Level sensor alternative?

[Dave-T]

Yesterday I heard my return pump sucking, and realize that the low level sensor I use for my ATO was stuck closed. No harm this time, but I would like to have some kind of alert as a failsafe if this happens again. Can anyone suggest a very reliable level sensor that I could use to alarm me if my sump level gets too low?

 

[Vinny@GHLUSA Verified Sponsor]

I have a separate float sensor kept right above the return pump inlet. That is how I manage this for extra safety. That sensor is setup with the Leakage detection function, inverted and assigned to the PB socket powering the pump. If the water level ever gets that low, it'll throw an alarm.

 

[Dave-T]

That would work, but if my existing sensors would never fail, then I wouldn't need such a solution. It seems that if you have one of the float type sensors that's basically always submerged, eventually it will get stuck "up". So I'd have potentially the same problem with the sensor used in your solution. The GHL sensors seem good, but I'm looking for a failsafe with a different type of sensor that is less likely to get stuck.

 

[Vinny@GHLUSA Verified Sponsor]

FWIW, I've run it this way for 3.5 years in my current setup, yet to be cleaned and it still works. Granted any mechanical components in water will need servicing or cleaning eventually. Every environment is different so YMMV.

 

[Dave-T]

Yes, they seem like a good design and yet they failed. They're 2 years old. Didn't seem dirty either. Dunno what happened. So I’m looking for backup.

 

[n2585722]

My ATO settings on my controller have a maximum on time setup so if the ATO pump stays on that long it it will turn off the output and send alerts. I also have a low level sensor in the sump and also in the DI reservoir that the ATO pump draws from either of those would also send and alert.