Technical Instructions

Document No. CA1N1552E-P25

November 24, 2003

QBM81-…
Differential Pressure Switch

Description Differential pressure switch for monitoring air pressure in HVAC systems.

Features • Monitors air filters, airflow and fan belts

• Can be used to monitor pressure in clean rooms, kitchens, etc.
• Easy to mount

Application The QBM81-... Differential Pressure Switches are used to monitor differential pressure,
underpressure and overpressure in HVAC installations. By measuring differential
pressure, they monitor the state of air filters, prevailing airflows, damaged fan belts and
overpressure in clean rooms, kitchens, etc. They are also used to monitor differential
pressure and positive and negative relative pressure in HVAC systems.

Product Numbers There are three differential pressure switches available that measure various pressure
ranges:
Table 1. Product Numbers.
Product Number Pressure Range (Inches WC)
QBM81-3 0.08 to 1.20
QBM81-5 0.20 to 2.00
QBM81-10 0.40 to 4.00

Ordering If required, FK-PZ... duct probes must be ordered separately.

When placing an order, specify the quantity, product number and description.
Example:
1 QBM81-5 Differential Pressure Switch and one set of FK-PZ2 duct probes

Siemens Building Technologies, Inc.

Technical Instructions QBM81-… Differential Pressure Switch
Document Number CA1N1552E-P25
November 24, 2003

Operation The differential pressure between the two pressure connections deflects a spring-
loaded diaphragm. This special diaphragm ensures long-term stability of switching
points.

Each type is engraved with individual scales for highly accurate adjustment. The
options for adjustment are shown in Figure 2.

Switch State XD

1 1
2
3

SMIS0077R1
2
0 3

∆p
W

Figure 1. Operation Diagram.

Switching Points Cut-in Cut-in Cut-in

Pressure Switching Pressure Pressure
(in WC) Differential (in WC) (in WC)
min. max. min. max.
2.00 4.00
min. max.
1.20
1.60 3.20

0.80 1.20 2.40

1) 1)
0.80 1.60
1)
0.40
0.40 0.80

0 ∆p 0 ∆p 0 ∆p
SMIS0078R2

in WC in WC in WC
0.04

0.08

0.12

0.08

0.16

0.08

0.16

0.24
0

Pressure Range Pressure Range Pressure Range

0.08 to 1.20" WC 0.20 to 2.00" WC 0.40 to 4.00" WC
1. Factory Setting
Figure 2. Switching Points.

Mechanical Design The QBM81-... Differential Pressure Switch consists of:

• Housing and cover

• Diaphragm
• One sheet-steel mounting bracket

Connection kit (supplied with each switch) consists of:

• Two duct adapters

• Four fixing screws
• 6.6 feet (2 m) tubing, ø 0.25 inch

Page 2 Siemens Building Technologies, Inc.

QBM81-… Differential Pressure Switch Technical Instructions
Document Number CA1N1552E-P25
November 24, 2003

Accessories For difficult conditions or cases where high-precision measurements are required,
two other kits are available:

FK-PZ1 Set of two duct probes (nickel-plated iron) with rubber grommet

FK-PZ2 Set of two duct probes (aluminum) with aluminum mounting rosettes and
four mounting screws

Mounting Notes Mounting instructions are enclosed with the pressure switch.

NOTE: Mounting positions other than vertical affect the cut-in pressure. See
Commissioning Notes.

The pressure switch is suitable for mounting on air ducts or walls. The recommended
orientation is vertical, but any orientation is acceptable. The pressure connection tubes
can be of any length, but the response time will increase if they are longer than 6.6 feet
(2 meters).

The pressure switch should be mounted so that it is above the pressure connection
points. To prevent the accumulation of condensation, the tubing must be routed so that
there is a gradual incline from the pressure connection points to the pressure switch (no
looping).

Commissioning The required setpoint can be selected on the setpoint knob located under the cover.
Notes See Dimensions, Item 5.

NOTE: The setpoint scale provided with the unit is metric.

The pressure switch is factory-calibrated in the vertical position. If installed horizontally,

this will affect the switching point as follows:

• With cover facing upwards: Switching point is 0.044" WC higher than scale.
• With cover facing downwards: Switching point is 0.044" WC lower than scale.

Specifications
Type of switch Single-pole change-over, multi-layer
Electrical Interface contact
Contact rating 24 Vac/dc, >0.01 A
250 Vac
Maximum 5 A resistive
Maximum 3 A inductive, cos ϕ >0.6
(0.8 A starting current sixfold,
cos ϕ > 0.6
Operating voltage Maximum 250 Vac
Switching differential (∆p)* Adjustable
Reset Automatic
Service life >1,000,000 switching operations
Product Data Measuring range See Product Numbers
Repeatability
Range 0.08 to 1.20 in WC <± 0.10 in. WC
Range 0.20 to 4.00 in WC <± 0.02 in. WC
Maximum overload on one side 20.07 in. WC
Admissible media Air and non-corrosive gases

Siemens Building Technologies, Inc. Page 3

Technical Instructions QBM81-… Differential Pressure Switch
Document Number CA1N1552E-P25
November 24, 2003

Specifications, Housing Fiberglass reinforced polycarbonate

Continued Cover Polycarbonate
Diaphragm Silicone (low-swell rubber, no ABS)
Materials
Mounting bracket Sheet-steel (galvanized)
Duct adapters ABS
Tubing PVC, soft
Connections Electrical connection 3 screw terminals
Cable entry PG11 cable gland
Pressure connections Male, ø 0.24-inch
Weight and Dimensions Weight (including packaging) 0.42 lb. with mounting bracket
Dimensions See Figures 5 and 6
General Ambient Ambient temperature
Conditions Operation –4°F to 185°F (–20°C to 85°C)
Storage –40°F to 185°F (–40°C to 85°C)
Ambient humidity <90% rh (non-condensing)
Mounting Orientation Any. See Commissioning Notes.
Agency Approvals Protection class Class 2
Protection standard IP54 to IEC529
Combustion class to UL94
Pressure casing and housing V-0
Cover HB
Plastic tubing V-2
Duct adapters HB
Conforms to CE requirements
* The switching differential is factory-set to a fixed value (See Figure 2), and the
adjustment screw is sealed with paint (approximately one turn counterclockwise from
the end-stop).

Wiring Terminals 1 Ph
SMIS0079R1

2 SWITCH CONNECTS 1-2 ON PRESSURE FALL

3 SWITCH CONNECTS 1-3 ON PRESSURE RISE
∆p

Figure 3. Wiring Terminals.

Application
Examples
SMIS0080R1

∆p ∆p
+ – – +

+ Pressure upstream of filter + Pressure downstream of filter

– Pressure downstream of filter – Pressure upstream of fan on inlet
side or open to atmospheric
pressure. With radial fans, locate
at inlet center
Figure 4. Application Diagram.

Page 4 Siemens Building Technologies, Inc.

QBM81-… Differential Pressure Switch Technical Instructions
Document Number CA1N1552E-P25
November 24, 2003

Dimensions 3.52
(89.4)
All dimensions in inches 1.58
(40)
1.75
(44.4)
(millimeters) 0.98
(25)
1

0.87
(22)

(91.4)
3.60
5

2.01
(51)
4 2 3
ø3.19 (ø81) ø0.24
SMIS0081R1

(ø6.2)
3.47 (88) 0.75
(19)

P1

P2
Legend:
1 Mounting bracket
2 P1 connection, higher pressure
3 P2 connection, lower pressure
4 Pressure differential scale (factory-sealed with paint)
5 Setpoint knob
Figure 5. QBM81-… Differential Pressure Switch Dimensions.

ø0.26
(ø6.5)
2 x ø0.13
(2 x ø3.4)
(78.5)
3.09

2.36
(60)

ø0.63
SMIS0082R1

(ø16)

ø0.26
(ø6.5)

Figure 6. Duct Adapter Dimensions.

NOTE: Two duct adapters are supplied with the pressure switch.

Information in this publication is based on current specifications. The company reserves the right to make changes in specifications and models as
design improvements are introduced. Other product or company names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
© 2003 Siemens Building Technologies, Inc.
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