Level Switch Comparison

Level Switch TypeWorking PrincipleSuitable Media/ScenariosAccuracyPros & ConsTypical ApplicationsSource Marks
CapacitiveDetects capacitance changes caused by liquid level variation Non-conductive liquids (oil), solidsMedium-High✅Non-contact, corrosion-resistant
❌Requires calibration, sensitive to dielectric constant ‌
Chemical storage tanks, oil monitoring
ConductiveTriggers switch via liquid conductivity forming circuit ‌Conductive liquids (water, acids)Low-Medium✅Simple structure, low cost
❌Contact required, probe corrosion risk ‌
Water tank alarms, wastewater treatment
Float (Buoyancy)Mechanical/magnetic switch activated by buoyancy-driven float ‌General liquids (non-viscous)Low✅No power needed (some models), easy installation
❌Jamming risk, unsuitable for viscous media ‌
Household appliances, ship fuel tanks
Tuning ForkDetects vibration frequency shift caused by liquid damping ‌Liquids, powdersMedium✅Bubble/turbulence resistance, maintenance-free
❌Viscous media may cause false signals ‌
Food processing tanks, pharmaceutical reactors
OpticalInfrared refraction difference between liquid/air Transparent liquidsHigh✅Micro-level detection, high temperature/pressure tolerance
❌Prism contamination risk ‌7
Medical devices, coffee machines
UltrasonicCalculates level via soundwave reflection time ‌Liquids, bulk solids (non-foaming)High✅Non-contact, continuous measurement
❌Dead zones, temperature/turbulence interference ‌
Large storage tanks, river monitoring
RF-AdmittanceDetects admittance changes from medium properties ‌High-viscosity, corrosive liquidsMedium✅Anti-coating, corrosion-resistant
❌Contact required, higher cost ‌
Asphalt tanks, strong acid/base containers
External MountDetects container wall vibration characteristics ‌Hazardous/sealed containersMedium-High✅Non-invasive, no drilling needed
❌Dependent on container material uniformity 
Nuclear containers, toxic chemical storage
RadarAnalyzes microwave reflection signals ‌Complex liquids/solidsVery High✅Foam/dust resistance, long-range measurement
❌High cost, complex installation ‌
Oil storage tanks, LNG terminals

Selection Guidelines

  1. Non-contact requirement‌: Capacitive, Ultrasonic, Radar, or External Mount ‌.
  2. High-viscosity media‌: RF-Admittance or Tuning Fork (with periodic cleaning) ‌.
  3. Low-cost scenarios‌: Float or Conductive types ‌.
  4. Explosion-proof environments‌: Optical or Capacitive (spark-free) ‌.