My very first DIY Auto Top Off

Salt Creep · 17 Nov 2014

Hi All.

I took it upon myself to go to Electro Mechanica to buy 2 float switches but while I was there I asked a guy to help me on the wiring. He was very good with diagrams and the way he explained it but I was not so fortunate in that I have absolutely no recollection of what he said. I was wondering if anybody could help me on how I could wire this up. I have attached pictures of all the items as well as the relays (220v I know I should of gone 12v but too late now). I have 2 float switches, 2 relays and a fuse.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Franna29 · 17 Nov 2014

here is 2 links hope this helps, it is just for one relay though and one switch.

Google Image Result for http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v708/Original_Tarheel/Diagrams%2520and%2520Schematics/ATOWiringDiagram.jpg

Google Image Result for http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g75/CHorwarth/UsingRelays.jpg

Salt Creep · 18 Nov 2014

Thank you very much Franna. Its perfect. Now all I need to know is how to bridge 2 of the relays.

xtreme · 18 Nov 2014

@ Salt Creep why do you want relays? I use the same float switches for more than 3 years now

Andre@ReefAquatics · 18 Nov 2014

PLEASE BE CAREFUL WITH USING 220V - I highly advise against it, especially if you not 100% sure.
220V power to the relay coil no problem, however let the float switches run on 5V-12v

Franna29 · 18 Nov 2014

I wold say connect them in series, so that both need do be triggered in order to work?

220v can be dangerous, so take care to keep the relays away from water damp and obviously water. and also out a the reach of anyone that may accidentally touch them and get a shock. and would suggest you take good care of the insulation. if you pay attention to those things you should be pretty safe.

xtreme · 18 Nov 2014

hahaha andre, most of the equipment is 220V, what difference will float switches do. My biggest problem with pumps is the cable cracks at the base of the pumps just after the epoxy seal

Salt Creep · 24 Nov 2014

Sorry for the late reply guys didnt realize more people replied.

Andre@ReefAquatics said:
PLEASE BE CAREFUL WITH USING 220V - I highly advise against it, especially if you not 100% sure.
220V power to the relay coil no problem, however let the float switches run on 5V-12v

Andre thanks for the heads up. I actually saw after i purchased the relays that you should never use 220V with water because it could not only kill your fish and tank inhabitants but it can cause serious injury if you touch the water and its loaded with 220V.

xtreme said:
@ Salt Creep why do you want relays? I use the same float switches for more than 3 years now

Xtreme i wanted to use relays for both the compartment in my tank and my ro bucket to avoid burning the pump out if all the water in the ro bucket runs out.

xtreme · 28 Nov 2014

easy, not drawing pics, 2 switches in front of you, one left hand one right hand.
left switch wire is 2, call it L1 and L2 and right R1 and R2
left switch in return chamber right switch in RO for pump
L1 to neutral, L2 to R1 and R2 to Pump Neutral. Then remove clip on R switch, turn around floater and fit clip. Now that floater will switch of when at bottom. The only power that will be in the tank is when RO pump is on, but when off no power. If you use the live wire there will be constant power on the first wire of the switch and pump, now only one live on the pump.