Range
Products at a glance3
OptiLev
The cost-effective, individual OEM solution for liquid and semi-liquid level measurements – flexibly adaptable and easy to integrate.
samba
Robust level switch for industrial applications – reliable and low-maintenance, ideal for oil and grease systems.
Laser level
Compact laser level for easy installation - ideal for monitoring lubricant reservoirs and minimal maintenance.
Technology
Technical data and selection
A level switch is the cheapest insurance in a lubrication system. The expensive failure is not a broken pump but an empty reservoir nobody noticed — the plant keeps running, reports no fault, and stops lubricating. DropsA offers two different principles for this, and choosing between them is not a price question.
| Parameter | OptiLev | Samba |
|---|---|---|
| Principle | optical (infrared) | float switch |
| Supply | 8–28 V DC | max. 220 V AC |
| Output | NPN 1.7 A | max. 1 A / 50 W |
| Operating temperature | −20…+70 °C | −10…+80 °C |
| Feature | short-circuit protection, LED | industrial version |
Source: DropsA manufacturer data, retrieved 31 July 2026 – OptiLev · Samba. The figures in the respective datasheet are binding.
Optical or float — how to decide
The OptiLev works without moving parts: an infrared path in the sensor head is optically altered by the medium present. That makes it immune to vibration and foam, and the LED on the sensor shows its state without a meter. Its temperature window starts at −20 °C, which makes it the right choice for outdoor and vehicle applications.
The Samba switches mechanically and may be loaded up to 220 V AC. That is the decisive difference: it can be wired straight into an existing control cabinet without a 24 V level being available — often the deciding point when retrofitting older plant. Its upper temperature window reaches +80 °C.
What to watch when installing
- Do not put the switching point at the bottom of the reservoir — the remaining volume has to last until someone refills, not until the pump draws air
- Route the signal to the controller, not only to a lamp; nobody sees a lamp on the machine during the night shift
- Check the temperature window against the mounting location — the difference between −20 °C and −10 °C decides an outdoor installation in winter
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Principle | optical distance measurement (laser) |
| Output | DC PNP, 2 switching outputs, NO/NC complementary |
| Operating voltage | 10–30 V DC |
| Current draw | 75 mA at 24 V · capacity 2 × 200 mA |
| Light spot | < 5 mm at 2 m |
| Measuring frequency | 33 Hz |
| Operating temperature | −25…+60 °C |
| Protection | IP 67 / IP 65 |
| Connection | M12 connector · EN 60947-5-2 |
| Service life | 50 000 h |
| Part number | 0295131 (laser kit) |
Source: DropsA manufacturer data, retrieved 31 July 2026 – Laserniveau. The figures in the respective datasheet are binding.
The laser gauge measures, the other two switch
OptiLev and Samba report a state: medium present or not. The laser gauge measures the distance to the surface and derives the fill level from it. Its two switching outputs can therefore be set freely to minimum, maximum or any point in between — pre-warning and alarm become two separate signals instead of one.
The light spot of under 5 mm at 2 m is the figure that governs mounting: the beam has to hit the surface, not a reservoir wall or a stirring paddle. Its temperature window starts lower than either switch at −25 °C and ends earlier than the Samba at +60 °C.
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