ERECTA SWITCH® by Compac Engineering
◆ Series 10 — Subcategory 2

Side Mounted Single Point
Level Switches & Sets

Horizontal mounting for applications where vertical tank access isn't available. Side-mounted switches install through the tank wall and detect a single liquid level at the mounting point. Ideal for horizontal tanks, drums, totes, and enclosures with limited headroom.

5
Configurations
Side
Mount Orientation
1–3
Materials per Model
100 PSI
Max Pressure
Side Mount Installation: Side-mounted switches detect level at the mounting point — the switch actuates when liquid rises to (or falls below) the height where the switch is installed through the tank wall. No extended stem or precision nipple required. The float pivots on a horizontal axis rather than traveling vertically on a stem.

Choose Your Configuration

Four models are Polypropylene only. The 10-788 is available in PP, AC, and KR for broader chemical compatibility.

◆ Technical Specifications

Specifications & Ratings

All side-mounted models use the 10-782 magnetic reed switch as the sensing element. Common ratings apply across all configurations.

Switch Type

SPST Magnetic Reed
Standex/OKI ORD229 hermetically sealed

Electrical Rating

70VA / 50W resistive
AC 0.5A / DC 0.7A · Max 300VAC / 350VDC · Inductive loads such as solenoid and relay coils require external arc suppression; above the rating, isolate the load with a Series 50 relay.

Pressure / Temperature

100 PSI / 90°C
Hollow float @ 20°C · Derate to 0 PSI @ 90°C

Specific Gravity

0.8 Minimum
Clear liquid required

PP — Polypropylene

Water, Soaps, Light Acids
Available on all 5 models

AC — Acetal

Hydrocarbons, Diesel, Oils
10-788 only

KR — PVDF Kynar

Harsh Chemicals, Acids, Caustics
10-788 only

Certifications

RoHS Compliant
UL component recognition (KOFU switch)

Model-by-Model Comparison

Model Mounting Connection Type Relay Housing Materials Key Feature
10-785 Side Mount Lead Wire — PP Compact, basic side-mount switch
10-787 Side Mount Extended Lead Wire — PP Longer lead for remote junction box
10-786 Side Mount Connector Terminal — PP Quick-disconnect wiring terminal
10-786-R Side Mount Connector Terminal ✓ PP Relay housing for direct load switching
10-788 Side Mount Set (multiple options) ✓ PP, AC, KR Full set · 3 materials · broadest compatibility

All models: SPST magnetic reed switch (Standex/OKI ORD229) · 70VA/50W · 100 PSI max @ 20°C · 90°C max · 0.8 SG min · Horizontal mount through tank wall · RoHS Compliant

◆ Application Examples

OEM Application Scenarios

Side-mounted switches solve problems where vertical access to the tank is blocked, the tank is horizontal, or you need point-level detection at a specific wall height.

🛢️

Horizontal Fuel Day Tank — Low Level Alarm

Acetal · Side Mount

A generator packager uses horizontal cylindrical day tanks where there's no vertical access through the top — the tank sits inside a steel skid frame with no room for a top-mounted switch. A side-mounted 10-788-AC installs through the tank end wall at the low-level alarm height. Acetal construction resists diesel fuel. The relay housing accepts an optional solid state relay to drive an alarm panel directly without a separate relay enclosure.

10-788-AC
⚗️

Chemical Drum Tote — Low Level Shutoff

PVDF Kynar · Side Mount

A chemical metering system OEM needs to detect when a bulk chemical tote is nearly empty so the metering pump shuts off before running dry. The tote has a flat side wall — a 10-788-KR mounts through a drilled hole near the bottom. PVDF Kynar handles the aggressive chemistry (sodium hypochlorite for water treatment). The pump-dry condition is the failure mode the customer is designing against — running a metering pump dry destroys the diaphragm.

10-788-KR
❄️

HVAC Condensate Pan — Overflow Prevention

Polypropylene · Side Mount

An air handler manufacturer needs overflow detection in their condensate drain pan. The pan has only 2–3 inches of vertical clearance below the evaporator coil — no room for a vertical float switch. A compact 10-785-PP mounts through the side wall of the pan and detects when water reaches the alarm level. The switch signals the building management system to shut down the blower and trigger a maintenance alert. Polypropylene handles condensate water chemistry.

10-785-PP
🔧

CNC Coolant Reservoir — Low Level Shutoff

Polypropylene · Side Mount

A machine tool builder needs coolant level detection in their CNC mill's coolant sump. The sump sits under the machine bed with no vertical access — a side-mount switch installs through the sump wall. The 10-786-R with relay housing lets the customer mount a solid state relay that directly controls the coolant pump, shutting it off before the sump runs dry. The connector terminal allows quick disconnect during machine service without cutting wires.

10-786-R-PP 10-786-PP
🍽️

Commercial Warewash — Chemical Supply Tank

Polypropylene · Side Mount

A commercial dishwasher OEM needs to detect when the rinse aid supply tank is low so the machine displays a refill alert. The tank is a small polypropylene reservoir mounted inside the machine cabinet with only side access. A 10-787-PP with extended lead wire runs the signal back to the control board mounted elsewhere in the cabinet. No relay housing needed — the control board handles the logic. The extended lead eliminates a splice inside the machine.

10-787-PP
🏭

Acid Neutralization System — High Level Alarm

PVDF Kynar · Side Mount

A water treatment system integrator needs a high-level alarm on an acid neutralization tank to prevent overflow. The tank already has vertical-mount level switches controlling the fill and drain pumps — the side-mounted 10-788-KR provides an independent backup alarm at the high-water mark. Mounting through the side wall at the alarm height gives a physically independent detection point. PVDF Kynar construction handles the low-pH effluent entering the neutralization system.

10-788-KR
◆ Technical Resources

Series 10 Technical Documents

Download detailed technical literature for the Series 10 product family. All side-mounted switches use the 10-782 as their primary switching element.

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 10 level 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 10 level 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 10 level 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 10 level 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 10 level switch, and how accurate is it?

Point detection is repeatable and mechanical. The trip height on the Series 10 level 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 10 level 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 10 level 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 10 level switch to a pump or alarm?

The Series 10 level 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 10 level switch need calibration?

No. The Series 10 level 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 10 level 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 10 level 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 10 level switch?

The Series 10 level 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 a Side-Mount Switch?

Tell us your tank orientation, liquid chemistry, and detection height — we'll recommend the right configuration for your application.