Installing low level float switch in trigger ato container

[ca1ore]

You are able to install a conventional horizontal float switch without drilling the container.....use CPVC or PVC pipe. Install the float switch in an end cap. Glue that, using a short nipple, to a tee. Another short nipple and end cap that will rest on the floor of the container. And a length of pipe to extend up and outside the container. The one thing you'll need to do is somehow fasten this Rube Goldberg so that it doesn't fall or twist. 1/2 inch CPVC or PVC should work just fine.]

Precisely what I was going to suggest; just made one for my ATO reservoir. Some 1/2” PVC and a few fittings. Then just mount it into the lid.

 

[Bthomas]

Precisely what I was going to suggest; just made one for my ATO reservoir.

Considering this but how did u secure the pvc inside the container?

 

[ca1ore]

Added to my prior post (you quoted it too quickly lol). You can either attach via a bracket or through the lid. Hard to get the iPad in there to take a picture. Basically I mount them into a piece of glass/acrylic or against a bracket.

 

[TheEngineer]

I've shopped around on the avast website and I'm not seeing any sensors sold separately. All I see in an ato kit for 100 bucks.
Do you have a link to the one u use?

That’s the one. It is a tube that goes in the ATO and the pressure sensor is in the box.

 

[redfishbluefish]

Precisely what I was going to suggest; just made one for my ATO reservoir. Some 1/2” PVC and a few fittings. Then just mount it into the lid.

Nice @ca1ore , that's what I was talking about...but with a "straight" float switch.

Here are two ATO setups I recently made. And, if you have metric taps, it's an M8 tap to directly thread the float switch into the end cap.

 

[Bthomas]

That’s the one. It is a tube that goes in the ATO and the pressure sensor is in the box.

I see now. I think I will just try drilling it. That would be the best option as long as I don't crack the container..

 

[Bthomas]

I have the Trigger clear 5 gallon ato, and I had to drill it to accomidate my ATO, no issues. Drills pretty easy. Spin the drill fast and don't put any pressure on it. Lets see what any squad members suggest though before resorting to drilling

Did u use a certain kind of drill bit to drill yours? All I have are wood bits but can get something else if needed

 

[TheEngineer]

I see now. I think I will just try drilling it. That would be the best option as long as I don't crack the container..

Good luck

 

[redfishbluefish]

A standard twist drill bit will work just fine.

 

[rkpetersen]

I've shopped around on the avast website and I'm not seeing any sensors sold separately. All I see in an ato kit for 100 bucks.
Do you have a link to the one u use?

That is the sensor, with your choice of standard or digital outlet. If you add a pump or other components, the price goes up.

 

[pelphrey]

Magnetic float switch holder?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Black-Magn...878606?hash=item25cdb36f0e:g:jIkAAOSwo4pYgYBz

 

[Hermie]

You are able to install a conventional horizontal float switch without drilling the container.....use CPVC or PVC pipe. Install the float switch in an end cap. Glue that, using a short nipple, to a tee. Another short nipple and end cap that will rest on the floor of the container. And a length of pipe to extend up and outside the container. The one thing you'll need to do is somehow fasten this Rube Goldberg so that it doesn't fall or twist. 1/2 inch CPVC or PVC should work just fine.

Here's what I'm talking about:

I like this design, I just wish I could find a PVC slip bushing with "reverse" or "inverted" threads... one company makes it but it's not NPT threaded... I will probably settle on a bulkhead...

 

[Bthomas]

You are able to install a conventional horizontal float switch without drilling the container.....use CPVC or PVC pipe. Install the float switch in an end cap. Glue that, using a short nipple, to a tee. Another short nipple and end cap that will rest on the floor of the container. And a length of pipe to extend up and outside the container. The one thing you'll need to do is somehow fasten this Rube Goldberg so that it doesn't fall or twist. 1/2 inch CPVC or PVC should work just fine.

Here's what I'm talking about:

So I was getting ready to put something like this together but the nut that screws onto the switch on the outside of the container won't fit inside the pipe. Can I just silicone around the switch on the inside of the pipe?

 

[redfishbluefish]

So I was getting ready to put something like this together but the nut that screws onto the switch on the outside of the container won't fit inside the pipe. Can I just silicone around the switch on the inside of the pipe?

I actually drilled and tapped the hole to fit the threading on the float switch....17/64 drill bit with a metric tap, M8 - 1.25. If you don't have a drill and tap, your next best thing is to file or sand the corners off the nut until it fits into the end cap. That should do it.

 

[Bthomas]

I actually drilled and tapped the hole to fit the threading on the float switch....17/64 drill bit with a metric tap, M8 - 1.25. If you don't have a drill and tap, your next best thing is to file or sand the corners off the nut until it fits into the end cap. That should do it.

This is a 3/4 inch end cap and the nut that needs to go on my switch.. There's no way that's getting in there lol

 

[Bthomas]

Ok just remembered that I actually bought a diamond hole saw bit from autotopoff when I bought that switch. Will that work to drill a hole in the ato container?

 

[redfishbluefish]

This is a 3/4 inch end cap and the nut that needs to go on my switch.. There's no way that's getting in there lol

Oh my! That's a big boy! I was talking about the smaller conventional float switches, not this monster. Here's my next suggestion, use a coupling (reducing adapter) that goes from (what I believe is) 1/2" pipe to either 3/4 or 1 inch...whatever will fit that big nut.