Float Switch Question

Having "completed" my well-to-cistern project I have a question after observing the operation of the float switch itself. Before installing the switch I tested it in-hand with a Fluke meter and it would consistently activate at anything short of vertical. I have slowly been filling the cistern all week and noticed at the point that the switch was laying horizontal in the water that it would not activate. I moved the switch around with a pole and it continued working until now, where it is on about a 45° angle. I had positioned the switch to turn on at the vertical or 90° so my shut-off height is something less than intended.
My question would be: do these switches have some range of activation or do I have a bum, unreliable switch?

As always, TIA!

DM

The switches usually have a range of activation. That range of action prevents the switch from cycling too quickly and from being affected by wave action.

You can usually adjust the range of action by adjusting the length of cord between the float and the attachment point of the cord. Shorter cord means shorter range of action; longer cord gives greater range between on and off. Adjust the height by adjusting the point of attachment.

Many thanks in tardy fashion, Bob. I guess I need to don the wetsuit (if only I had one) and descend into the cistern for a re-adjustment of the switch.
Thanks again.

DM
Afton, Virginny

Dungmin said:

Many thanks in tardy fashion, Bob. I guess I need to don the wetsuit (if only I had one) and descend into the cistern for a re-adjustment of the switch.
Thanks again. DM Afton, Virginny

Click to expand...

If you ever have occasion to replace it, you can get switches with a heavy weight, where the weight is attached to the switch cord near the float. The length of cord beyond the weight is adjustable.

You then hang the assembly in the tank with the position to the weight to adjust the level and the length beyond the weight for the on-off range.

All of the adjustments are made from the top of the tank.

You can buy floats with differing degrees of activation if it helps, but the weight idea works fine.

bob...

Thanks guys. As the weather is no longer balmy and I'm short on enthusiasm for moving that roughly 500 lb. concrete cistern lid again, I may be willing to live with a less than optimum water level for a spell.
Appreciate the input!

DM
Afton, Virginny