float switch

[/floʊt swɪtʃ/]
nounpl: float switches
chave de boia
1. An electrical switch that automatically opens or closes a circuit based on the rise or fall of liquid level in a tank or container, using a buoyant float mechanism
The float switch in the sump pump activates automatically when water reaches a certain level.
A chave de boia na bomba de drenagem ativa automaticamente quando a água atinge um nível específico.
2. A safety device commonly used in water tanks, aquariums, or industrial applications to prevent overflow or maintain liquid levels
The toilet's float switch ensures the tank refills to the proper level.
A chave de boia do banheiro garante que o reservatório se encha ao nível correto.
Float switches are widely used in Brazil in both industrial and residential plumbing systems, particularly in water storage tanks which are common due to inconsistent water supply in some regions. In the USA, they are most familiar in toilet cisterns and sump pumps. The term 'chave de boia' is well-established in Portuguese-speaking technical communities.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
level switchliquid level switchbuoy switch
Antonyms / Antônimos
manual switch

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
chave de boia
Standard term used throughout Brazil in industrial and residential contexts
São Paulo
chave de boia
Common usage in industrial and construction sectors
Portugal
comutador de flutuador
More formal Portuguese equivalent; also 'interruptor de nível'
General USA
float switch
Standard term in English-speaking industrial and household applications

Related Words

floatbuoyantliquid levelsump pumpelectrical switchsensor

Related Idioms & Phrases

keep the float switch in check
trip the float switch
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