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.

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. See our pressure transducers here.

As explained above, 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. 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.  

Pressure switches are often used as alarm systems, they will raise an alarm to alert personnel that a limit has been reached. For example; 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. 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.

Other applications for pressure switches include;

• Solution levels on DNA testing machines
• Compression units in medical facilities
• Medical breathing apparatus
• 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

We have a range of our own designed and manufactured pressure switches (EPS range) and some further ranges from our suppliers; all of these can be found above. Some of the features of our pressure switches include;

• Quick response time 
• Shock and vibration resistance 
• Durable 
• Reliable
• Long lasting 

For further information on our pressure switches or any of the products in our portfolio contact us.