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This sump pump float switch is called a vertical magnetic sump pump float switch because of the following.
This float switch type is for those who ...
Like any other sump pump motor depending upon a float switch to close the electrical circuit so electricity passes to its motor and runs the pump, the operation of the vertical magnetic float switch is no different.
When the water in the basin rises the float rises and when the water recedes the float lowers. When the float rises to its highest point, the circuit is closed and electricity flows to the motor and the pump runs. As the water lowers, the float lowers and the electrical circuit is opened and electricity stops flowing.
The movement of the float is controlled by the basins water depth and guided by the vertical float rod and stopped by the rubber stopper at the very bottom.
What is different about the vertical magnetic float is that it has two magnets: one at the top of the float rod and the other in the pump head which houses the switch. When the float rises high enough the two magnets cling and at the same time the two reed strips in the switch close allowing electricity to pass through causing the pump to run. As the water level recedes the magnets release, the reeds separate, the electrical circuit disengages and the pump turns off.
So for the magnetic float switch it is the magnetic field attraction that causes the positive and negative ions to close (connect) and pass electricity to the pump motor.
The following video shows how a vertical magnetic float switch work. Superior Pump presents the video.
The running of the pump is dependent upon the float and switch.
If the rubber stopper at the end of the vertical float rod comes off or breaks, the float comes off and therefore the switch will never close and provide electricity to the pump motor.
Over time the magnetic field attraction can decrease in its effectivity. When the float magnet and switch magnet no longer close (cling) the electrical circuit does not close and there is no electrical current flowing to the pump motor.
The float and switch are mechanical components and like anything else mechanical, it wears out over continuous usage over a long period of time.
All of the above situations are real; therefore it is a good idea to have a replacement float switch on hand to install when the float switch fails.
Before we knew much about sump pumps, we installed a sump pump that had a vertical magnetic float switch. We found that over time the float switch does fail. It failed for us during a heavy rainstorm. Fortunately our brand came with a piggyback switch so we were able to run the pump manually. We also had a backup pump. But since that time we keep our eyes open for other float switch options.
We found the perfect float switch solution which we installed in 2011 and it has not failed for over ten years now. We use an electronic switch that does not depend upon a float, has no moving parts and runs seamlessly using electronics. Plus we can set the ON and OFF point so the pump doesn't short cycle which extends the life of the motor.
===> Learn more about the electronic switch for sump pumps that has no float and lasts longer.
An electronic switch works with any sump pump that has a piggyback switch. Most vertical magnetic float switch sump pumps have a piggyback switch.
Replacing a magnetic vertical float switch is much easier than replacing a vertical snap action float switch because the switch does not sit in a pump head that is attached on top of the pump housing, instead it is attached at the top but with a bar that extends away from the pump housing.
All that it takes is to loosen a few screws and attach the new float switch to either the pump with a attachment bar of attach the float to the discharge pipe and plug the cord into the electric wall outlet.
The pump cord is plugged into the socket on the back of the float piggy back switch.
Because all float switches fail sooner or later, it is smart to have an extra float switch on hand.
The short answer is yes. The float switch should work seamlessly for at least three years. And if the sump pump runs very little, a vertical magnetic float switch will last longer.
PROS
CONS
The most popular brands using the vertical magnetic float switch are the following
♦ Superior Pump, Liberty Pumps, Flotec, Glentronics (Basement Watchdog), Zoeller and Red Lion.
Of these six popular brands, Zoeller Pumps, Liberty Pumps, and Red Lion pumps are made in the USA.
Sump Pump horse power options range from one-fourth to one horse power. Here are the models for each horse power option.
One Fourth Horse Power
One Third Horse Power
One Half Horse Power
Three-Fourths Horse Power
One Horse Power
Choosing a sump pump by horse power is not the only thing to consider because each model has a different pumping performance; therefore it is important to choose a sump pump by pump performance as well as pump housing material and warranty.
Choosing a sump pump by pumping performance (GPH - gallons pumped per hour) is more complicated because this means you must know the amount of water coming into the sump basin and at what rate.
===> Learn more about how to choose the right size sump pump.
Using GPH requires checking the manufacturer's performance curve chart for the models of interest. Reading a performance curve can be confusing.
===> Learn how to use a sump pump performance curve.
Here's how sump pump pumping performance measures up for each model. To compare the models, GPH is provided at a vertical height of 10 foot because this is the most common height.
1,200 - 1380 GPH
Superior Pump 92260 pumps 1200 GPH @ 10 foot vertical height and the Liberty Pumps 247 Pumps 1380 GPH @ 10 foot vertical height.
Though they are both one-fourth HP, the Liberty pump is a better choice because its pump housing is cast iron which dissipates heat much better than thermoplastic and its warranty is two years rather than one.
1,800 GPH
Superior 92341 and Liberty Pump 237, CSP237 and Zoeller M73 pump 1800 GPH @ 10 foot vertical height.
These are all one-third horse power pumps; however the Superior pump 92341 is cast iron and has a three year warranty so is the better choice.
2,400 - 2,520 GPH
Flotec FPZS33V and Superior Pumps 92372 and 92541 and Zoeller M75 pump 2400 GPH @ 10 foot vertical height and the Red Lion RL-SC33V pumps 2460 GPH @ 10 foot vertical height. The Superior 92572 and Liberty Pump 457 and CSP457 and Red Lion RL-SP33V and RL-SP50V pump a slight bit more at 2520 GPH @ 10 foot vertical height.
Of these ten sump pumps, the two best are the 92541 and the RL-SC33V because they have cast iron housing and a three year warranty.
3,000 - 3,200 GPH
Flotec FPCI3350 and FPZS50RP and Superior 92352 and Red Lion RL-SC50V pump 3000 GPH @ 10 foot vertical height. Glentronics SI33V pumps 200 gallons more per hour at 3200 GPH @ 10 foot vertical height.
Of these five pumps, the three best are Superior 92352, Red Lion RL-SC50V and Glentronics SI33V because they have cast iron housing and a three year warranty. Cast iron certainly adds more weight to the pump and keeps it more stationary in the pit during continuous pumping.
3,480 - 3,600 GPH
Superior Pump 92511 pumps 3480 GPH @ 10 foot vertical height and the Flotec FPCI5050 and FPZS75V pump 3540 GPH @ 10 foot vertical height and the Glentronics SI50V pumps 3600 GPH @ 10 foot vertical height. The Flotec E50VLT pumps 3660 GPH @ 10 foot vertical height and Superior Pumps 92571 pumps 3840 GPH @ 10 foot vertical height.
Of these five sump pumps, the best one is the Flotec E50VLT because its housing is cast iron and it has a five year warranty. The Glentronics SI50V is a close runner up with cast iron housing a a three year warranty.
4,070 - 4,260 GPH
Flotec E75VLT pumps 4070 GPH @ 10 foot vertical height. The Superior Pump 287 pumps 4260 GPH @ 10 foot vertical height and the Flotec FPZXT7550 pumps 4980 GPH @ 10 foot vertical height.
The best of these three sump pumps is the Flotec E75VLT because its housing and base are cast iron and it has a five year warranty.
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Flotec Submersible Sump Pumps
Superior Submersible Sump Pumps
Liberty Pumps Submersible Sump Pumps
Glentronics (Basement Watchdog) Submersible Sump Pumps
Zoeller Submersible Sump Pumps
Red Lion Submersible Sump Pumps
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