Pressure Switches

Pressure switches are a type of sensor,

they are widely used throughout different
industries including manufacturing,
HVAC, motorsport, automotive, machine
building.
The primary function of a pressure switch
is to make or break an electrical circuit
when the set point is reached, either with
rising or falling pressure.
 Pressure Switches
There are different types of pressure
sensors but with a pressure switch, they are
set to a limit and will “switch” when the
pressure reaches or goes beyond that limit.
This limit can be adjustable depending on
the requirements of the application. To
measure actual pressure with live electrical
feedback on the system pressure, a
pressure transducer is often used.
PISTON-ACTUATED PRESSURE SWITCH
How A Pressure Switch Works
A pressure switch is set to a limit (set
point). Pressure is applied to the switch
through a pressure port. A pressure
switch can have one or two pressure
ports depending on the type of
pressure being measured.
How A Pressure Switch Works
contd.
The pressure enters the switch through
the ports, when the limit is reached, the
apparatus within the switch will either
open or close thus breaking or linking an
electrical circuit (depending on if they are
set to be open or closed) to alert the user
that the limit has been reached.
 Uses of Pressure Switches
They will raise an alarm to alert
personnel that a limit has been reached
or cause a switching operation to take
place. E.g; pressure switches are fitted
into oxygen tanks in hospitals; as long
as there is a level of oxygen gas within
the tank the pressure will remain on the
switch.
 Uses of Pressure Switches
As the oxygen is used the pressure
within the tank changes, once it gets
below a certain point, the pressure will
go below the limit of the pressure sensor
causing the switch to flip on and an
alarm is raised. Knowing whether the
tank contains enough oxygen inside is
vital for use within the medical industry.
 Some other applications
Liquid dispensing in drinks machines for
example coffee machines
Block filter detection in fans and air filter
systems
Water levels in white goods; washing
machines etc
HVAC boiler room controls