Pressure Switches
Pressure switches are critical components for monitoring and controlling pressure. They switch electrical circuits on and off when a given pressure is reached. Pressure switches are used in an enormous variety of applications. They are found in hydraulic systems, air compressors, gas pipelines, and many other components and systems where pressure control is crucial. In a hydraulic system, for example, a pressure switch can deactivate an electric motor if the system pressure reaches a dangerous level—either too high (the switch opens) or too low (the switch closes).
Systems that must maintain optimal pressure are often found in the oil, gas, and manufacturing sectors. Pressure switches do the main work of maintaining optimum pressure in such systems and are often used in conjunction with regulated pumps to ensure a steady, unfailing flow of material.
Products
More Information about Pressure Switches
Pressure switches are available in many forms, low-pressure switches for more sensitive systems and the high-pressure switches for tougher applications. And then there are the adjustable pressure switches, which let you set the pressure threshold to whatever fits your particular application. If those applications happen to be in hazardous or explosive environments, then you would use an explosion-proof switch. Other pressure switches include: electronic pressure switches, mechanical pressure switches, differential pressure switches, hydraulic pressure switches, diaphragm pressure switches, oil pressure switches, air pressure switches and gas pressure switches.
FAQs
Can an air pressure switch be used in conjunction with a pressure switch relief valve in compressor systems?
Yes, an air pressure switch can be used in conjunction with a pressure switch relief valve in compressor systems to monitor and regulate pressure levels while ensuring safe pressure release when necessary.
Analog and Digital Control Signals: The Basics
Digital Signals
Digital signals are represented in either a true or false. There is no gray area with digital signals. An example of this might be a light switch. A light switch is either on or off. Another example of this might be a motor that is running or not running. Digital signals can be generated with both AC and DC circuits with varying voltages, currents and resistance. Some practical examples of using digital signals in an industrial environment might be if a pump is running or not running or a whether a valve is open or closed.
Analog Signals
Analog signals convey information in the form of a range. A light switch might be on or off as a digital signal, but a dimmer switch would be an analog signal. It can be on or off, but it can also be somewhere in between. A practical example of using analog signals in an industrial environment would be if there is a need to measure the level of a tank; whether it's full, empty or somewhere in between. Analog signals can take many different forms with some of the more common being a 4 to 20 milliamp signal or a 0 to 5 or 0 to 10 volt signal.
Communication
Communication in a device can either be sent or received. Whether that data is sent or received depends on the type of information. Is there a need to monitor the status of something? If so, an input needs to be received about that information. Is there a need to control something? If so, an output needs to be sent about what needs to occur. Receiving inputs and setting outputs are both things that can be accomplished by using both digital and analog signal types. Therefore, the signals are referred to as analog outputs (AO), analog inputs (AI), digital inputs (DI) or digital outputs (DO).