In float switch applications where aggressive liquids may spill onto external wiring, it is important to specify particular materials for the cables used to connect to the float switches. There are standard, UL-approved cable types for the various float switches, as well as high temperature, low smoke zero halogen (LSZH) and other specialised materials.
The operating environment is critical to the choice of float switch. A water tank for an industrial process may only require a simple plastic float switch. However, if the application is in a hazardous area, for example, a petrochemical storage tank where flammable gases, vapours or dust are present, a stainless steel, explosion-proof float switch will be required.