HANLA IMS FMS-2VD-WS Vertical Float Level Switch

HANLA IMS FMS-2VD-WS Vertical Float Level Switch (SPDT 5A 250VAC, IP56)

The HANLA IMS FMS-2VD-WS is a float level switch engineered specifically for marine, offshore, and harsh industrial fluid-handling environments. Manufactured by South Korea’s leading marine instrumentation specialist, HANLA IMS Co., Ltd., this unit provides reliable point-level detection across service tanks, bilge wells, cargo hold alarm points, ballast tanks, and fuel conditioning modules.

Operating on magnetic coupling principles, the hermetically sealed reed/microswitch assembly within the guide tube is physically and pressure-isolated from process fluids. As the fluid level rises or falls, an internal permanent magnet inside the 316L stainless steel float actuates the internal switch contact, triggering high/low alarm annunciations, auto-start/stop sequencing for bilge and transfer pumps, or emergency trip interlocks. Encased in a rugged, marine-grade aluminum terminal housing rated to IP56 ingress protection, the FMS-2VD-WS resists continuous maritime vibration, salt spray, thermal cycling, and oil mists.

Model Details

• Manufacturer: HANLA IMS Co., Ltd. (Republic of Korea)
• Series: FMS Vertical Level Switch Series
• Full Part Number / MPN: FMS-2VD-WS
• Alternative Part Identifier: FMS2VDWS
• Model Code Breakdown:
  • FMS: Float Magnetic Switch Series
  • 2: Dual-point or customized dual-contact/offset switch module arrangement
  • V / VD: Vertical mounting, top/deck entry with internal guide tube dampening
  • WS: Weatherproof / Water-tight marine switch head enclosure (IP56)

Technical Specifications

Marine Compatibility

• Engine Room Alarm & Monitoring Systems (AMS / ICMS):
  • Kongsberg Maritime (K-Chief 500 / 600, AutoChief C20)
  • CSSC / Marine Electrical automation panels
  • Valmet DNA Marine Automation
  • Wärtsilä NACOS Platinum / SAM Electronics MCS
  • Nabtesco Engine Telegraph and Bilge Monitoring units
• Auxiliary Equipment & Machinery Skids:
  • Alfa Laval, GEA Westfalia, and Mitsubishi Purifier / Separator sludge tank alarms
  • RWO, ACO Marine, and Hamworthy Oily Water Separator (OWS) and bilge holding tanks
  • D/G Lub Oil Sump Tanks, Thermal Oil Expansion Tanks, and Scrubber Drain Tanks
  • Cargo hold bilge high-level detection (SOLAS Chapter XII compliant installations)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the switch action be reversed from Normally Open (NO) to Normally Closed (NC)?

Yes. Because the terminal assembly provides a Form C SPDT contact (COM, NC, NO), you can change system response simply by switching the wire from Terminal 3 (NO) to Terminal 2 (NC). Alternatively, flipping the float 180° on its vertical stem reverses magnetic activation logic.

What is the maximum fluid temperature the HANLA FMS-2VD-WS can handle?

The standard FMS-2VD-WS operates reliably up to +120°C. For extreme applications such as high-temperature thermal oil or boiler feed tanks, high-temperature ceramic-insulated internal variants can accommodate operating temperatures up to +180°C.

Is the FMS-2VD-WS submersible?

The switch terminal head is rated IP56, which guarantees protection against heavy maritime seas, hose sprays, and dense salt mist, but is not designed for continuous pressurized water submersion. If continuous submerged operation is required inside deep bilge wells, an IP68-rated submersible terminal box or potting modification is necessary.

Can the FMS-2VD-WS switch inductive pump motor circuits directly?

While the switch contact is rated for 5A @ 250VAC resistive loads, it should not be used to start high-inductance electric pump motors directly. For motor control, route the SPDT output to an auxiliary relay or the coil circuit of an external contactor.

How do you verify switch functionality without flooding the tank?

During dry dock or routine PMS, manual actuation can be done by lifting the float along the guide tube using an inspection hook or via the integrated test lever arm if equipped on the flange head. Continuity between COM and NO should snap cleanly with zero contact bounce.