Arcus SK80-F: KNX hydrostatic sensors for oil and water level measurement, with integrated temperature detection

In technical building management, precisely monitoring the level of liquids in tanks — whether heating oil or water — is an increasingly common requirement, both in residential and industrial settings. Arcus-EDS addresses this need with the SK80-F series, KNX hydrostatic level meters featuring a pressure sensor and integrated temperature detection. In this article we present two variants designed for different applications: one for oil, the other for water.

How they work

Both devices are based on the same measuring principle: the hydrostatic sensor detects the pressure exerted by the liquid column above it and, based on this value, precisely calculates the tank's fill level. The signal is transmitted to the KNX coupler via Modbus RS485 bus, which returns both level and temperature data, enabling complete monitoring directly on the KNX bus.

The coupler features an integrated LCD display that shows in real time the current date, fill level, content in m³, and fill percentage, as well as the liquid temperature.

1) SK80-F-T-PMO-5 | Hydrostatic (Oil) — oil level measurement

Cod. ARC_30807370

The hydrostatic sensor detects the pressure of the liquid column and calculates the level. It is the ideal solution for monitoring tanks containing heating oil, diesel, vegetable oils, and lubrication oils. The pressure sensor used is the GX-701PT, with Modbus RS485 output and integrated temperature detection.

Please note: the sensor is not suitable for slightly flammable or explosive substances, nor for use in EEX zones.

2) SK80-F-T-PM-10 | Hydrostatic (Water) — water level measurement

Cod. ARC_30807310

The hydrostatic sensor detects the pressure of the water column and calculates the level. It is designed for tanks containing drinking water, domestic water, and rainwater. The pressure sensor used is the BGT-GL802, with Modbus RS485 output and integrated temperature detection.

Common technical features

• Accuracy: 0.5% of full scale

• Resolution: 1 mm

• Signal output: Modbus RS485

• Protection rating: IP68 (sensor) / IP65 (KNX coupler)

• Power supply: KNX bus 21..32V DC, 20mA consumption

• Switching output: potential-free, 20mA/5-230V AC/DC

Functions available via KNX bus

Both devices provide an extensive set of KNX communication objects, including:

• Fill level (m), distance, and content (m³ and %)

• Liquid temperature

• Minimum and maximum values with corresponding date/time stamps

• Upper and lower alarm thresholds, with configurable hysteresis

• Switching output, also usable as a general-purpose actuator

• Date/time object, settable locally or via a centralized KNX time provider

All parameters can be configured either via ETS (application SK80_F.knxprod) or locally on the device, using the control buttons and the built-in display.

Tank geometry: maximum flexibility

Both devices allow the tank geometry to be configured by choosing between cylindrical, round, conical, or "free shape" (up to 8 customizable filling points), ensuring accurate content calculation even for tanks with non-standard shapes.

Installation

The sensor must be placed at the bottom of the tank; the cable must be protected against mechanical damage and stress. The KNX coupler, with IP65 protection rating, is suitable for both indoor and outdoor installations (including damp environments), with wall mounting via 2-4 screws.

Why choose them

• Precise and reliable level measurement, with dedicated versions for oil and water

• Integrated temperature detection, no additional sensors required

• Full integration into the KNX building automation system

• Flexible parameterization, both via ETS and locally

• Alarm and threshold management for proactive tank monitoring

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