SWI L312E User manual

LIQUID LEVEL
FLOAT SWITCH
Multi-Point, Vertically-Mounted Liquid Level Float Switch
For Hazardous Locations
INSTALLATION AND OPERATIONS MANUAL
L312E

2L312E MULTI-POINT LIQUID LEVEL FLOAT SWITCH FOR HAZARDOUS LOCATIONS
This manual provides information on the L312E Multi-
Point 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.
Warnings
Warnings identify potentially dangerous situations, or
serious hazards. In this manual, a warning indicates
an imminently hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, may result in serious injury or death.
Safety Messages
Follow all standard industry procedures for servicing
electrical and computer equipment when working with,
or around high voltage. Always shut off the power
supply before touching any components. Although
high voltage is not present in this system, it may be
present in other systems.
Electrical components are sensitive to electrostatic
discharge. To prevent equipment damage, observe all
safety precautions when working with electrostatic-
sensitive components.
WARNING!
EXPLOSION HAZARD! DO NOT CONNECT OR
DISCONNECT THE UNIT UNLESS THE POWER HAS
BEEN SWITCHED OFF.
Low Voltage Directive
If the equipment is used in a manner not specied by
the manufacturer, protection provided by equipment
may be impaired.
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
L312E MULTI-POINT LIQUID LEVEL FLOAT SWITCH FOR HAZARDOUS LOCATIONS
L312E LIQUID LEVEL
FLOAT SWITCH
For Hazardous Locations
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

4L312E MULTI-POINT LIQUID LEVEL FLOAT SWITCH FOR HAZARDOUS LOCATIONS
1.0 COMPLETE INSTALLATION
This section provides detailed procedures on properly installing the L312E Multi-Point Liquid Level Float
Switch for Hazardous Locations.
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 L312E MULTI-POINT 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
L312E Multi-Point Liquid Level Float Switch.
1.2.2 Equipment and Tools
No special equipment or tools are required to install the L312E Multi-Point Liquid Level Float Switch.
The Following Are Recommended:
• Wrenches, thread sealant, gaskets and/or bolting as required for the process connection.

5
L312E MULTI-POINT LIQUID LEVEL FLOAT SWITCH FOR HAZARDOUS LOCATIONS
1.3 MOUNTING
The L312E Multi-Point Liquid Level Float Switch for Hazardous Locations is available
in a variety of threaded and anged mountings. These devices are meant to be installed
on the top or bottom 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 L312E Multi-Point 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

6L312E MULTI-POINT LIQUID LEVEL FLOAT SWITCH FOR HAZARDOUS LOCATIONS
2.0 PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE
Periodic inspections are necessary to maintain the proper functionality of the L312E Multi-Point 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
L312E Multi-Point 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
L312E MULTI-POINT LIQUID LEVEL FLOAT SWITCH FOR HAZARDOUS LOCATIONS
3.0 REFERENCE INFORMATION
This section illustrates an overview of the L312E Multi-Point Liquid Level Switch for
Hazardous Locations, as well as information on troubleshooting common problems, agency
approval listings, and detailed physical, functional and performance specications.
3.1 DESCRIPTION
The vertically-mounted L312E Multi-Point Liquid Level Switch for Hazardous Locations
is designed to monitor up to ve levels on a single device. With only one single entry, the
L312E can track changing levels within a small tank, as well as monitor liquid interfaces of
dissimilar liquids for oil/water separations, chemical emulsions and condensation levels.
Probe lengths are available up to 4’ with a variety of enclosures, 316 stainless steel oats
and mounting types to suit every application.
3.2 THEORY OF OPERATION
The switching action is achieved through the use of an internal magnet within the oat
assembly and its interaction with the switch mechanism. As the liquid level uctuates
inside the tank, the oat moves. Its magnetic eld actuates each reed switch inside the
stem and produces an electrical circuit.
3.3 TROUBLESHOOTING
The L312E Multi-Point Liquid Level Switch for Hazardous Locations 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

8L312E MULTI-POINT LIQUID LEVEL FLOAT SWITCH FOR HAZARDOUS LOCATIONS
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
L312E MULTI-POINT LIQUID LEVEL FLOAT SWITCH FOR HAZARDOUS LOCATIONS
3.4 AGENCY APPROVALS
AGENCY APPROVED MODEL(S) FILE NUMBER AREA CLASSIFICATION
UL L312E E203716 RECOGNIZED UNDER UL508 MOTOR
CONTROLLERS & NJ0T8 MOTOR
CONTROLLERS
FM L312E 3021242 CLASS I, DIV. 1, GROUPS A, B, C & D
CLASS II, GROUPS E, F & G
CLASS III, T4
3.5 SPECIFICATIONS
3.5.1 Physical Specications
FLOAT MATERIAL DIMENSIONS TEMPERATURE PRESSURE MIN. SPECIFIC GRAVITY
316 Stainless Steel 1” x 1” -40° to +300° F 300 PSIG 0.90
316 Stainless Steel 1.50” x 1” -40° to +300° F 100 PSIG 0.72
316 Stainless Steel 1” Ball -40° to +300° F 375 PSIG 0.75
316 Stainless Steel 1” Ball -40° to +300° F 600 PSIG 0.90
316 Stainless Steel 1” Ball -40° to +300° F 370 PSIG 0.85
316 Stainless Steel 0.90” x 1.50” -40° to +300° F 150 PSIG 0.93
316 Stainless Steel 1” x 1.22” -40° to +300° F 275 PSIG 0.85
316 Stainless Steel 1.61” x 1.10” -40° to +300° F 120 PSIG 0.55
Teon®(PFA) 1” x 1” -40° to +300° F 1000 PSIG 0.60
3.5.2 Electrical Specications
SIGNAL OUTPUT Switch Closure
TYPE OF CONTACTS SPST, SPDT
TYPE OF SWITCHES Hermetically-Sealed Reed Switch
SWITCH RATING 50 VA SPST
100 VA SPST
30 VA SPDT
3.5.3 Switch Wiring Codes
WIRING
OPTIONS
GROUP 1
SPST
GROUP 2
SPST
GROUP 3
SPDT
Common Wire Black None Black
(Levels) N.O. or N.C. N.O. or N.C. N.O. & N.C.
L1 Red Red/Red Red/White-Red
L2 Yellow Yellow/Yellow Yellow/White-Yellow
L3 Blue Blue/Blue
L4 Brown
L5 Orange
1 All SPST switches are set to normally-open operation
in their “dry”, “no level” condition unless specied
otherwise. “White-Red” and “White-Yellow” denote
single white wire with red or yellow stripes.
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 Lead Wires are 24” long, 22 AWG, Teon®
UL-approved wire.

10 L312E MULTI-POINT LIQUID LEVEL FLOAT SWITCH FOR HAZARDOUS LOCATIONS
3.5.4 Dimensional Specications
Actuation Level Dimensions
FLOAT TYPE A B C D
1” x 1” 1” 1 ¾” 1” ⅛”
1.5” x 1” 1” 1 ¾” 1” ⅛”
1” Ball 1” 1 ¾” 1” ⅛”
0.9” x 1.5” 1” 2 ½” 1 ½” ⅛”
1.61” x 1.1” 1” 1 ¾” 1” ⅛”
Area Denitions
AREA DEFINITION
AMinimum Distance from Actuation Point to Inside Surface of
Tank or Mounting Pad
BMinimum Distance Between Actuation Levels
CMinimum Distance from End of Unit to Lowest Actuation Level
DMinimum Distance Between Points When A Single Float is
Used to Activate 2 Switches*
3.6 MODEL CONFIGURATOR
TECHNOLOGY MODEL CONFIG. MOUNT* STEM FLOAT ELECTRICAL ENCLOSURE
LLiquid Level Sensor 312 5/16” Stem E Explosion-Proof 05 ¾” NPT 08 316 S.S. 08 316 S.S. 03 50 VA SPST 0 No Enclosure
C Custom 06 1” NPT 10 Hastelloy 15 Teon®(PFA) 04 100 VA SPST 2Cast Aluminum NEMA 4/7/9
07 1 ¼” NPT 06 30 VA SPDT 5 Aluminum NEMA 4/7/9
08 1 ½” NPT 3 Cast Iron NEMA 4/7/9
09 2” NPT
12 2 ½” NPT
10 3” NPT
11 4” NPT
42 SAE #32,
2 ½” - 12
L 3 1 2 E 0 6 0 8 -0 8 0 3 -2
L4
L3
L2
L1
L0
A
B
D
C
Ø 5⁄16”
Notes
1 A, B and C 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).
*For additional mounting options, consult the manufacturer.

11
L312E MULTI-POINT LIQUID LEVEL FLOAT SWITCH FOR HAZARDOUS LOCATIONS
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-9182.2
EFFECTIVE: 1/15