Bulletin P105b

September, 2000

Specifications, Applications,
Service Instructions & Parts

Single Point
Level Sensors & Switches
for refrigerants

for Refrigerant Vessels,

Compressor Packages,
Pump Packages, and
Flooded Evaporators
Single Point Level Switch: SPS

ISO 9002

INTRODUCTION APPLICATIONS
These compact single point level sensors and These level sensors and switches are designed
switches are economical solutions for reliable and specifically for use in refrigeration systems. They
accurate level detection. They are designed to detect provide single point refrigerant liquid level detection
the presence of liquid (but not oil) at a specific for receiver/vessels, intercoolers, control pressure
location in vessels containing refrigerant. The receivers, packaged chillers, compressor packages,
computer-compatible, low-voltage signal output of pump packages, and flooded evaporators. In many
the level sensor can be used directly with plant cases, Hansen single point level sensors and switches
computers, PLCs, solid-state relays or other can be used in place of float switches, such as for
controllers. The relay output from the level switch high or low level alarms in conjunction with plant
is suitable for direct connection to solenoids, alarms, computers, PLCs, or shut-off solenoid valves.
and computers.
TYPICAL APPLICATIONS
KEY FEATURES
SEE-LEVEL® A
No moving parts in the probe C
Low refrigerant temperatures possible L C
LEVEL O U
COLUMN W M
Plug-in electronics
S U
Suitable for ammonia, R22, R134a, R404A, R507, I L
D A
and other Hansen approved refrigerants E T
Unaffected by normal splashing or oil coating SINGLE POINT O
R
Reliable, non-optic LEVEL SENSOR
OR SWITCH
Stainless steel probe body

ADVANTAGES VERTICAL
More compact than mechanical float devices, these RECEIVER RECEIVER
level devices are very reliable, even in low-
temperature systems. Unlike optic devices, they are
not affected by film buildup or oil scum. Also, there
is no lens to be fooled by frost buildup. They come
factory precalibrated and tested; ready to use. There
are no moving parts in the probe to break, jam, or
fail. Electronics can be easily replaced without These illustrations are representations only and should
pumping out (opening) the system. not be used for actual construction purposes.
MATERIAL SPECIFICATIONS OPTIONAL ADAPTER KIT
ELECTRICAL—SINGLE POINT LEVEL SENSOR An optional adapter kit is available to retrofit existing
Signal Output: NPN (Current Sinking), sight glasses with the SPL or SPS. This allows direct
Normally Closed connection to Hansen SEE-LEVEL ®, Phillips Level
Supply Voltage: 10 to 30 volt DC Eye®, and Henry liquid indicators. The adapter with
Power Consumption: 4 VA gaskets and adapter ring is installed in place of the
Maximum Load: 300 ohms (80 mA @ 24V) sight glass lens and retainer ring. The SPL or SPS
Housing: Raintight NEMA 3R, Aluminum is then screwed into the adapter. This option allows
Ambient Temperature: –20°F to +125°F (–30°C to +50°C) easy retrofitting without the need to add on additional
Sensing Principle: Capacitance fittings to the level column or vessel. Order Adapter
Kit number 77-1009 for use with Hansen SEE-LEVEL®
ELECTRICAL—SINGLE POINT LEVEL SWITCH and Phillips Level Eye ® or Adapter Kit number
Signal Output: Single Pole, Double Throw (SPDT) 77-1010 for use with Henry Liquid Indicators.
Supply Voltage: 115V or 230V, 50/60 Hz
Relay Rating: 10 amps @ 115 VAC, 5.0 amps @ 230 VAC,
10 amps @ 30 VDC SEE-LEVEL
®
ADAPTER RING ADAPTER
Housing: Raintight NEMA 3R, Aluminum LIQUID INDICATOR

Ambient Temperature: –20°F to +125°F (–30°C to +50°C)

Sensing Principle: Capacitance

MECHANICAL
Connection: ½" NPT
Probe: Stainless steel, ASTM A582
Safe Working Pressure: 400 psig (27 bar) SENSOR BODY FIBER GASKET NEOPRENE GASKET

Refrigerant Temperature: –60°F to +150°F (–50°C to +65°C)

INSTALLATION
These devices must be installed with the probe
horizontal. Handle with care; dropping can damage
SELECTION the probe. Vessel should be free of refrigerant and
the system must be evacuated to zero pressure before
INPUT
TYPE FOR USE WITH OUTPUT installation begins. Level columns should be at least
POWER
3" diameter for low-temperature accumulators.
Computers
SPL NPN
Solid-State Relays 10 to 30 VDC Use proper thread sealant and screw the threaded
(SENSOR) (80 mA @ 24V)
PLC end of the probe body into the half coupling located
Solenoid Valves SPDT Relay on the vessel or column. Loosen sealing locknut to
115 VAC
SPS Motor Relays (10 Amp @ 115V rotate the housing to suit the application, and then
or
(SWITCH) Alarms or retighten the locknut. Make sure that locknut is tight
230 VAC
Computers 5 Amp @ 230 V) to prevent moisture from entering the device. After
Note: wiring, use a sealant (e.g. silicone) in the conduit
SPDT is Single Pole, Double Throw. connection to prevent migration and condensation
NPN is a current sinking transistor switched output. of water vapor inside housing.

INSTALLATION DIMENSIONS

SPL: Single Point Level Sensor SPS: Single Point Level Switch

SENSOR HOUSING ½² NPT

0.75² PROBE BODY

(STAINLESS STEEL) PROBE ½² NPT
(19 mm) (FOR ELECTRICAL CONDUIT)
½² NPT
4.56²
(113 mm)
PROBE BODY PROBE
(STAINLESS
STEEL)

SEALING 2.82²
LOCKNUT (71 mm)
3.52²
(89 mm) 1² (25 mm) HEX
SEALING
LOCKNUT
0.69² (18 mm)
TYPICAL ENGAGEMENT 1.41² 1² (25 mm) HEX
FOR ½² NPT (35 mm)
SWITCH HOUSING 0.69² (18 mm)
TYPICAL ENGAGEMENT
½² NPT FOR ½² NPT
(FOR ELECTRICAL CONDUIT)
6.25² 8.64²
(159 mm) (216 mm)
2
 ELECTRICAL
SPL: Level Sensor SPS: Level Switch

LED: OFF * LED: OFF *

NO LIQUID AT

COMMON
SIGNAL

POWER
PROBE

RELAY
10 AMP

COM
N.O.
N.C.
90% of VIN
4 5 6

LED: ON * LED: ON *
COMMON

LIQUID AT PROBE
SIGNAL

POWER

RELAY
10 AMP

COM
N.O.

N.C.
15% of VIN
4 5 6

VIN = Supply Voltage Input *Box cover must be removed to view the calibration LED.
The above diagram illustrates the level sensor (SPL) voltage output and the position of the level switch relay (SPS) with
and without liquid at the probe. There is a built-in anti-splash time delay (3 seconds) which should prevent most short cycling.
However, if a greater differential is desired, it can be simulated by utilizing an auxiliary time delay relay or a delay circuit.

SINGLE POINT LEVEL SENSOR— SPL SINGLE POINT LEVEL SWITCH— SPS
The NPN level sensors are low-voltage, three-wire The single point level switches are an SPDT relay
devices which have NPN (current sinking) output; device that can be wired either normally closed or
see the Typical Wiring below. The control loop wire normally open. When there is no liquid at the probe
size should be at least 20 AWG (0.5 mm 2) and limited (or the power is off), the N.C. and COM terminals are
to 100 ft. (30 m). For best electrical noise protection, closed (terminals 5 and 6) and the LED is off. When
use shielded cable, and do not run control loop there is liquid at the probe, the N.O. and COM
wiring with or near power wiring. terminals are closed (terminals 4 and 6) and the
LED is on. A maximum wire size of 12 AWG can be
A small, bright LED inside sensor housing illuminates used with the wire terminals.
to indicate the presence of liquid. With liquid at
probe, the output signal will be 15% of the voltage
supply (LED on). In the absence of liquid at probe,
the output signal will be 90% of the voltage supply
(LED off).
TYPICAL WIRING—SPL TYPICAL WIRING—SPS
LED
LIQUID ABOVE PROBE—ON (15% VIN) LED
LIQUID BELOW PROBE—OFF (90% VIN) LIQUID ABOVE PROBE—ON (N.O. POSITION)
LIQUID BELOW PROBE—OFF (N.C. POSITION)

CALIBRATION SCREW
COMMON

L INSIDE N
SIGNAL

POWER

SWITCH
HOUSING
SENSOR HOUSING
115V RELAY
50/60Hz 10 AMP
0.25² (6 mm) SPADE TERMINALS
COM
N.O.
N.C.

L N CALIBRATION
SCREW
1 2 3 4 5 6
CONTROL LOOP WIRING
DO NOT RUN WIRES WITH OR
NEAR POWER WIRING FOR BEST
ELECTRICAL NOISE PROTECTION

DC POWER
FILL SOLENOID VALVE
SUPPLY
(OR LOW LEVEL ALARM)
+
–

COMPUTER OR HIGH LEVEL ALARM

CONTROLLER (OR COMPRESSOR CUTOUT)
– VOLTAGE
+ INPUT

3
TROUBLESHOOTING CAUTION
These level sensors and switches are designed for
DOES NOT INDICATE LEVEL CHANGES
refrigeration systems. Read these instructions and
CAUSE ACTION related safety precautions before selecting, using,
A. Moisture in the A. See Note 1 below. or servicing these devices. Only knowledgeable,
xxxhousing or housing-to- B. See Note 2 below. trained refrigeration mechanics should install,
xxxprobe body joint. C. Check voltage at the operate, or service these devices. Stated temperature
B. Fault in the wiring. xxxterminals in the housing. and pressure limits should not be exceeded. Do not
C. No power to the D. See recalibration remove these devices from vessels unless the system
xxxhousing or wrong voltage. xxxinstructions below. has been evacuated to zero pressure. Escaping
D. Calibration not correct. E. Remove excess oil or use refrigerant may cause injury, particularly to the eyes
E. Oil level is above the xxx"oil-sensor." and lungs.
xxxprobe.
WARNING: As with all electronic and mechanical
OCCASIONAL ERRATIC OUTPUT
components, there is a limited life expectancy. An
CAUSE ACTION expected life of seven to ten years is typical. This
A. Moisture in the A. See Note 1 below. should be understood as only a suggested
xxxhousing or housing-to- B. Alter compressor loading replacement time period. Actual ambient conditions,
xxxprobe body joint. xxxsequence, defrost contaminants, quality of electric current, voltage,
B. Rapid suction pressure xxxsequence, or liquid make- etc., may necessitate a different replacement
xxxpull down results in xxxup feed time to "reduce" schedule. Regardless, level sensor and switches
xxxbubbling and surging xxxpressure fluctuations in should be inspected at least annually to ensure their
xxxliquid. xxxthe vessel. safe and continuous service. See also Safety
C. High-voltage power wires C. Relocate the control loop Precautions in the current List Price Bulletin and
xxxnear control loop wiring. xxxwiring away from the the Safety Precautions Sheet supplied with the
D. Non-isolated devices xxxpower wiring. product.
xxx(sensors or others) on the D. Place the sensor on
xxxsame power supply as xxxseparate power supply or
xxxsensor. (SPL only) xxxreplace non-isolated WARRANTY
xxxdevices with isolated ones. Hansen electronics are guaranteed against defective
Note 1: materials or workmanship for 90 days F.O.B. factory.
MOISTURE IN HOUSING. Dry out the housing. If appearance All other components are guaranteed for one year
is dry, look for signs of moisture damage, such as white F.O.B. factory. No consequential damages or field
residue. Check cover gaskets, watertight cable connectors, labor is included.
and other water sealing joints. Replace if worn. If a conduit
connection is used, carefully seal the inside to prevent
moisture migration and condensation into the housing.
Conduit should enter housing from below. ORDERING INFORMATION
C a t. N o .
Note 2: D e s c rip tio n
FAULT IN THE WIRING. Check the wires in the housing for ammonia halocarbons
proper connection. See page 3 for wiring diagrams. Wires Single Point Level Sensor,
SPLN SPLF
should be securely fastened and not frayed. Also check Current Sinking NPN Output
for continuity in the wires. Single Point Level Switch,
SPSN SPSF
SPDT Relay
TO ORDER:: Specify catalog number, refrigerant,
and voltage (115V or 230V, SPS only).

RECALIBRATION INSTRUCTIONS
These level sensors and switches are accurately
factory precalibrated for vessels of any diameter Other Liquids: The SPLN and SPSN are also suitable
containing refrigerant. They are ready-to-use and for water up to +125°F (+50°C), Contact Factory.
should not require any field adjustment in calibration Consult Hansen for sensors and switches to detect
settings whatsoever. However, in the event that a the level of refrigeration oil.
level sensor or switch should need recalibration,
follow the instructions below.
Before recalibration begins, the liquid in vessel or
column must be clearly below the level point of the
probe. Remove the housing cover. Turn calibration
screw clockwise until the small LED illuminates. HANSEN TECHNOLOGIES
Then, slowly turn calibration screw counterclockwise CORPORATION
just until the LED turns off. Then continue to turn 6827 High Grove Boulevard
calibration screw 2 additional full turns Burr Ridge, Illinois 60521 USA
counterclockwise (to compensate for tolerances). It Telephone: 630-325-1565
should now be recalibrated. If the SPL or SPS cannot Toll-free: 800-426-7368
be satisfactorily calibrated, contact factory. Fax: 630-325-1572
E-mail: info@hantech.com
© 2000 Hansen Technologies Corporation Printed in U.S.A. Web site: www.hantech.com
4