The KOBOLD NEC is a heavy-duty float level switch that delivers mercury-free level switching for liquids in tanks that require high current capability. Because it handles a high switch capacity, it can control pumps directly in many applications. The float body is molded from industrial-quality polypropylene and can be supplied with an optional Hypalon coating for superior chemical resistance.
How does the NEC float level switch work?
The NEC is a float-type, tilt level switch. As the liquid surface rises or falls, the double-cone float tilts and actuates an internal mechanical microswitch. Activation occurs at approximately +25 degrees and deactivation at approximately -25 degrees from horizontal, with exact angles varying by installation.
What float materials and construction does the NEC use?
Two float versions are offered. The standard NEC float is polypropylene with a multi-chamber design. The NEC-HY float adds a vulcanized Hypalon (polyethylene chloride) elastomer coating for more aggressive media. A five-isolated-chamber body, sealed back-to-back, keeps the float almost impossible to sink even when physically damaged.
What are the temperature, pressure, and media density ratings?
Operating limits depend on the float version. The standard NEC is rated to 185°F (85°C) and 50 PSIG (3.5 bar). The Hypalon-coated NEC-HY is rated to 194°F (90°C) and 58 PSIG (4 bar). Suitable media specific gravity runs 0.7 to 1.15 SG for the NEC and 0.8 to 1.10 SG for the NEC-HY.
What are the electrical and switching specifications?
The NEC carries an SPDT mechanical changeover switch that is mercury-free and can be connected as normally open or normally closed. Maximum switch ratings are 250 VAC at 50/60 Hz, with 16 A on a resistive load and 6 A on an inductive load. A 3-conductor cable carries these connections.
What cable, ballast, and installation does the NEC include?
Each NEC is supplied with a 16 ft or 30 ft PEC-clad, 3-conductor cable, and longer lengths are available on request. An adjustable ballast weight of loaded resin is included and sets the switching point for easy installation into open tanks. The unit is rated IP 68, though cable ends must never sit in water.
What are the dimensions and weight?
The standard NEC float stands 6.70 in (170 mm) tall with a 3.15 in (80 mm) diameter, while the NEC-HY stands 7.09 in (180 mm) tall with a 3.74 in (95 mm) diameter. A standard NEC weighs about 1.8 lb (0.82 kg) with a 16 ft cable and the NEC-HY about 1.9 lb (0.85 kg), each plus a 0.55 lb (0.25 kg) ballast weight.
Which NEC models are available and how are they ordered?
Four models set the float type and cable length:
- NEC-930: polypropylene float, 16 ft PEC cable
- NEC-930N10: polypropylene float, 30 ft PEC cable
- NEC-HY930: Hypalon-coated float, 16 ft PEC cable
- NEC-HY930N10: Hypalon-coated float, 30 ft PEC cable
Cable lengths beyond those listed are available on request.
What applications is the NEC used for?
The NEC is designed for level monitoring of liquids and direct pump control across industrial applications. Its high switch capacity lets pumps be driven directly, and the included ballast weight suits open-tank installation. The rugged, mercury-free build supports reliable start and stop pump control.
Common Questions about NEC - Heavy-Duty Float Level Switch
The NEC is a buoyancy-operated switch: a floating body tilts as the surface moves, flipping a sealed mechanical microswitch. That contact change signals a high or low point and can start or stop connected pumps, with no mercury anywhere in the mechanism.
Limits vary by version. Up to 185°F (85°C) and 50 PSIG (3.5 bar) applies to the polypropylene NEC. The Hypalon NEC-HY raises that ceiling to 194°F (90°C) and 58 PSIG (4 bar). Staying inside these figures supports dependable service life.
It provides an SPDT mechanical changeover contact, wireable as either N/O or N/C and containing no mercury. Peak ratings reach 250 VAC at 50/60 Hz, switching 16 A resistive and 6 A inductive through the three cable conductors.
The standard float is molded polypropylene. The NEC-HY adds a vulcanized Hypalon elastomer coating suited to aggressive media and stronger chemical resistance. Both share a multi-cavity, back-to-back sealed body that keeps the float buoyant even after impact damage.
Fluid specific gravity should land between 0.7 and 1.15 for the standard model and between 0.8 and 1.10 for the Hypalon version. Both figures use SG (kg/dm3). Matching the version to your fluid density helps ensure clean tilt actuation.
A loaded-resin ballast weight clamps onto the cable to set the trip point for open-tank mounting. Keep the cable ends dry despite the IP 68 rating. The device is nearly maintenance-free: inspect the cable from time to time and replace it if the jacket is damaged.
Every unit includes a PEC-clad, 3-conductor cable in a 16 ft or 30 ft length, with longer runs available to order. The three conductors bring the changeover contact back to a control panel or a protected terminal box for field wiring.
Four codes define each build: NEC-930 (PP float, 16 ft cable), NEC-930N10 (PP float, 30 ft cable), NEC-HY930 (Hypalon float, 16 ft cable), and NEC-HY930N10 (Hypalon float, 30 ft cable). For cable runs longer than 30 ft, consult the factory.
Product Specifications
Wetted Parts
PP Float w/PEC-Clad Cable or Hypalon®-clad PP Float w/PEC-Clad Cable
Max. Temperature
185 °F (85 °C) (NEC), 194 °F (90 °C) (NEC-HY)
Max. Pressure
50 PSIG (NEC), 58 PSIG (NEC-HY)
Switch
SPDT Mechanical (Mercury-Free)
Max. Switch Ratings
250 VAC 50/60 Hz, 16A Resistive Load/6A Inductive
Product Features
Polypropylene or Hypalon®-Coated Floats w/PEC Clad Cables
Simple, Rugged and Reliable
Unique, Isolated-Chamber Float Design
SPDT Mechanical Switch (Mercury-Free)
Adjustable Ballast Weight Included
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