When comparing the HydroCheck HC6000 sump pump switch to the Zoeller M63 switch, the key difference lies in their features not their reliability. The HydroCheck HC6000 is an adjustable solid state (standalone) switch with model variations allowing problem monitoring while the Zoeller M63 switch is a fixed height integral part of the sump pump. The good news is that both offer very reliable switches.
Click the Table Of Contents button to Hide it. Click it again to see it.
Though HC6000 (HC6000v2, HC600-PRO) is an electronic switch and M63 is a traditional mechanical switch, they do have similarities. Those similarities will shed light on factors that are key to sump pump switches
Understanding the differences between the HC6000 switch and the M63 switch helps the sump pump owner make wise decisions. There are unique differences between sump pump location installations which makes it crucial to understand the needs first and then match the differences to those needs.
HC6000 with its two sensors remains stationary; nothing physically moves. No need for movement extends the life of the switch and eliminates basin hand up.
The Zoeller M63 float physically moves up and down based on the water level in the basin. The movement occurs without hindrance because the float is protected ty a robust, very sturdy float guard.
Zoeller M63 requires more basin width because the float switch is part of the sump pump. Its float guard protection requires additional width.
HC6000 saves basin space because it requires no large protruding float protection guard. It is attached directly to the discharge pipe so only the width of the pump it is used with takes up basin width.
Installing M63 is straight forward. As long as the pump is resting flat on the basin bottom and its discharge port is attached snuggly to the discharge pipe there will be no problems.
Zoeller test results indicate the M63 switch will last up to 3 million pump cycles. This is because the switch is enhanced to reduce friction caused when the positive and negative current wires close the circuit and turn the pump on. This enhancement extends the life of the switch.
HC6000 models demand more installation care. The OFF height of the bottom LO sensor must he above the pump base (volute) and the Hi-Lo sensors must be attached to a separate one-half to three-fourths inch discharge pipe that is attached parallel to the pump discharge pipe. This type of set up in crucial because the sensors give off a slight electrical charge, not enough to cause bodily harm.
HydroCheck test results indicate the HC6000 and its various models will last up to 1 million pump cycles. We use the HC6000 and believe it will last far longer than 1 million cycles. We installed ours according to the detailed installation instructions in 2011. That is 14 years ago. It is still working without fail. We live in a high water table area so our pump runs multiple times even where there is no rain.
The enhanced Zoeller float switch appears on M63, a one-third horse power pump, and on M95, a one-half horse power pump.
The HydroCheck HC6000v2 and Zoeller M63 and M95 have 5 year warranties. Both products should last well beyond 5 years.
Cost comparison is difficult to determine because HC6000v2 is a sump pump switch while M63 is a sump pump with a float switch included.
At the time of publish, HC6000v2 costs $80. To operate, it requires a sump pump. Sump pump costs vary greatly, from $125 to $300 or more. So theoretically using HC6000v2 with a sump pump could cost $200 or more.
The Zoeller M63 costs $306. The $306 includes the float switch and sump pump.
The bottom line is Zoeller pumps are very well made and have a great reputation for reliability and durability. With the enhanced float switch tested to 3 million pump cycles, an LED lighted plug, an extra boot for added protection against moisture entering the switch case and a five year warranty make the all cast iron M63 a very good sump pump.
Since the float switch is the first thing that fails, installing the HC6000v2 with any cast iron sump pump brand provides an opportunity to choose your favorite sump pump brand with the horse power needed for your water pumping needs.
Having reviewed the HC6000 and M63 switch similarities and differences, it becomes apparent there are enough differences to make it easy to decide which sump pump switch is best for your water pumping needs.
Users seeking a reliable and straightforward float switch for standard sump pump applications.
People not looking to customize the ON OFF height. In reality customizing the ON OFF height only makes sense if the basin is 24 inches or deeper. The depth of a basin limits the ON height because the ON height must be below the drain tile connector into the basin.
Users who have a deep basin, at least 24 inches deep, looking to customize the ON OFF height and are not concerned about placing the Lo sensor too low causing motor burn out.
People who already have a sump pump but want a more reliable switch. The HC6000v2 can be used with any brand model as long as it uses less than 14 running Amps.
We have used Zoeller sump pump and sewage pump products since 2005. Our M53 is very reliable. Since its installation in 2005 we have replaced the switch and gasket once. It is now 19 years old. The Zoeller M63 did not come out until 2016.
Our Zoeller M98 and M267 have required no replacement parts to date. They are 11 years old.
We also installed the HydroCheck HC6000 with another brand of sump pump. It has functioned flawlessly since its installation in 2011. It is 13 years old. At our request the HydroCheck engineer stopped by to make sure we installed it properly. The two sensors are attached to a separate one-half inch PVC pipe which is in turn attached to the main discharge pipe to ensure grounding of the small voltage occurs.
It is natural to have questions about electronic sump pump switches and the Zoeller M63 sump pump with an enhanced float switch. The most common questions are answered below.
The most reliable float switch is an electronic switch; however not all electronic switches are reliable. Choose one that does not rely on 1) water pressure sensing 2) air pressure sensing or 3) the absence of ground water calcium carbonate. Just because a switch is called electronic does not mean it will last longer. The key to an electronic switch is how it works.
The most reliable electronic switch available on the market today is the HC6000 (HC6000v2, HC6000-PRO). This is because it relies on the grounding of a small electric trickle charge sent through the Hi Lo probes. Usually the pump will ground the current; however to guarantee grounding, the 2 sensors should be attached to a separate one-half inch PVC pipe that attaches to the main PVC pipe or one end of a ground wire should be secured to a copper water pipe and the other end into the basin below the tip of the Lo sensor.
No, the switch ON OFF height of a vertical 2-pole snap action float switch, the most common float switch used with Zoeller sump pumps, cannot be adjusted.
The ON height for M63 is 7.25 inches. The OFF height is 3 inches. This means that in an 18 inch diameter sump basin, between 4 to 5 gallons is removed per pumping cycle. One inch of water depth equals one gallon.
Installing a manual Zoeller sump pump with a variable level float switch or a HC6000v2 switch allows for ON OFF distance adjustment from 1 inch to 12 feet.
A tether float switch is most commonly used for a wide deep basin. A variable level float switch is a tether float switch used commonly with a manual pump which comes with no float switch. A switch is added to automate the running of the pump.
A vertical float switch is used most commonly for a basin less than 24 inches deep also containing a battery backup sump pump.
Electronic sump pump switches such as the HC6000v2 are becoming more popular because of their reliable and small basin footprint.
Zoeller Sump Pump Company states their M53, the original sump pump model that has been upgraded to the M63, will last from 7 to 10 years.
Based on testimonies of owners and our experience, we suggest M63 will last at least 15 years or longer.
Our M53 is now 20 years old. The pump housing shows signs of corrosion; the switch and gasket between the pump housing and switch case have been replaced once; but the motor and pump are still pumping without fail.
As Amazon Associates we make a commission from qualifying products. We use our commissions to cover our time creating pages like this. Your purchase price is the same as if you shop directly on Amazon.
Price at the time of publish gives you an idea of what the price may be though it is subject to change.
HC6000v2
HC6000v2 Kit
HC8000T
230
240
250-3
250-5
280-3
290
290-2
HELPFUL RESOURCE LINKS TO COMPARE AND SHOP PUMPS
POPULAR BRANDS
BEST SELLERS
DETAILED PUMP REVIEWS
OTHER HELPFUL WEBSITES
OUR MISSION
SHARE US
