HFS-15, HFS-20 and HFS-25 Paddle Flow Switches

Description

Adjustable flow detection for water systems

HFS paddle flow switches detect increasing or decreasing liquid flow and provide a changeover contact for pump, valve or alarm control. Applications include HVAC water circuits, industrial cooling, pump protection and water-treatment pipelines. Use them with water, ethylene glycol or other nonhazardous liquids compatible with the selected wetted materials.

The mechanical paddle actuates a microswitch as flow changes. An adjustable operating point allows the switch to be matched to the piping and required flow condition. The family uses an ABS cover, a metal mechanism base, a stainless steel paddle and brass or stainless steel process-connection options.

Model and connection selection

ModelMounting thread sizeDocumented construction variants
HFS-151/2inHFS-15A engineering type; HFS-15B standard type
HFS-203/4inHFS-20
HFS-251inHFS-25A engineering type; HFS-25B standard type

The mounting connection size is different from the main pipeline diameter. Choose the switch connection to match the fitting and the paddle arrangement to suit the main flow pipe. Three-plate and five-plate paddle options are listed.

Brass process thread and stainless steel paddle on an HFS flow switch
Threaded process connection and paddle assembly.

Operating limits and contact ratings

ParameterSpecification
Control principlePaddle / target
Switch functionFlow increase or decrease detection; SPDT changeover microswitch
Maximum liquid pressure1715kPa, stated as 17.5kgf/cm²
Ambient temperature0°C to 60°C
Liquid temperature-10°C to 100°C, with the fluid kept unfrozen
Manual electrical rating220VAC, 15A
Additional listed contact ratings125V or 250V, 15A at power factor 1.0
Terminal connectionScrew terminals with dedicated grounding screw
CoverABS plastic; 1/2in conduit opening in the reference manual
Mechanism baseIron base with zinc-plated hardware
Body / process connectionBrass or stainless steel
PaddleStainless steel; three-plate or five-plate configurations

The operating manual specifies a maximum liquid temperature of 100°C. Select the actual switch and load circuit according to its marked electrical rating.

HFS flow switch red ABS cover and product label
ABS cover enclosing the switch mechanism.
HFS flow switch with the cover removed to show the microswitch and spring
Microswitch, spring and paddle linkage inside the housing.

Approximate flow activation ranges

Main pipe diameterApproximate activation range
1in18-50L/min
1-1/2in30-105L/min
2in50-155L/min
2-1/2in75-200L/min
3in100-260L/min
Flow rate versus flow velocity reference curves for several nominal pipe sizes
Flow-rate and velocity reference chart. Pipe labels identify the individual curves.
HFS pressure loss reference curves plotted against flow in litres per minute
Pressure-loss reference curves, labelled 1-3 in the supplied chart.

Contact operation and dimensions

TerminalFunction
1Common
2Normally open; connects to terminal 1 when flow rises to the switching point
3Normally closed; connects to terminal 1 when flow falls to the lower switching point
Paddle flow direction and SPDT terminal connections 1 common, 2 normally open and 3 normally closed
Flow-actuated changeover contact and terminal identification.
Reference drawing dimensionValue
Cover width79mm
Cover depth64.5mm
Reference overall height shown130mm
Horizontal offset shown50mm
HFS reference dimensions and internal component identification
Reference geometry and component names; paddle length depends on configuration.

Installation and adjustment

Install in horizontal pipe or vertical upward flow, with at least five pipe diameters of straight run on each side. Align the housing arrow with flow direction and keep the paddle clear of pipe walls or other restrictions. Vertical installation requires consideration of gravity. Do not use a downward-flow location.

The switch is supplied at the minimum flow setting. Turn the adjustment screw counterclockwise for a higher operating flow or clockwise for a lower setting. Avoid excessive clockwise adjustment. Move the paddle several times and confirm that the microswitch clicks when the lever returns. If it does not, turn the adjustment screw counterclockwise until the return click is restored.

HFS adjustment mechanism with spring and microswitch exposed
Adjustable operating-point mechanism. Paint-sealed factory adjustments should remain undisturbed.

Disconnect power before wiring or commissioning. Use the dedicated grounding screw and avoid force that could shift the microswitch or deform the base. Check three operating cycles with the connected system and replace the cover after adjustment. The English manual includes the full installation and commissioning instructions.