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

15-650 — Side Mount Level Switch

Standard side-mount liquid level switch. Hermetically sealed reed switch, 1/2 NPT outside-in or 1/4" inside-out installation. N.O. or N.C. by orientation. 70 VA, RoHS compliant. Available in Polypropylene, Acetal, and Kynar PVDF.

Choose Your 15-650 Material

The 15-650 is available in three wetted materials. Polypropylene for water-based and mild chemical service. Acetal for solvents, fuels, and hydrocarbons. Kynar PVDF for aggressive acids, halogens, and ultra-high-purity applications.

What’s Included

  • 15-650 side mount level switch
  • 24 in lead wire
  • Jam nut and O-ring (for 1/4" mount)

Specifications

Common specifications across all 15-650 material variants.

SpecificationValue
Series15-650
Switch ElementStandex/OKI ORD229, hermetically sealed reed
Contact Rating70 VA, 50W resistive
Inductive LoadsRequire external arc suppression — solenoid and relay coils. Above the rating, isolate the load with a Series 50 relay.
Max Voltage300 VAC / 350 VDC
Max Current0.5A AC / 0.7A DC
Mount1/2 NPT outside-in OR 1/4" straight thread inside-out
Float Diameter0.70 in (17.78 mm)
Overall Length4.45 in (113.03 mm)
Lead Wire24 in (609 mm)
Pressure Rating50 PSI @ 20°C; derate to zero @ 90°C
Temp Max90°C
SG Min0.80
Switching ModeN.O. or N.C. — set by installation orientation
ComplianceRoHS | UL File E70063
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 15-650 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 15-650?

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 15-650 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 15-650?

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 15-650, and how accurate is it?

Point detection is repeatable and mechanical. The trip height on the 15-650 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 15-650 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 15-650 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 15-650 to a pump or alarm?

The 15-650 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 15-650 need calibration?

No. The 15-650 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 15-650, 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 15-650 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 15-650?

The 15-650 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 Material?

Our engineering team can verify chemical compatibility with your application before you order.