How do float switches work?

[bennerkla]

I have a paper due tomrorow and I'm using one of these in my project, and the float switch i bought from floatswitches.net doesn't seem to use copper to complete the curcuit, and ideas on how these work? the switch doesn't turn on right when it hits the red part towards the bottom, so I'm thinking maybe magnets?

Thanks,
ben

[bennerkla]

anyone?

[New_Noob]

is it electric? most ar gravity fed, when the water drops, it opens the outlet letting water into the tank, when it goes back up it stops it.

electric ones turn on and off a pump, which pumps water in.

[maxvan1]

It has a pipe, and a floating thing in the pipe, and if the water level goes to low the floating thing drops, and compleats a circut (kinda hard to explain, sorry, but HTH)

[bennerkla]

Not sure i understand...

[vanburen]

There is a magnet in the float, that when in the proper position, causes a reed-type switch to close in the stem, completing the circuit. Like a manual relay, sort of.

[bennerkla]

Thanks.