Miniature Multipoint Float Level Switch
The KOBOLD NCM is a miniature multipoint float level switch for liquids that monitors up to four user-specified level points on a single stem, in lengths up to 48 inches (1219 mm). Each unit is custom manufactured to order with your choice of stem and fitting material, process connection, float type, switch locations, and switch logic.
The operating principle is simple and proven: each float carries a magnet, and as the liquid level raises or lowers the float, its magnetic field actuates a hermetically sealed reed contact inside the stem, opening or closing the circuit at that level. Switch accuracy is 1/8 inch (3.2 mm), and the series is designed for level monitoring and pump control applications for liquids.
NCM Key Specifications
The NCM operates at pressures up to 80 PSIG (5.5 bar) and temperatures from -40 to 176°F (-40 to 80°C). Standard SPST reed switches are rated 200 VDC / 150 VAC at 0.5 A, 70 W maximum.
- Stem lengths up to 48 inches (1219 mm), with one to four switch points in user-specified locations
- Stem and fitting in brass or 316 stainless steel; floats in 316 stainless steel, NBR, or polypropylene
- Minimum media specific gravity from 0.66 to 0.82, depending on float type
- Standard 24-inch (610 mm) lead wires
Materials and Media Compatibility
The NCM offers a wide variety of material combinations: brass or 316 stainless steel stems and fittings, matched with float choices in 316 stainless steel, NBR, or polypropylene. Float stops are brass on brass units and 316 SS on stainless units, keeping wetted metals consistent through the assembly. Every unit is assembled from the material set you select at time of order. This range of materials is designed to allow you to match the switch to the media being measured, ensuring that all wetted components are compatible with the process.
Custom Configuration for Your Application
Every NCM is built to order. You specify the process connection — 1/8, 1/4, or 1/2 inch NPT male; 3/4 or 1 inch NPT male with a 1/2 inch NPT conduit connection; or a 5/16 inch tube end — the stem material, the number of switch points, each switch location, and whether each contact is normally open or normally closed with the float dry.
An optional NEMA 4x aluminum junction box with terminal strip (option NT) is available on fitting types 3 and 4.
Where Is the NCM Used?
The NCM is designed for level monitoring and pump control for liquids. Because a single stem carries up to four factory-set switch points, one NCM can provide high, low, and intermediate switching — service that would otherwise require multiple separate single-point switches.
Its miniature floats — from 0.71 inch up to approximately 1 inch in diameter — make it well suited to small and space-constrained tanks and integration into OEM equipment.
Electrical and Installation Considerations
NCM reed switches are pilot-duty devices, they are not designed to switch solenoid valves, motors, or other high-current loads directly. Switch points are factory set and are not adjustable in the field. Contacts are set in the dry (empty-tank) position.
Common Questions about Miniature Multipoint Float Level Switches
One NCM stem carries up to four reed switch points, each factory set at a user-specified location. Minimum spacing is 1-3/4 inches (44 mm) between levels for float types 1, 2, 3, and 5, and 2-1/4 inches (57 mm) for the type 4 float.
The NCM is rated for a maximum pressure of 80 PSIG (5.5 bar) and an operating temperature of -40 to 176°F (-40 to 80°C).
Standard NCM units use SPST hermetically sealed reed switches rated 200 VDC / 150 VAC at 0.5 A, 70 W maximum. Standard lead wires are 24 inches (610 mm).
No. NCM reed switches are pilot-duty contacts and are not designed to directly switch motors, solenoid valves, or other high-current devices. The manual directs using an interface relay rated for the load, protected by an MOV or RC filter on AC coils or a 1N4004 diode on DC coils.
Floats are available in 316 stainless steel, NBR, or polypropylene. Minimum media specific gravity depends on float type: 0.66 for type 1, 0.70 for types 2, 3, and 5, and 0.82 for the type 4.
Six fitting options are available: 1/8 inch, 1/4 inch, and 1/2 inch NPT male; 1 inch NPT male and 3/4 inch NPT male, each with a 1/2 inch NPT conduit connection; and a 5/16 inch tube end. Fittings and stems are offered in brass or 316 stainless steel.
No. Multilevel controls are factory set and are not adjustable. In some cases, a float can be set to the opposite switch state by repositioning its collars, verified with an ohmmeter. Contacts are set in the dry, empty-tank position, so specify N/O or N/C per level when ordering.
Standard units ship with 24-inch (610 mm) flying leads. An aluminum junction box with terminal strip (NEMA 4x), option NT, is available for fitting types 3 and 4.
Monthly preventive maintenance is recommended, or more often depending on tank conditions: disconnect all power, then clean and inspect the stem, floats, stops, and electrical connections. If damaged is found, the unit should not be put back into service. There are no user-serviceable parts; a damaged or malfunctioning unit means the level switch must be either repaired by the factory or replaced.
Product Specifications
Instrument Type
Miniature multipoint float level switch for liquids
Maximum Stem Length
48" (1219 mm)
Switch Points
1 to 4 per unit, factory set in user-specified locations
Switch Accuracy
1/8" (3.2 mm)
Process Connections
1/8", 1/4", 1/2" NPT male; 3/4" & 1" NPT male with 1/2" NPT conduit; 5/16" tube end
Stem / Fitting Material
Brass or 316 stainless steel
Float Stop Material
Brass (brass units); 316 SS (stainless units)
Float Materials
316 stainless steel, NBR, or polypropylene
Minimum Specific Gravity
0.66–0.82 by float type (Type 1: 0.66; Types 2, 3, 5: 0.70; Type 4: 0.82)
Electrical Rating — SPST (standard)
200 VDC / 150 VAC, 0.5 A; 70 W max
Maximum Pressure
80 PSIG (5.5 bar)
Operating Temperature
-40 to 176°F (-40 to 80°C)
Lead Wires
24" (610 mm) standard
Options
NT: aluminum junction box with terminal strip, NEMA 4x (fitting types 3 & 4)
Product Features
Miniature Multipoint Design for Liquids — Up to Four Switch Points per Unit
Stem Lengths up to 48" (1219 mm), Switch Locations Specified by the User
Wide Variety of Material Combinations - Brass or 316 SS Stems; 316 SS, NBR, or Polypropylene Floats
Maximum Pressure of 80 PSIG (5.5 bar)
Operating Temperature of -40 to 176 °F (-40 to 80 °C)
Hermetically Sealed Reed Switch Contacts, N/O or N/C Logic per Switch Point
Custom Manufactured to Order; Single-Point and Multipoint Configurations
Optional NEMA 4x Aluminum Junction Box
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