SWI L500S User manual

SUSPENDED
FLOAT SWITCH
Single or Multi-Point, Vertically-Suspended,
Liquid Level Float Switch
INSTALLATION AND OPERATIONS MANUAL
L500S

2L500S SINGLE OR MULTI-POINT SUSPENDED LIQUID LEVEL FLOAT SWITCH
This manual provides information on the L500S
Single or Multi-Point Suspended Liquid Level
Float Switch. It is important that all instructions
are read carefully and followed sequentially.
Detailed instructions are included in the Complete
Installation section of this manual.
Conventions Used in this Manual
Certain conventions are used in this manual to convey
specic types of information. General technical
material, support data and safety information are
presented in narrative form. The following styles are
used for notes, cautions and warnings:
Notes
Notes contain information that augments or claries
an operating step. Notes do not normally contain
actions and often follow the procedural steps to
which they refer.
Cautions
Cautions alert the technician to special conditions
that could injure personnel, damage equipment, or
reduce a component’s mechanical integrity. Cautions
are also used to alert the technician of unsafe
practices, the need for special protective equipment,
or specic materials. In this manual, a caution
indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if
not avoided, may result in minor to moderate injury.
Notice of Copyright and Limitations
Copyright © 2015 Solutions With Innovation, LLC;
All rights reserved.
Solutions With Innovation reserves the right to make
changes to the product described in this manual at
any time without notice. Solutions With Innovation
makes no warranty with respect to the accuracy of the
information in this manual.
Warranty
All Solutions With Innovation Mechanical Level and
Flow Controls are warranted free of defects in materials
and workmanship for one full year from the date of
the original factory shipment. If returned within the
warranty period; and, upon factory inspection of
the control, the cause of the claim is determined to
be covered under the warranty; then, Solutions With
Innovation will repair or replace the product at no cost
to the purchaser (or owner) other than transportation.
Solutions With Innovation shall not be liable for
misapplication, labor claims, direct or consequential
damage, or expenses arising from the installation or
use of the equipment. There are no other warranties
expressed or implied, except special written warranties
covering specic Solutions With Innovation products.
Quality Assurance
The Quality Assurance System in place at Solutions
With Innovation guarantees the highest level
of quality throughout the company. Solutions With
Innovation is committed to providing full customer
satisfaction; both in quality products and in quality
service.
Contacts
Phone: [phone] Mon-Fri, 9 AM - 5 PM EST
Fax: [phone] for General Inquiries
Email: [e-mail]
READ THIS MANUAL PRIOR TO INSTALLATION

3
L500S SINGLE OR MULTI-POINT SUSPENDED LIQUID LEVEL FLOAT SWITCH
L500S SUSPENDED
FLOAT SWITCH
Single or Multi-Point Liquid Level Float Switch
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 Installation
1.1 Unpacking.............................................................................4
1.2 Before You Begin................................................................4
1.2.1 Site Preparation...........................................................4
1.2.2 Equipment and Tools.................................................4
1.3 Mounting...............................................................................5
1.3.1 Threaded Mounting....................................................5
1.4 Wiring....................................................................................5
2.0 Preventative Maintenance
2.1 What To Do..........................................................................6
2.1.1 Inspect Entire Unit Periodically.................................6
2.1.2 Inspect Connections Monthly...................................6
2.1.3 Keep Unit Clean..........................................................6
2.2 What To Avoid.....................................................................6
3.0 Reference Information
3.1 Description...........................................................................7
3.2 Theory of Operation..........................................................7
3.3 Troubleshooting...................................................................7
3.3.1 External Causes...........................................................7
3.3.2 Unit Causes...................................................................8
3.4 Agency Approvals................................................................9
3.5 Specications........................................................................9
3.5.1 Physical Specications................................................9
3.5.2 Electrical Specications..............................................9
3.5.3 Switch Wiring Codes...................................................9
3.5.4 Dimensional Specications......................................10
3.6 Model Congurator...........................................................10
3.7 Notes...................................................................................11

4L500S SINGLE OR MULTI-POINT SUSPENDED LIQUID LEVEL FLOAT SWITCH
1.0 COMPLETE INSTALLATION
This section provides detailed procedures on properly installing the L500S Suspended Liquid Level Float
Switch.
CAUTION! IF THE EQUIPMENT IS USED IN A MANNER NOT SPECIFIED BY THE MANUFACTURER, PROTECTION
PROVIDED BY THE EQUIPMENT MAY BE IMPAIRED.
CAUTION! THIS UNIT CONTAINS REED SWITCHES THAT MAY BE PERMANENTLY DAMAGED BY MECHANICAL
SHOCK OR VIBRATION. AVOID DROPPING OR HITTING THE DEVICE AGAINST HARD SURFACES.
1.1 UNPACKING
Unpack the instrument, carefully. Make sure that all components have been removed from the packing
material. Inspect all components for damage. Report any concealed damage to the carrier within 24 hours
of receiving. Compare the contents with the packing slip and report any discrepancies to the factory
immediately. Record the sales order number and/or serial number for future reference when ordering parts.
Before Proceeding to Installation, Complete the Following:
• Inspect all components for damage. Report any damage to the carrier within 24 hours of receiving.
• Record the model and serial numbers for future reference when ordering parts.
Model Number
Serial Number
1.2 BEFORE YOU BEGIN
CAUTION! DURING THE INSTALLATION OF THE L500S SUSPENDED LIQUID LEVEL SWITCH, THE FLOAT AREA
MUST BE KEPT FREE OF METALLIC PARTICLES THAT MIGHT BE ATTRACTED TO THE FLOAT’S INTERNAL MAGNET.
1.2.1 Site Preparation
1 Ensure that the length and the inside diameter of the mounting is sized correctly to accommodate the
L500S Suspended Liquid Level Float Switch.
1.2.2 Equipment and Tools
No special equipment or tools are required to install the L500S Suspended Liquid Level Float Switch.
The Following Are Recommended:
• Wrenches, thread sealant, gaskets and/or bolting as required for the process connection.

5
L500S SINGLE OR MULTI-POINT SUSPENDED LIQUID LEVEL FLOAT SWITCH
1.3 MOUNTING
The L500S Suspended Liquid Level Float Switch is available in a variety of threaded and
anged mountings. These devices are meant to be installed on the top of a process tank.
They should be mounted in an area free of turbulence or direct streams. Contact the
manufacturer for anged mounting options.
1.3.1 Threaded Mounting
How to Install an L500S Suspended Liquid Level Float Switch:
1 Apply either Teon®tape or an appropriate thread sealant to the mounting threads to
prevent galling.
2 Engage the thread by hand to avoid unnecessary damage.
3 Using a wrench, rotate the unit clockwise until the threads are tight within the mounting.
4 Ensure that the oat(s) and stem are in a vertical orientation.
1.4 WIRING
CAUTION! OBSERVE ALL APPLICABLE ELECTRICAL CODES AND PROPER WIRING PROCEDURES.
Contact Protection:
In order to maintain the life and reliability of the internal reed switch, it is essential to provide protection
when switching inductive loads. When the current breaks, the energy stored in the load generates a high
frequency voltage across the switch contacts. If the voltage is large enough, it can initiate arcing and cause
the contacts to weld together. Damage can ultimately be prevented by suppressing the voltage. Through the
use of a diode for DC circuits and a resistor-capacitor network for AC circuits, contact protection will ensure
reliable performance from the reed switch.
NORMALLY-OPEN
Dry Condition
NORMALLY-CLOSED
Dry Condition
SPST Reed Switch:
1 Connect the wiring to the switch leads or
terminals, as illustrated below.
SPDT Reed Switch:
1 Connect the wiring to the proper switch
leads or terminals, as illustrated below.
ONE
COMMON
WIRE
1 to 5 Switch Points
ONE
COMMON
WIRE
1 or 2 Switch Points
INDEPENDENT
CIRCUITS
1 to 3 Switch Points
Dry Condition
NORMALLY-CLOSED
NORMALLY-OPEN
COMMON
COMMON
COMMON

6L500S SINGLE OR MULTI-POINT SUSPENDED LIQUID LEVEL FLOAT SWITCH
2.0 PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE
Periodic inspections are necessary to maintain the proper functionality of the L500S Suspended Liquid Level
Switch. The switch is a safety device that protects the equipment it serves. A systematic program of preventative
maintenance should be implemented at the time of installation. If the following instructions are completed
routinely, the switch will provide continuous, reliable protection.
2.1 MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
2.1.1 Inspect Unit Periodically
Verify that there are no cracks or chipped surfaces on the unit. Should the oat or stem assembly become
damaged, obtain a replacement immediately.
2.1.2 Inspect Connections Monthly
L500S Suspended Liquid Level Switches may be vulnerable to excessive heat and moisture. Under these
conditions, the electrical wire insulation can periodically break or peel away. As a result, the bare wires may
become exposed to the elements and incur damages.
• Inspect all wiring, carefully and replace any wires exhibiting signs of brittle insulation.
• Inspect all electrical connections to ensure tightness.
• Repair or replace any wiring, if necessary.
2.1.3 Keep Unit Clean
Periodic cleanings of the oat and stem assembly will ensure the continual, uninterrupted movement
of the mechanism. Always keep the open area between the components clean and free of any potential
interferences. Objects and debris may cause systematic interruptions and a loss in equipment functionality.
2.2 WHAT TO AVOID
NEVER LEAVE THE SWITCH WIRING EXPOSED TO THE ELEMENTS.
NEVER PLACE A JUMPER WIRE ACROSS THE TERMINALS TO “CUT-OUT” THE CONTROL. If a jumper is necessary
for testing purposes, ensure that it is removed prior to placing the control into service.
NEVER USE IN SYSTEMS CONTAINING IRON PARTICLES. The magnet within the oat assembly can attract the particles
and become jammed.

7
L500S SINGLE OR MULTI-POINT SUSPENDED LIQUID LEVEL FLOAT SWITCH
3.0 REFERENCE INFORMATION
This section illustrates an overview of the L500S Suspended Liquid Level Switch, as well as
information on troubleshooting common problems, agency approval listings, and detailed
physical, functional and performance specications.
3.1 DESCRIPTION
The L500S is a low-cost, single or multiple level switch designed for adjustable level
monitoring or leak detection within storage tanks, sumps and wells. Vertically-mounted
and suspended by an electrical cable to the desired switch position inside the tank, the
integral weight maintains the correct orientation, as well as removes slack from the cable.
A compression tting secures the cable in place and forms a leak-tight seal. The L500S is
available in PVC, brass/buna and stainless steel materials. Additional options include special
congurations and switch points.
3.2 THEORY OF OPERATION
While the sensor is suspended and secured inside the tank at the intended switch level(s), the
magnet within the oat travels with the tank’s liquid level. When the oat moves up and down
the stem of the sensor, its magnetic eld actuates the hermetically-sealed reed switches located
inside the stem tube.
3.3 TROUBLESHOOTING
The L500S Suspended Liquid Level Switch is designed and engineered for trouble-free operation over a
wide range of operating conditions. Common problems are discussed in terms of their symptoms and
recommended corrective actions.
3.3.1 External Causes
An initial indication of improper operation is the failure of the controlled equipment to function (pumps
will not start or stop, signal lamps fail to light, etc). If these symptoms occur, whether at the time of
installation or during routine service thereafter, check for potential external causes rst:
• Blown Fuses
• Tripped Reset Button(s)
• Open Power Switch
• Faulty Equipment Controlled By the Level Switch
• Defective Wiring to the Level Switch

8L500S SINGLE OR MULTI-POINT SUSPENDED LIQUID LEVEL FLOAT SWITCH
3.3.2 Unit Causes
If a thorough inspection of any external causes fails to locate the problem, proceed to an inspection of
the unit, itself. DISCONNECT POWER TO THE LEVEL SWITCH BEFORE PROCEEDING.
SYMPTOM PROBLEM SOLUTION
THE UNIT IS UNRESPONSIVE. ELECTRICAL FAILURE. USE AN ELECTRICAL CONTINUITY
CHECKER TO DETERMINE IF THE
SWITCH IS FUNCTIONAL. IF THE SWITCH
DOES NOT OPERATE PROPERLY
WHEN ACTIVATED, THE ENTIRE LEVEL
SWITCH MUST BE REPLACED.
THE UNIT DOES NOT ACTIVATE WHEN
THE FLOAT CHANGES POSITION.
THE UNIT IS JAMMED. REMOVE THE LEVEL SWITCH
FROM SERVICE. CHECK THE FLOAT
ASSEMBLY FOR OBSTRUCTIONS OR
ACCUMULATION OF PARTICLES WHICH
MAY CAUSE BINDING. IF BINDING IS
PRESENT IN THE FLOAT ASSEMBLY
AND CANNOT BE CLEARED BY NORMAL
CLEANING PROCEDURES, THE ENTIRE
CONTROL MUST BE REPLACED.
THE UNIT ONLY FUNCTIONS WHEN IT IS
NOT IN SERVICE.
LIQUID IS NOT ENTERING THE VESSEL. CHECK TO ENSURE THAT LIQUID IS
ENTERING THE TANK OR VESSEL. A
CLOSED VALVE OR CLOGGED PIPELINE
MAY PREVENT MOVEMENT OF THE
LIQUID IN THE VESSEL.
THE UNIT ONLY FUNCTIONS WHEN IT IS
NOT IN SERVICE.
THE TANK LEVEL IS NOT HIGH ENOUGH
TO HAVE THE FLOAT FUNCTION.
CHECK THE FLOAT TO MAKE SURE IT
IS BUOYANT IN THE LIQUID. THE TANK
OR VESSEL MUST HAVE AN ADEQUATE
LIQUID LEVEL.
THE FLOAT IS NOT BUOYANT. THE FLOAT IS COLLAPSED AND/OR
FILLED WITH LIQUID.
CHECK THE FLOAT FOR RUPTURES,
DEFORMATION, AND ANY LIQUID
TRAPPED INSIDE THE ASSEMBLY. IF
THE FLOAT IS FILLED WITH LIQUID OR
HAS COLLAPSED, THE ENTIRE LEVEL
SWITCH MUST BE REPLACED. DO NOT
ATTEMPT TO REPAIR THE FLOAT.
ALL COMPONENTS WITHIN THE LEVEL
SWITCH ARE IN WORKING ORDER, BUT
THE UNIT STILL DOES NOT FUNCTION.
AN EXTERNAL PROBLEM. REPEAT AN INSPECTION OF THE
EXTERNAL CONDITIONSAS DESCRIBED
IN SECTION 3.3.1.
If you are still in doubt about the condition or performance of your control, consult the factory for further instructions.

9
L500S SINGLE OR MULTI-POINT SUSPENDED LIQUID LEVEL FLOAT SWITCH
3.4 AGENCY APPROVALS
AGENCY APPROVED MODEL(S) FILE NUMBER AREA CLASSIFICATION
UL L500 E203716 RECOGNIZED UNDER UL508 MOTOR
CONTROLLERS & NJ0T8 MOTOR
CONTROLLERS
3.5 SPECIFICATIONS
3.5.1 Physical Specications
FLOAT MATERIAL DIMENSIONS TEMPERATURE PRESSURE MIN. SPECIFIC GRAVITY
PVC 1” x 1” -40° to +140° F 50 PSIG 1.00
316 Stainless Steel 1.50” x 1.30” -40° to +300° F 120 PSIG 0.80
316 Stainless Steel 2” Ball -40° to +300° F 750 PSIG 0.79
316 Stainless Steel 1.85” x 3” -40° to +300° F 400 PSIG 0.76
Buna-N 1.875” x 1.75” -40° to +180° F 150 PSIG 0.65
3.5.2 Electrical Specications
SIGNAL OUTPUT Switch Closure
TYPE OF CONTACTS SPST, SPDT
TYPE OF SWITCHES Hermetically-Sealed Reed Switch
SWITCH RATING 20 VA, 240 VAC/VDC Max. SPST
50 VA, 240 VAC/VDC Max. SPST
100 VA, 240 VAC/VDC Max. SPST
100 VA, 240 VAC/VDC Max. SPDT
3.5.3 Switch Wiring Codes
WIRING
OPTIONS
GROUP 1
SPST
GROUP 2
SPST
Common Wire Black None
(Levels) N.O. or N.C. N.O. N.C.
L1 Red Red Black
L2 White Green White
L3 Green Brown Blue
L4 Orange Orange Yellow
1 All SPST switches are set to normally-open operation in their “dry”,
“no level” condition unless specied otherwise.
2 Each switching point requires one oat. For special applications, a
single oat can be used to activate two switch points, though these
points must have a minimum separation of 1/8” (3 mm). The
maximum number of actuation levels depends on the wiring type
selected.
3 Standard Cables are 15’ long, 22 AWG, UL 2464 cable.

10 L500S SINGLE OR MULTI-POINT SUSPENDED LIQUID LEVEL FLOAT SWITCH
3.5.4 Dimensional Specications
Area Denitions
DEFINITION
ADistance To Top of Tank From Highest Level
BDistance To Top of Tank From Lowest Level
CDistance From Top of Tank To Bottom Stabilizing Ring
DDistance From Top of Tank To Top Stabilizing Ring
EDistance From Top Stabilizing Ring To Top of Stem Assembly
3.6 MODEL CONFIGURATOR
TECHNOLOGY MODEL CONFIG. MOUNT STEM FLOAT ELECTRICAL ENCLOSURE
LLiquid Level Sensor 500 1/2” Stem S Suspended 00 No Mount 01 Brass 05 PVC (Hollow) 03 50 VA SPST 0 No Enclosure
08 1 ½” NPT 05 PVC 08 316 S.S. 04 100 VA SPST 1Polypropylene NEMA 4
09 2” NPT 08 316 S.S. 20 Buna-N 08 100 VA SPDT 2 Aluminum NEMA 4/7/9
14 20 VA SPST 3 Cast Iron NEMA 4/7/9
L 5 0 0 S 0 8 0 1 -2 0 0 3 -2
Notes
1 A, B, L1 and L2 dimensions are based on a specic gravity of 1.0.
2 When using one oat for two actuation points, contact the factory
for the available switch ratings.
3 Actuation levels are calibrated on descending uid levels with water
as the uid, unless otherwise specied.
4 Standard tolerance on actuation levels is ± ⅛” (3 mm).
L0
L1
L2
Ø 1 3⁄4”
A
B
C
D
E
1 1⁄4”
COLLAR
TOP OF
TANK
STABILIZING
RING
STABILIZING
WEIGHT
3⁄4” NPT CONDUIT
HEAD
ASSEMBLY
JUNCTION
BOX
STEM & SWITCH
ASSEMBLY
Ø 1⁄2”

11
L500S SINGLE OR MULTI-POINT SUSPENDED LIQUID LEVEL FLOAT SWITCH
3.7 NOTES

Service Policy
Owners of Solutions With Innovation products may
request a return of the product, or any part of the product
for complete rebuilding or replacement. Units will be
rebuilt or replaced promptly. Products returned under
the SWI Service Policy must be returned by prepaid
transportation. Solutions With Innovation will repair or
replace the product at no cost to the purchaser (or owner)
other than transportation if:
1 Returned within the warranty period; and
2 Factory Inspection nds the cause of the claim to be
covered under the warranty.
If the problem is due to circumstances beyond Solutions
With Innovation’s liability, or is NOT covered by the
warranty, there will be charges for labor in addition to the
parts required to rebuild or replace the equipment.
In rare cases, it may be expedient to ship replacement parts;
or in extreme cases, an entire product before the damaged
product is returned. If a quick replacement service is
necessary, notify the manufacturer of the damaged product’s
model and serial number. In such cases, credit for the
returned materials will be determined on the applicability
of the warranty.
No claims for misapplication, labor, direct or consequential
damage will be allowed.
Return Material Procedure
In order to efciently process any returned materials, it is
essential that a Return Material Authorization (RMA) number
be obtained from the manufacturer prior to an item’s return.
RMA’s can be issued through local representatives, or by
contacting the factory directly.
Please supply the following information:
1 The Company’s Name
2 Description of the Material
3 Product Serial Number
4 Reason for Return
5 Product’s Application
Used units must be properly cleaned in accordance with
OSHA standards before it is returned to the manufacturer.
A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) must accompany units
or materials that were used in any type of media. All return
shipments to the factory must be by done via prepaid
transportation. All product replacements will be shipped
F.O.B. manufacturer.
ASSURED QUALITY & SERVICE COST LESS
BULLETIN: IS-9192.2
EFFECTIVE: 1/15