909K63	000000
				B	1	NPT	Male	0.5	200 psi @ 70° F	0 to 220	2 7/8"	5 amp @ 120V AC	304 Stainless Steel	3/4	NPT	Male	NEC Class I Divisions 1, 2 Groups B, C, D NEC Class II Divisions 1, 2 Groups E, F, G	NEMA 4	4909K11	000000
				C	1 1/2	NPT	Male	0.7	100 psi @ 70° F	0 to 275	13 3/16"	10 amp @ 120V AC	316 Stainless Steel	3/4	NPT	Female	NEC Class I Divisions 1, 2 Groups C, D NEC Class II Divisions 1, 2 Groups E, F, G	IP56 NEMA 4	4914K86	000000




						303 Stainless Steel Body

						A	1	NPT	Male	0.9	2,000 psi @ 70° F	0 to 220	1 3/4"	5 amp @ 120V AC	Polypropylene	3/4	NPT	Male	NEC Class I Divisions 1, 2 Groups A, B, C, D NEC Class II Divisions 1, 2 Groups E, F, G	NEMA 4	4909K65	000000


						B	1	NPT	Male	0.5	200 psi @ 70° F	0 to 220	2 7/8"	5 amp @ 120V AC	304 Stainless Steel	3/4	NPT	Male	NEC Class I Divisions 1, 2 Groups A, B, C, D NEC Class II Divisions 1, 2 Groups E, F, G	NEMA 4	4909K13	000000




								316 Stainless Steel Body

								C	1 1/2	NPT	Male	0.7	100 psi @ 70° F	0 to 275	13 3/16"	10 amp @ 120V AC	316 Stainless Steel	3/4	NPT	Female	NEC Class I Divisions 1, 2 Groups C, D NEC Class II Divisions 1, 2 Groups E, F, G	IP56 NEMA 4	4914K87	00000000