A pressure switch is a device that senses changes in pressure and responds, according to its set point, with pressure fluctuations. Pressure switches come in a variety of devices, including a sensor or chip, a transducer, a meter, a gauge or a controller. They are able to work with gas, electric current and liquid pressure situations, individually or in a combination. When a pressure switch is actuated it will open or close to interrupt or continue the flow or current involved. Depending on the application, a pressure switch may be set to a certain point of pressure or actuation point to which it will automatically respond.
Pressure switches are especially useful because they are a safe and cost-effective alternative to safety relief valves. The problem with relief valves is that they will sometimes leak pressure during operation, which, in hazardous situations, can be particularly devastating. The use of pressure switches will detect when such a problem is happening and will shut down the process until the trouble is fixed and an operator restarts the operation. The wide range of uses for pressure switches varies anywhere from the space station to missile launchers.
Pressure switches are especially useful because they are a safe and cost-effective alternative to safety relief valves. The problem with relief valves is that they will sometimes leak pressure during operation, which, in hazardous situations, can be particularly devastating. The use of pressure switches will detect when such a problem is happening and will shut down the process until the trouble is fixed and an operator restarts the operation. The wide range of uses for pressure switches varies anywhere from the space station to missile launchers.
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Last Updated: Sep 2009
Last Updated: Sep 2009
What are Pressure Switches?
One type of pressure switch is the ultrasonic level switch, which is perfect for use in lubrication storage vessels in equipment that rotates and needs an alarm to help prevent damage. Nothing moves in these switches so they have no problems with sediment, and they are also unaffected by changes in pressure and temperature. These switches, because of their immunity to atmospheric changes, are useful in tanks that store mass quantities of liquid. Another type of pressure switch is the displacer level switch, which is used to maintain the level of liquids in a sump based on a preset set point. These are low cost, simple to operate and reliable.
Pressure switches have a variety of uses in many different industries. Because they are designed to handle different situations, they are useful for applications such as filters, blowers, generators, off-road equipment, compressors, turbines, wastewater applications, panels and pipelines. Pressure switches are specifically designed for alarm, shutdown and control of many processes and equipment, and thus, work well in electronics, pipelines, pumps and other instances in which regulation or measurement of flow is required. Some things to consider and evaluate when looking for a pressure switch are accuracy, electrical output, temperature compensation, temperature output and the material to be handled. Also important are maximum vibration, maximum shock and operating temperature.
Pressure switches have a variety of uses in many different industries. Because they are designed to handle different situations, they are useful for applications such as filters, blowers, generators, off-road equipment, compressors, turbines, wastewater applications, panels and pipelines. Pressure switches are specifically designed for alarm, shutdown and control of many processes and equipment, and thus, work well in electronics, pipelines, pumps and other instances in which regulation or measurement of flow is required. Some things to consider and evaluate when looking for a pressure switch are accuracy, electrical output, temperature compensation, temperature output and the material to be handled. Also important are maximum vibration, maximum shock and operating temperature.
