TouchSensor(R) Technologies' LevelGuard(R) Pump Switch Passes 1,500,000 Cycles in Laboratory Test

September 9, 2015

WHEATON, IL--(Marketwired - Sep 9, 2015) - TouchSensor® Technologies, a division of Methode Electronics, Inc. (NYSE: MEI), a global developer of custom engineered and application specific products and solutions, announced today that its LevelGuard Electronic Sump Pump Switch recently passed the 1,500,000 cycle milestone without failure in a laboratory reliability test. The current test of LevelGuard has been available for viewing online in real-time since it began in June 2014. 

"LevelGuard is proving its value to plumbing contractors and homeowners who need to eliminate sump pump switch failure," stated Jay Orellana, business development manager for LevelGuard. "For property owners faced with water continually seeping into their basements, LevelGuard pays off quickly when compared to the typical mechanical float switch which typically fails after only 250,000 cycles. The LevelGuard is built to last, and we believe LevelGuard will surpass 2 million cycles early next year." 

LevelGuard, which utilizes Field-Effect sensor technology, was designed to surpass 1.5 million cycles and provide a better solution than the current float switch technology for pump OEMs' and homeowners. Mechanical float switches are the number one cause of failure in sump pump systems, and the 1,500,000 cycle milestone is further evidence that LevelGuard can dramatically improve the reliability of the system by employing a solid-state design.

Four LevelGuard SKUs are available, including a sewage model, with 9 foot and 15 foot cords that use piggy-back plugs, as well as a 30 foot pigtail cord. The LevelGuard sump pump switch utilizes TouchSensor's patented Field-Effect sensing technology to detect water at two upper level and one lower level switch points. Both LevelGuard and its patented Field-Effect sensing technology are Underwriters Laboratories listed. LevelGuard carries a warranty of five years against manufacturer's defects. Please visit LevelGuardProducts.com to learn more. 

About LevelGuard Fluid Control Products
Established as a separate brand for fluid level solutions, the LevelGuard electronic sump pump switch provides a solution for plumbing contractors and homeowners who need to eliminate sump pump switch failure. Recognized by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), LevelGuard's proprietary solid-state design for fluid detection and pump switching will work for more than 1,500,000 cycles under normal sump pit conditions. Please visit www.levelguardproducts.com to learn more.

About TouchSensor Technologies, LLC
TouchSensor™ Technologies, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Methode Electronics (NYSE: MEI), is a market leader in touch-sensitive user interface and fluid level detection products. TouchSensor designs, integrates and manufactures sensor and switch consoles for human-machine interface controls in consumer and industrial products using its technology platform, including the patented Field-Effect sensing technology, and HighPerTouch capacitive touch technology. TouchSensor's portfolio of proprietary technology and broad experience developing superior customer experience for OEMs distinguishes us from "build-to-print" contract manufacturers. For world-class product design and manufacturing, let TouchSensor be your product launch engine™. Visit TouchSensor.com to learn more today.

About Methode Electronics Inc.
Methode Electronics, Inc. (NYSE: MEI) is a global developer of custom engineered and application specific products and solutions with manufacturing, design and testing facilities in China, Egypt, Germany, India, Italy, Lebanon, Malta, Mexico, Singapore, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States. We design, manufacture and market devices employing electrical, electronic, wireless, safety radio remote control, sensing and optical technologies to control and convey signals through sensors, interconnections and controls. Our business is managed on a segment basis, with those segments being Automotive, Interface, Power Products and Other. Our components are in the primary end markets of the automobile, computer, information processing and networking equipment, voice and data communication systems, consumer electronics, appliances, aerospace vehicles and industrial equipment industries. Further information can be found on Methode's Web site www.methode.com.

Contact
Jay Orellana
TouchSensor Technologies, LLC
(630) 221-9000 x114
jay.orellana@touchsensor.com