Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

I purchased a float siwtch the other day, to ensure my fish tank does not get empty for any reason. However when I got it the jsut has wires on the end with no plug? I was expecting it to have a piggyback plug so I would plug my pump in the back. Now I am not going to try and wire myself (not qualified for 240V), but what do I need to get to do what I want. I intend to buy the bits then take to a sparkie friend to wire up for me.

thanks

Probably not much... do you have a photo? It would make it easier.

Get one of each of the ends that are on an extension lead, availiable from bunnings/hardware, easy to wire up, any handy sparkie/fitter could do it

Is the float switch rated for enough amps/watts/etc for your pump?

If so, then yep, just have someone who knows wire it up for you. If it is a smaller float switch than what you pump needs, then you could have it operate a relay but that will take just a little more know how.

I'd recommend a relay ,, 12 Volts is a lot nicer than 240 near water ,, should only add about 15-20 bucks to the job.
If you choose to go that way ,, get the sparky a 12Volt plug pack ,, like a mobile charger ..... and a 12 volt car relay ..... had them in another thread somewhere????
Cheers

keep it simple, just get a sparkie to wire it up, as OBO said you'll need the two "ends" on an extension lead

the rating should be on the float, but if its the ones that i'm thinking of then they'll be rated ok.

I recommend since your going to have a sparky friend wire it up for you get with him before hand and see what he thinks you will need to get it going. He will have a hands on approach ie sees exactly what you have and knows what you need. Then make the purchase of parts baised on that.

even better idea especially since he'll probably have the bits in his tool box, purchased at 50% less than what you'll pay

Here is what I have. I think I will get sparky to come and have a look first.

pics did not upload.
try again

instructions

OK, this is dead simple. colour scheme on the wires is a might dodgy though...

what you need to do, is hook up the active of your mains to the Black wire.
then hook up your pump active to the blue or brown wire, depending on how you want the float to work.

To use as a top-up, eg pump turns on when tank is low, connect pump to the Brown wire.

To use as a sump, eg pump turns on when sump is full, connect pump to the Blue wire.

All you need for this, is as earlier suggested, a male and female 240V plug and socket (as you would find on an extension cable.

please refer to this page for plug wiring http://www.accesscomms.com.au/Reference/powerplug.htm

This can be done by you, or some1 handy that you know, the wiring is not difficult, you will need some wire and a screw-driver. All parts are easily available at B
Asking an electrician will cost you an arm and a leg.

Nice where did you buy and how much

Although what you require is fairly simple , I will remind you that 240Volts can most certainly kill ,, ADD water and you are playing with a very dangerous thing.
There is a reason why some people spend 4 years as an apprentice to get their license.

Guy's i don't want to be a ass**** ,, but I'll be asking the Mod's to remove the last couple of posts because i believe it put's the people involved and the site at some legal risk/responsibility.

I'm really NOT a party pooper , but I am concerned.

240V can kill, but if you're neat, and keep it out of water you'll be fine.

AFAIK, working on house wiring, or any permanent wiring, requires that you have a sparkie's ticket.
However devices not hardwired to the power can be built by anybody for any purpose and are the responsibility of the builder. Obviously one would need a sparkie's ticket and or certification to sell on a product such as this, but if it's not hardwired, and for personal use, then there are minimal legalities to observe.

Caution of course is encouraged.

If you look online you'll find plenty of the same information as I have displayed above. it is completely unecessary to censor this information, as it is clearly readily available.

I take no responsibility for the misuse of the information I provided above.