DIY FLOAT SWITCH WITH ATO

marine2463 · May 27, 2016

ELECTRICIAN HELP,
so I have a smart ATO that I use to top off my tank , I'm also using it to dose kalkwasser . I was wondering if there was a way I can tap into the electric plug and break the connection with a float switch.. I want to do this just incase the ATO fails I don't get 5 gallons of kalkwasser dumped into my tank , a little safety backup. I don't know if this can be done or should be done ?
If you can do it does anybody know how I would go about doing it ? and what is the best way

Waterjockey · May 27, 2016

marine2463 said:
ELECTRICIAN HELP,
so I have a smart ATO that I use to top off my tank , I'm also using it to dose kalkwasser . I was wondering if there was a way I can tap into the electric plug and break the connection with a float switch.. I want to do this just incase the ATO fails I don't get 5 gallons of kalkwasser dumped into my tank , a little safety backup. I don't know if this can be done or should be done ?
If you can do it does anybody know how I would go about doing it ? and what is the best way

Hi!
Without getting into building a relay box, you would need to use a float switch that is rated for the voltage & current of your ATO system. The only ones that come to mind off the top of my head are sump pump float switches. Most are good for 115v/220v and several amps. They are pretty big floats for a sump though

Cheers!

marine2463 · May 29, 2016

Thanks!!!!! I'll see if i can find hem at Home Depot

Paul B · May 29, 2016

It is actually simple to do and I made a few of them that I use in my home for various things. I use a mercury switch from an old thermostat. I suspend that above what I am trying to control the water to and connect the wires to a cheap relay that controls the pump. I also use that for my RO container and the effluent for my skimmer so it doesn't overflow. It turns off the pump if the level gets to high.
There is one under my hot water tank so if it leaks, the electric valve shuts off so I don't flood the house.

redfishbluefish · May 29, 2016

My opinion is that you really don't want to be pushing 110 V AC at the water surface of your tank......install a relay.....HERE's my DIY on doing one pretty cheap....that also includes two float switches for peace of mind when the first one craps out.