Agma W Evo operating 20 degrees from vertical.

The innovative team at Mac3 has developed the Agma W Evo. They have modified the guiding collar of the original Agma W to allow the float arm to self-level by up to 20 degrees from vertical. This groundbreaking improvement empowers us to tackle the challenges of retrofitting components into existing systems with renewed confidence.

We all know that the Agma W has long been a useful and well adopted float switch. It works on a short-throw, constrained linear axis with magnetic switch activation, which makes it great for sump pump systems and narrow tank level control. However, the original Agma W only operated when installed up to 5 degrees from vertical. The new Agma W Evo with its 20 degree allowance is a real bonus for dirty water pump installations.

Aside from installation into a tank, the Agma W compact float switches from Mac3 are frequently used be OEM suppliers mounted directly to a pump. Pumps of course can move, either in the tank or during maintenance cycles. Having the ability to correct an offset means that if the pump wasn’t set vertically (for example, if there was an obstruction or detritus stuck under the pump itself), with the Agma W Evo deployed it wouldn’t cause an issue going forward, reducing the likelihood of future issues.

As with the other members of the Agma family, the Agma W Evo cannot be used if there are ferrous or otherwise magnetically susceptible deposits in the water, as this can cause issues with the magnets inside the float switch (but then my loyal readers would already know this).

Height differential for the Agma W EVO Float Switch

The Agma W Evo will function mechanically the same as the original Agma W and can be used as a direct replacement for the original units if necessary. However, the maximum working differential has been reduced from 150mm to 110mm. This change makes the Agma W Evo easier to work with in smaller tanks or shorter pumps. Nevertheless, when replacing a pre-installed Agma W, it’s important to account for this 40mm reduction.

So, once again, the ingenious Mac3 development team has improved a fantastic product, creating a solution that not only functions effectively but also instils confidence when tackling both new installations and maintenance tasks. This is particularly valuable when dealing with original installations that are not conducive to retrofitting or repair (nothing is ever straight. Ever).

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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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.

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Compact Float Switch – Reka

The Reka can replace a traditional float switch in most clear water situations, with the benefit of not needing any extra space outside of its own footprint. I find this unit works particularly well when using either a small tank or a tank with filters and pipework in the tank itself. Using a Reka in these tanks means that I don’t need to worry about a conventional float switch getting caught up (I think we have all seen what happens next!).

Pump control is only the start for these Reka units. Rather than simply turning a pump on or off, we can use a Reka to control virtually anything that requires the presence or absence of water.

Early Flood Warning Alert

At this time of year when flooding begins to make headlines, it is worth considering Reka units and the potential role they can play in both flood alerts, and even flood defence. Combined with an Alarm box the Reka is a powerful and useful tool in flood zones.

The Reka can be installed at a low point, between a property and a potential ingress point for flood water. Once the water level has risen sufficiently to activate the Reka, the alarm will sound – potentially giving the occupant enough time to move valuables to higher ground, or even leave the property entirely. This would be a very simple version, but there is nothing to stop you from using the Reka, combined with a suitable high-flow pump, to actively protect important areas. Contact us for compatible Alarm and Pump Control Units.

Compact Float Switch for Off-grid Water Level Control or Alarm

At the other end of the spectrum, the 12/24V Reka Compact Float Switch can be used in vehicle or trailer-mounted installations. Two examples are:

1. A submerged Reka unit is mounted at the lowest level of the tank, this can then be connected to an alert (light or alarm) in the cab. Once the level has dropped past the Reka, the alarm is triggered. Particularly useful in watering or dust suppression roles – preventing the operator from continuing operations without sufficient water being available.
2. A Reka unit is mounted to the fill level of a tank or bowser – when the tank has been filled to this point an alarm can be triggered, or (depending on the site setup) the feeding valve can be closed. Saving the operator from having to stand on a ladder – or hang around the tank during filling.

Reka Compact Float Switch Alternative for different liquids.

Fluid Level Sensor

In fact, the Reka can be deployed with other liquids such as: Liquid Soap, Milk, Fruit Juices and Wines. Though it is worth remembering that the conductivity of these liquids differs, which is reflected in the size of the effective working sensing areas on the Reka unit. This can be easily accommodated for at the design stage.

The only area that this unit isn’t suitable for is sludge – or water with large amounts of suspended solids; this would require a dedicated float switch (e-Fly or Mac 5).

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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