Model SL-400 LevelAc level switches use 'heavier-than-liquid" displacers which sink below the surface of the liquid under control. Spring suspension balances the normal displacer weight and as the liquid level rises around the displacer, it is buoyed up by a force equal to the weight of the liquid displaced. The apparent weight loss allows the spring to move the internal armature into the externally mounted switch's magnetic field to produce switch operation.

Mercury Switching Station - A glass capsule containing the mercury and switch contacts is mounted on a pivoted arm. A magnetic armature moves up and down inside a non-magnetic sealing tube following movement of the float caused by changing liquid level in the float chamber. As the armature enters the field of the Alnico V magnet mounted on the opposite end of the pivoted arm, magnetic attraction causes the magnet to approach the sealing tube and tilt the mercury capsule to make or break an electrical circuit.

Snap Switching Stations - An Alnico 8 magnet surrounds the sealing tube and concentrates powerful magnetic force in a small space. Movement of the armature into the magnetic field shunts attraction away from the external pole pieces which allows the pivoted actuator plate to "snap" the SPDT switch making the circuit "COM" to "NC" and breaking "COM" to "NO".