In this post, we look behind the scenes at what makes Mac3 truly great.

Mac3 has successfully merged contemporary design and processes with old-school values of attentiveness and quality control (and we know, there isn’t any school like the old school).  I was amazed by the hands-on nature of the Mac3 testing methodology. Still, it does result in a product that has a level of care and inspection that is almost impossible to replicate in a fully automated process.

Only Float Switches that pass the test are Stamped.

In my experience, quality control (and inspection) relies on taking a sample from the current production, which is then used to generalise the state of that production run. Depending on the quantity in that run, it could be in somewhere in the range of 1 from 500 units. Alas, while this scheme does work, it can allow for rogue units to slip through. Mac3 however has a somewhat different approach to this for their ISO 9001:2015 certification. In their quality management system, every float switch (yes, I do mean every unit) is examined and electrically tested by hand! Yep, even now, that gives me pause for thought. This isn’t something that most manufacturers would even consider, but when you need a float switch that works, first time, every time, this is what is required. To top this off, every float switch, be it the superb Small to the mighty Mac5 is marked with a production number after inspection. A mark of distinction that indicates the unit has passed through scrutiny and is worthy of the Mac3 name.

Trust Matters

It is this certainty that really sets Mac3 apart from the rest of the field, not only that it is a quality float switch, but that Mac3 takes the quality of their products this seriously! I personally know that if I need a float switch on a project, Mac3 is the answer. Why? Because I know it works, it will last, and the end user has a better experience because of it. You can trust Mac3.

Mac3 is a beautiful alloy of modern ideas with traditional values.

For more information

Contact Jim, our Mac3 Technical lead. Jim and Tom have over 25 years of experience in Water Control Systems.

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NEW! Mac3 Float Switch – Key Green – made with Recycled Plastic

Is it possible to take a superb idea, and make it better? If pop culture has taught as anything, it is rare (with a few notable exceptions) for a sequel to surpass the original. However, bucking the normal trend, Mac3 have managed just this!

By taking the proven and trusted design of the Key Float Switch, and using 100% recycled plastic for the float body – well, does it get any better? We have the tried and tested design, along with the globally renowned quality, attention to detail and product innovation, and a solid commitment to the environment and waste reduction!

The Key, in recycled plastic, is the perfect choice for those who want to combine reliability with environmental responsibility. Contact us to include it in your next project.

While there isn’t much more to say about the Key Green, (as the Key float switch design has been adopted by so many OEM users). However,  it is most definitely a positive step into the circular economy for what has become a universal clean-water float switch.

For more information

Contact Jim, our Mac3 Technical lead. Jim and Tom have over 25 years of experience in Water Control Systems.

The post Key Green – Now it’s even easier to be green! appeared first on Mac 3 UK.

Compact Float Switch – Agma

If you require a reliable solution for a shallow tank, such as an F-Line or similar, or installing in a restricted space inside a regular tank, then, the Agma by Mac3 float switch is an excellent option to consider.

The Agma series (22 and W) are magnetically operated vertical float switches. Simply put, a magnet (attached to the float) moves vertically on a rail. The magnet closes the sealed microswitch inside the top or head of the unit.

Of course, there is one limitation to using magnets. The Agma cannot be used in fluids that contain solids that are themselves magnetic (iron sand, nickel etc.) as these will interfere with the movement of the float arm.

The Agma Compact Float Switches are available in two different configurations:

Agma 22 – designed for clean water applications only.

Agma W – is primarily designed for dirty water applications and can be used in clear water too.

GXRM 9GF fitted with an Agma 22 Compact Float Switch

Both the Agma 22 and W are available with either a 10m cable or 25cm cable ends (for mounting directly to a pump or controller). Installing the Agma into a system removes the requirements of selecting the correct cable type and length for the installation – which, if incorrect, can cause issues with tangling or hanging of the float switch.

In terms of usage, the Agma is ideally suited for use with a dewatering pump – as seen in this OEM mounted example (right) though with the correct connections (and a little improvisation) a similar setup could be fabricated for almost any pump.

Overall, the Agma is an interesting idea and certainly something that will have some people scratching their heads (at least until they get their hands on it).

One to keep in mind when working with small or crowded tanks, or when installing a sump pump system.

For more information

Contact Jim, our Mac3 Technical lead. Jim and Tom have over 25 years of experience in Water Control Systems.

The post Compact Float Switch – Agma Range appeared first on Mac 3 UK.

If you closed your eyes and pictured a float switch – I’d wager you imagine the Key from Mac3.

The Key is a solid and straightforward float switch, with the expected attention to detail you would expect from Mac3. Simply put, they work! There isn’t much I can say about these other than these blue and yellow float switches are a familiar fixture on OEM float-switched pumps worldwide.

The Key is available in PVC and H07RN-F cable types, in 2, 5, 10, 15 and 20m lengths. The Key is installed with a counterweight on the cable or with the cable restrained to a pump or internal fixture of a tank installation.

Where the Key Clean Water Float Switch can be Installed

The Key is suitable for use with a tank level controller, pump float switch modification or a complete tank and pump control system.

The Key is particularly suitable as a hardware dry-run protection measure. The Key, wired directly into the mains feed to a pump (with an IP68-rated connector) or using a junction box outside the tank, will isolate the pump when the water level drops below the level set at installation. Using the Key for dry-run protection is particularly useful with centrifugal pumps (as they will require re-priming if they run dry) or when using a submerged pump that requires immersion for cooling.

Conversely, the Key can be employed as part of a top-up system for filling the tank or simply as tethered float switch – positioned at the maximum required level of the tank itself. It can then either be wired into a controller for a manual pump or wired into an automatic pump.

The Key is a nigh-on universal float switch for clean water applications and certainly worth keeping in mind when replacing a failed float switch in situ.

For more information

Contact Jim, our Mac3 Technical lead. Jim and Tom have over 25 years of experience in Water Control Systems.

The post Key Clean Water Float Switch appeared first on Mac 3 UK.

Small Clean Water Float Switch by Mac3

The Small, like all Mac3 float switches, shows the care and attention given to the design and fabrication that have made these units a favourite of OEM pump manufacturers around the world. The Small is available in 2, 5, 10 and 20m lengths of both PVC and H07RN-F.

While the Small can be used in place of any clean water float switch, it really comes into its own when working with smaller pumps, like one powering a small garden water feature. By virtue of its size (approx 82mm diameter, about 3.25 inches), a Small is easy to install in a pond, sump or small/narrow tank. Not to mention that, some of these pumps look a little strange with a large float switch attached to them!

The Small is also ideal for attaching to a drainage pump with a waterproof IP68-rated t-joint. The pump and float can then be dropped into a flooded area, like a utility room or cellar and left to drain down until the water level has dropped enough to drop the float switch, protecting the pump from overheating.

The Small is ideal for those little areas where you need a suspended float switch and there isn’t room for anything larger. For areas that are really tight see the Reka or Agma 22 float switches.

Tethering (Tethered Float Switch)

There is also the option to use the Small as a tethered float switch – as seen on many OEM pumps. The Small can be connected directly to the pump itself. This is done either with a specific watertight connection to the pump itself or tethered directly to the body of the pump by means of cable ties. If retrofitting a pump with a tethered type setup, I’d personally use a good quality cable tie (stainless steel ones work rather well) and set the length of cable between the pump and float switch at the desired moving point.

Overall, the Small is a useful float switch to keep around.

For more information

Contact Jim, our Mac3 Technical lead. Jim and Tom have over 25 years of experience in Water Control Systems.

The post Small Clean Water Float Switch appeared first on Mac 3 UK.

Mac3 Float Switch – Original

The original Mac3 is a simple but well-designed float switch for use primarily in clean water – but with its streamlined shape, is also suitable in water containing small amounts of suspended solids.

The flagship of the Mac3 float switch line, simply put – it just works! The Mac3 takes a float switch and refines the concept. There are no corners or sharp edges that can get caught on obstructions inside a tank or ragging points that cause irregular movement through a liquid. The polypropylene construction is both hardwearing and resistant to most fluids it is likely to encounter. Available in both the standard PVC and H07RN-F (rubber) cable types, the Mac 3 can be installed in almost any environment.

Mac3 Float Switch – the “go-to” for clean water pump protection

If I’m designing a pump setup, my first instinct is to reach for the Mac3! Then the only decision to make is the cable length and material (the go-to on my list would be the 2 meter, H07RN-F with a counterweight – MGM0206GB0C). With one of these, I can be sure that it will work in just about any situation that doesn’t require something a little more specialised.

The Mac3 can be installed as part of a controller installation (level or process control) or for dry-run protection on a pump. When wiring the Mac3 directly into a pump, I’d recommend using an IP68-rated T-joint connector (always in stock) to be sure there are no problems with the integrity of the connection. Though, there is no reason (if a suitable cable length is used) that the connection cannot be outside of the tank- with the Mac3 then being run into the tank itself.

For more information

Contact Jim, our Mac3 Technical lead. Jim and Tom have over 25 years of experience in Water Control Systems.

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