If you’re looking to ensure a safe and efficient process, choosing the right Pressure Switch is an important decision. An incorrect specification can lead to potentially dangerous consequences like actuation errors or damaged equipment – not something anyone wants! Let us guide you through the steps with this article on how to choose (or replace) the perfect switch for your application!
What Describes a High-Quality Pressure Switch?
Pressure switches are a necessary component for numerous applications, with over half of them providing safety measures. But it’s important to be mindful when selecting the proper one – not just any pressure switch will do! Think about style, wetted materials and housing construction; consider your setpoint requirements and application pressures; hell, even make sure its approved if needed! And lastly don’t forget another equally crucial element: accuracy or repeatability. Picking the right pressure switch could mean all the difference in having effective results without fail every single time.
Getting the job done right requires a pressure switch that’s calibrated to perform with precision. So don’t settle for just any manufacturer – make sure you pick one that is top notch and reliable, so your accuracy needs will be met in an efficient manner over time. Go beyond industry standards by looking out for switches with high-grade quality control engineering practices during production – they are worth their weight in gold!
9 Things to Think About When Choosing a Pressure Switch
1. To ensure a safe and reliable system, it’s essential to identify the operating pressure as well as any potential surges in your application.
2. Mechanical and electronic switches offer different possibilities for this – mechanical switches can usually only provide setpoints in the upper 85-90% range of their capacity while electronics have more flexibility with where they can be placed within that same window. Additionally, if alarms or other indicators are desirable then double check whether single or dual pressures points would fit better into your plans!
3. From diaphragms to O-rings, it’s important that process fittings and other wetted materials are compatible. Even the slightest incompatibility could lead to corrosion issues or even worse – leaching into your system!
4. Make sure to keep an eye out for any high temperatures – exceeding them could be detrimental to your switch’s performance. Not only will its setpoint drift, you might face some safety concerns as well!
5. The specs and test results provided by suppliers will give you an idea of the voltages and currents that can be used with a switch so as to get maximum operating life out of it. Keep in mind though – while these ratings are useful indicators, they don’t account for all potential uses! After all, microswitches act like pass-throughs: sending whatever voltage or current supplied through them straight on over to your load.
6. Check for FM, ATEX, CSA or IEC approvals from one of many National Recognized Testing Laboratories (NTRLs) so that you know with confidence that your chosen switch is suitable for use in potentially explosive environments like boilers and steam limit controls.
7. Deciding if your switch needs extra features? From there you can consider options like tag labels for easy identification, oxygen purging for added protection in certain environments or mounting brackets so that everything fits together perfectly!
8. Depending on the specific requirements of each application, having either fixed or adjustable dead bands could benefit you. Fixed values are determined by the switch’s internal components and pressure range; however, for applications with more exacting needs an adjustable version can really come in handy.
9. Whether you’re using your switch indoors or out, it’s important to take into account the environmental factors that can affect its performance. From temperature drops and precipitation levels, outdoor usage requires additional planning when selecting an appropriate pressure switch – not just for safely turning on and off power sources, but also considering necessary IP/NEMA ratings before installation.