What control types are commonly used to start or stop pumps?

To understand why floats are commonly used to start or stop pumps, it's important to consider the function of float switches in fluid management systems. Floats operate based on the level of liquid in a tank or reservoir. As the liquid rises or falls, the float moves accordingly and can trigger an electrical switch. When the float reaches a predetermined level, it signals the pump to either activate or deactivate.

This characteristics of float switches make them particularly valuable in applications where maintaining a specific liquid level is critical, such as in sewage or stormwater systems. They provide automatic control while ensuring that the system does not overflow or run dry, which can lead to system failure or damage.

Other control types, while also effective in their contexts, serve different purposes. Timers, for instance, are typically used to run pumps for a predetermined period regardless of the liquid level. Pressure switches are activated based on pressure changes, which may not correspond directly with fluid levels. Manual switches rely on human intervention to operate pumps, offering less automation and potential for human error.