How To Hard Wire A Float Switch To A Submersible Pump

Submersible pumps use float switches to perform automatic operation. The float switch moves with the water level in the tank and this determines when the pump turns on and shuts off. In this article we will discuss the correct way to hard wire a float switch to a submersible pump in order to achieve automatic operation.

Please note: The information below refers to 115V pumps and wiring. We recommend using a piggy-back float switch or control panel to operate 230V pumps. DO NOT USE THE METHOD DESCRIBED BELOW FOR 230V PUMPS.

In 115V wiring you are dealing with 3 legs: Hot, Neutral, and Ground. The pump will have these three wires and the incoming power supply will have these three wires. The neutral wire from the panel will connect directly to the neutral wire from the pump. The ground wire from the panel will connect directly to the ground wire from the pump.

Now you are left with the hot wire from the panel and the hot wire from the pump. The float switch has two legs. One leg of the float switch will connect to the hot wire from the panel; the other leg will connect to the hot wire from the pump. (Please note: Most float switches have a white and black wire, which means you will most likely have a white to black connection. This is perfectly normal and the correct way to do it.) Once these connections are made, you are ready to turn the power back on and the submersible pump should operate according to the position of the float switch.

Below is a diagram of what is described in the paragraph above. If you have any further questions, call 1-877-925-5132.