FANs 125, 121

Product/Technical Bulletin F63

Issue Date 0796

F63 Series Liquid Level Float Switch

The Single-Pole, Double-Throw (SPDT) F63 Series

Liquid Level Float Switches are designed to maintain a
liquid level in indoor or outdoor closed tanks holding
water or other non-corrosive liquids. When the liquid
level in the tank rises above or falls below the required
level, the F63 will close one circuit and open a second
circuit.

Figure 1: F63BF Float Switch

Features and Benefits

Phosphor Bronze Bellows

Phosphor bronze provides for a longer life while

sealing the switch and wiring compartment from
the liquid

Single-Pole, Double-Throw

Provides control where liquid levels rise and fall

Switch

Sturdy Steel NEMA 3R

Enclosure (F63BF and
F63FF Models)

Solid Polypropylene Float

Allows for use in indoor or outdoor applications;

inhibits the formation of moisture in low
temperature applications
Provides greater resistance to corrosion

(F63EC and F63FF Models)

1996 Johnson Controls, Inc.

Part No. 24-8407-12, Rev. C
Code No. LIT-125245

A pplication Overview
The F63 Float Switch should not be used with liquids
that are lighter than water (specific gravity less
than 1.0). Refer to Table 1 for product descriptions.
IMPORTANT:

All F63 Float Switches are

designed for use only as
operating controls. Where an
operating control failure would
result in personal injury and/or
loss of property, it is the
responsibility of the installer to
add devices (safety, limit
controls) or systems (alarm,
supervisory systems) that protect
against, or warn of, failure.

CAUTION:
Equipment damage
hazard.
To avoid equipment damage, do
not use the F63 switches with
hazardous fluids or in hazardous
atmospheres.

Table 1: F63 Float Switches

Model

F63AC

F63EC

F63BF

F63FF

Float

Copper Float

Polypropylene Float

Copper Float

Polypropylene Float

Enclosure

General Purpose
Enclosure

General Purpose
Enclosure

NEMA 3R Raintight
Enclosure

NEMA 3R Raintight
Enclosure

Application

Designed for use with

indoor tanks holding
water or other
non-corrosive liquids at
temperatures greater
than the ambient dew
point and between 32F
(0C) and 250F (121C).

Designed for use with

indoor tanks holding
liquids (well water, brine,
or ethylene glycol) at
temperatures greater
than the ambient dew
point and between 32F
(0C) and 175F (79C).

Designed for use in

indoor or outdoor tanks
holding water or other
non-corrosive liquids at
temperatures greater
than the liquids freezing
point and between -20F
(-29C) and 250F
(121C).

Designed for use in

indoor or outdoor tanks
holding liquids (well
water, brine, or ethylene
glycol) at temperatures
greater than the liquids
freezing point and
between -20F (-29C)
and 175F (79C).

Temperature at
Enclosure

Must be used where the

ambient temperature at
the enclosure is greater
than 32F (0C).

Must be used where the

ambient temperature at
the enclosure is greater
than 32F (0C).

Must be used where the

ambient temperature at
the enclosure is greater
than -20F (-29C).

Must be used where the

ambient temperature at
the enclosure is greater
than -20F (-29C).

F63 Series Liquid Level Float Switch Product/Technical Bulletin

O peration

I nstallation

The F63 Float Switch will control water levels to within

approximately 1/2 in. (13 mm).
When the liquid level falls approximately 1/2 in.
(13 mm) below the height at which the switch is
installed, the red contact (common) will close to the
blue contact. Refer to Figure 2.
When the liquid level rises in the tank to the height at
which the switch is installed, the red (common) contact
will close to the yellow contact. Refer to Figure 2.

IMPORTANT:

Do not allow the float to touch the

side of the tank or any other
obstructions.
To prevent moisture from
entering and condensate forming
inside the NEMA 3R enclosure
on the F63BF or F63FF, do not
remove the cover gasket or the
wire grommet in the conduit
opening.

WARNING: Personal injury hazard.

To avoid injury, turn off the liquid
supply and relieve the pressure,
before installing or removing the
float switch.

Figure 2: F63 Switching Action

CAUTION: Equipment damage hazard.
To avoid damaging the switch, do
not tighten by grasping the switch
enclosure. Use only the wrench
flats provided (refer to
Figures 3 and 4).
To avoid damaging the float,
maximum allowable liquid
pressure for F63EC and F63FF is
150 psig (1035 kPa). Maximum
allowable liquid pressure for
F63AC and F63BF is 100 psig
(690 kPa).

Install the F63 into a properly threaded (and sealed),

1 in. diameter hole in the tank at the height where the
liquid level is to be maintained. Position the F63 with
the arrow on the enclosure pointing upward and the
threads adequately sealed.

F63 Series Liquid Level Float Switch Product/Technical Bulletin

D imensions
2.94
75

1.50
Hex (Wrench flats to be used for tightening
38
switch to installation.)
1 in. 11-1/2 NPT

3.69
94

1.00
25

UP

F63FF Models Only

4.10
104

1.13
29

1.00
Hex
25

5.09
131

2.78
71

12.70
322.5

1.39
35
1/2 -14 NPSM Thread

1.09
28
F63BF Models Only

1.59
40

4.44
113

13.03
331

Figure 3: F63BF and F63FF Dimensions (in./mm)

F63 Series Liquid Level Float Switch Product/Technical Bulletin

2.66
67

1.17
30 Hex (Wrench flats to be used for tightening
switch to installation.)
1 in. 11-1/2 NPT

1.00
25

UP

4.00
102

F63EC Models Only

4.10
104

4.78
121

1.39
35
1.39
35

12.42
315

1/2 -14 NPSM Thread

1.72
44

1.09
28

0.875
Diameter Hole
22
0.50
for
Conduit with
13
1.09 Diameter Knockout Ring
28

F63AC Models Only

4.44
113

for 0.75 Conduit

19

12.75
324

Figure 4: F63AC and F63EC Dimensions (in./mm)

F63 Series Liquid Level Float Switch Product/Technical Bulletin

W iring
WARNING: Shock hazard. To avoid
possible electric shock or
damage to the equipment,
disconnect the power supply
before making wiring
connections.
Make all wiring connections only with copper
conductors and in accordance with the National
Electric Code and local regulations.
The F63AC and F63EC models have color-coded
screw terminals. Remove the cover to make wiring
connections. Use the terminal screws furnished
(8-32 x 1/4 in. binder head). Substitution with other
screws will void the warranty and agency approvals.
Refer to Figures 6 and 7 for terminal identification.

Figure 6: Suggested Circuit for Controlling Fill Levels

with Several Inches/Feet Difference
Between Minimum and Maximum Levels

The F63BF and F63FF models have color-coded wire

leads. Make connections externally (outside the
enclosure). Connections made internally (inside the
enclosure) may break the vapor-proof seals. Refer to
Figures 6 and 7 for terminal identification.

Figure 5: F63 Switching Action

(Repeated for Reference)
Figure 7: Suggested Circuit for Controlling Dump
Levels with Several Inches/Feet Difference
Between Minimum and Maximum Levels

F63 Series Liquid Level Float Switch Product/Technical Bulletin

A djustments

O rdering Information

All F63 switches are factory set and sealed. No field

adjustments are required. Changing the factory
settings will void the warranty.

Table 3: F63 Ordering Information

Product Number

Description

F63AC-1

SPDT Float Switch with General

Enclosure and Copper Float for
Liquid Temperatures Ranging
from 32F (0C) to 250F (121C);
Maximum Liquid Pressure is
100 psig (690 kPa)

F63BF-1

SPDT Float Switch with NEMA 3R

Enclosure and Copper Float for
Liquid Temperatures Ranging
from -20F (-29C) to 250F
(121C); Maximum Liquid
Pressure is 100 psig (690 kPa)

F63EC-1

SPDT Float Switch with General

Enclosure and Solid
Polypropylene Float for Liquid
Temperatures Ranging from 32F
(0C) to 175F (79C); Maximum
Liquid Pressure is 150 psig
(1035 kPa)

F63FF-1

SPDT Float Switch with NEMA 3R

Enclosure and Solid
Polypropylene Float for Liquid
Temperatures Ranging from -20F
(-29C) to 175F (79C);
Maximum Liquid Pressure is
150 psig (1035 kPa)

C heckout Procedure
Before applying power to the F63, make sure
installation and wiring connections are according to job
specifications.
After all necessary adjustments and electrical
connections have been made, put the system into
operation and observe at least three complete
operation cycles before leaving the installation site.

T roubleshooting
Table 2: F63 Float Switch Troubleshooting
Problem
Water (in the form of
condensation) is within
the enclosure.

Solution
If using F63AC or F63EC, use
vaportight enclosure instead.
If using F63BF or F63FF,
inspect grommet in conduit
conductor. Replace unit if
grommet is defective.
If the bellows are leaking,
replace unit.

Control switch action is

reversed.

Ensure wiring connections

follow wiring diagrams in Wiring
section.
F63 may be installed upside
down. Install F63 with arrow on
the enclosure pointing upward.
Check connections.

Control does not switch.

Ensure wiring connections

follow wiring diagrams in Wiring
section.

R epairs and Replacement

Do not make field repairs. For a replacement float
switch, contact the nearest Johnson Controls/PENN
distributor. Refer to Table 3 for ordering information.

Inspect float. If it is broken,

replace.
Inspect switch mechanism.
Clear any debris within
mechanism.

F63 Series Liquid Level Float Switch Product/Technical Bulletin

Specifications
Product
Minimum Tank Diameter
Maximum Liquid Pressure

F63 Series Liquid Level Float Switch

9 in. (229 mm)
F63AC and F63BF: 100 psig (690 kpa)

F63EC and F63FF: 150 psig (1035 kPa)

F63BF

F63FF

F63AC

F63EC

Minimum

-20F (-29C) or
Liquid Freezing Point

-20F (-29C) or
Liquid Freezing Point

32F (0C) or
Ambient Dew Point

32F (0C) or
Ambient Dew Point

Maximum

250F (121C)

175F (79C)

250F (121C)

175F (79C)

F63BF

F63FF

F63AC

F63EC

-20F (-29C)

-20F (-29C)

32F (0C)

32F (0C)

120 VAC

208 VAC

240 VAC

277 VAC

--

Full Load Amperes

16.0

8.8

8.0

--

Locked Rotor Amperes

96.0

52.8

48.0

--

Non-inductive Amperes

16.0

16.0

16.0

16.0

Liquid Temperatures

Ambient Temperatures
Minimum
Electrical Ratings
Horsepower

125 VA at 24/277 VAC

Pilot Duty
F63BF and F63FF

F63AC and F63EC

Four Color-coded No. 14 AWG Solid

Conductor Wire Leads

Three Color-coded Screw Terminals

F63BF and F63FF

F63AC and F63EC

Case

0.062 in. (1.57 mm) Cold Drawn Steel

0.062 in. (1.57 mm) Cold Rolled Steel

Cover

0.062 in. (1.57 mm) Cold Drawn Steel

0.028 in. (0.7 mm) Cold Rolled Steel

Wiring Connections
Enclosure

Switch
Pipe Connector

SPDT Snap-acting Pennswitch

1 in. 11-1/2 NPT Threads
F63BF and F63FF

F63AC and F63EC

Female Hub for 1/2 in. Conduit,

1/2-14 NPSM Threads

One 7/8 in. (22 mm) Hole for 1/2 in. Conduit
with 1-3/32 in. (28 mm) Knockout Ring for
3/4 in. Conduit

Conduit Connection

Finish
Agency Listings

Gray Baked Enamel

UL Listed:

File E5368, Guide NMFT

CSA Certified:

File LR948, Class 3211 06

Shipping Weight

F63BF

F63FF

F63AC

F63EC

Individual Pack

2.5 lb (1.13 kg)

2.9 lb (1.3 kg)

2.4 lb (1.1 kg)

2.4 lb (1.1 kg)

Overpack of 10

27 lb (12.2 kg)

31 lb (14.1 kg)

26 lb (11.8 kg)

26 lb (11.8 kg)

The performance specifications are nominal and conform to acceptable industry standards. For application at conditions beyond these specifications,
consult the local Johnson Controls office. Johnson Controls, Inc. shall not be liable for damages resulting from misapplication or misuse of its products.

Controls Group
507 E. Michigan Street
P.O. Box 423
Milwaukee, WI 53201

F63 Series Liquid Level Float Switch Product/Technical Bulletin

Printed in U.S.A.