ERECTA SWITCH® by Compac Engineering
Series 15 · ERECTA SWITCH Side Mount

Side Mount Level Switches — No Stem Required

The 15-650 installs through the tank wall and senses liquid level at the mounting point. Horizontal-pivot magnetic reed float switch — fits horizontal tanks, drums, totes, and tight-clearance enclosures where top-entry is not an option.

1/2 NPT · 1/4 NPT · Bulkhead PP · Acetal · Kynar PVDF No Stem · No Nipple RoHS Compliant Made in USA
Weighing side mount against a top-mounted Series 10? Use the selection guide →

How side mount differs from Series 10: Series 10 switches hang vertically on an extended stem — the float travels up and down on the nipple. Series 15 switches mount horizontally through the tank wall — the float pivots on a horizontal axis and senses level at exactly where the switch is installed. No stem, no nipple, no minimum tank depth required.

Series 15 Product Line

Four configurations built on the 15-650 base switch — choose the wiring termination and mounting style that fits your installation.

Three Ways to Install a 15-650

The same base switch handles three mounting configurations — no separate SKU required.

Outside → In on 1/2 NPT

Thread the 15-650 into a 1/2 NPT tank boss from outside the tank wall. The float and sensing section extend into the tank. The most common installation method. No internal access required.

All 15-650 variants
Inside → Out on 1/4 NPT

Pass the switch through the wall from inside the tank, thread the 1/4 NPT section into a 1/4 NPT fitting from inside-out. Useful when outside wall space is constrained or when the fitting is recessed.

15-650 base switch only
Bulkhead through 0.54″ hole

Pass the switch shank through a 0.54″ diameter hole in the tank wall and tighten the jam nut from outside. No tapping required — ideal for plastic tanks, drums, and sheet metal enclosures.

15-650 base switch only
Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions About This Product

What is the difference between a float level switch and a liquid level sensor?

A float level switch like the Series 15 combination switch is a point-level device: a float rides the liquid and actuates a magnetic reed switch at a set height, giving a simple on/off signal — no power, no firmware, no calibration. "Sensors" usually means continuous measurement (ultrasonic, radar, capacitive). ERECTA SWITCH targets reliable discrete-point control.

What factors should I consider when choosing the Series 15 combination switch?

Consider media chemistry (pick PP, AC, or KR), liquid specific gravity, operating temperature and pressure, mounting style, number of switch points, and electrical contact rating. Compac will spec it from your application — request a free evaluation sample.

What liquid chemistries is the Series 15 combination switch compatible with?

Choose the material to match the media: Polypropylene (PP) for general aqueous, acids, and bases; Acetal (AC/Delrin) for solvents, fuels, and hydrocarbons; Kynar PVDF (KR) for aggressive or harsh chemicals. Most ERECTA SWITCH models are offered in all three materials; some are material-specific, so check the product page for the model you need.

What mounting options are available for the Series 15 combination switch?

ERECTA SWITCH offers vertical top-mount, bulkhead, and extended-stem configurations, plus side-mounted single-point models. The mount style is part of the model number — select the configuration that matches your tank geometry.

How is the actuation level set on the Series 15 combination switch, and how accurate is it?

Point detection is repeatable and mechanical. The trip height on the Series 15 combination switch is set by the 10-715 Precision Nipple, ordered separately in 1-inch increments (1″–70″), so you place the switch point exactly where the application needs it.

What pressure and temperature can the Series 15 combination switch handle?

It depends on the series, and the derate matters more than the headline. Series 10 is rated 100 PSI, Series 15 50 PSI and Series 20 20 PSI — each at 20°C, each derating to zero at 90°C, so a hot line has no pressure allowance left. Series 20 sits lowest by design: its float sections are thin-walled, and sustained pressure can crush them. Temperature follows the material — on Series 10, PP: 180°F, AC: 200°F, KR: 280°F.

Can one Series 15 combination switch switch control both a high and a low level?

A single switch detects one point. For high-plus-low detection (or more), use a multi-level extended-stem set that places multiple reed points on one stem, giving you independent high and low signals from a single mounting hole.

How do I wire the Series 15 combination switch to a pump or alarm?

The Series 15 combination switch uses a magnetic reed switch wired in series with your relay or controller. Contact rating is 70 VA / 50 W resistive (UL File E70063). The switch ships with lead wires — connect directly to your control circuit.

Does the Series 15 combination switch need calibration?

No. The Series 15 combination switch is a mechanical float actuating a sealed reed switch — there is nothing to calibrate or power. This is a reliability advantage over electronic sensors that can drift over time.

How do I maintain the Series 15 combination switch, and what if it stops working?

Inspect that the float moves freely (check for debris or scaling), then test reed continuity with a multimeter. Because ERECTA SWITCH is modular, you replace only the individual component — switch, float, connector, or fitting — instead of the whole assembly.

Is the Series 15 combination switch safe for flammable or hazardous-area liquids?

Standard ERECTA SWITCH models are not rated for hazardous (Class I / Div) areas. For flammable-service applications, contact Compac engineering to discuss your requirements and available options.

What are the typical applications for the Series 15 combination switch?

The Series 15 combination switch is used for pump start/stop control, high-level overflow protection, low-level dry-run protection, and tank or reservoir level alarms in OEM equipment. The modular ERECTA SWITCH system is built into laundry, HVAC, water-treatment, hydraulic, and chemical-handling machinery.

What makes ERECTA SWITCH different from other switches?

It is the only fully modular, off-the-shelf liquid level switch system: switch, float, connector, fitting, and nipple are independently field-replaceable and stocked. OEMs configure exactly what they need with no minimums and short lead times. Made in Paradise, California; RoHS compliant.

Need Help Selecting the Right Configuration?

Tell us your tank geometry, thread size, and fluid chemistry — we'll confirm the right 15-650 variant and wiring termination for your application.