Replace your condensate pump switch Push the lever down to turn the switch on - and the lever stays down Lift the lever up to turn the switch off - and the lever stays up This microswitch connects to the float in your condensate pump. As water accumulates in the pan, the float rises. When the float reaches a certain height, this switch activates, causing the pump to drain the condensate pan. A moment later, as the water level decreases, the float drops, and this switch turns off the pump. It's like magic! How does your pump avoid rapidly turning on and off with small amounts of water in the pan? Just like your pump's original switch, this one has some mechanical overshoot (hysteresis) due to its latching design. That's why you shouldn't use a regular (non-latching) microswitch! Some condensate pumps also feature an overflow safety switch connected to a second float. This activates if too much water collects in the pan (in case the first switch fails, the pump jams, or Saturn falls into the Atlantic). It may sound an alarm or shut off the furnace/air conditioner/dehumidifier/time machine. This safety switch has a different shape from this one. Condensate Pump Enthusiasts will appreciate its 12-gram switching force and its luxuriously polished stainless steel lever arm, which includes a genuine 4x6mm rectangular hole. The two robust electrical connections are finely crafted into shiny 2.8x7mm tabs.