A pressure switch is an essential component of fluid control systems. Pressure switches detect a change in the pressure of a liquid or gas and produce an output signal.

Depending on your requirement, you can select a pressure switch with different sensing elements such as a diaphragm, a strain gauge, a semiconductor sensor, a piston and a piezoelectric or vibrating element.

Some of the most common pressure switches are an oil pressure switch installed in an oil refinery, an air pressure switch installed in a power plant and a compressor pressure switch installed in a pneumatic system.

Some important parameters you must consider before purchasing a pressure switch are:

1. Operating pressure range
2. Type of fluid: gas or liquid
3. Sensor mechanism for the pressure switch
4. Operating temperature for the pressure switch

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy a pressure switch from a reputable manufacturer

Once you understand your requirements, evaluate different pressure switches available in the market.

I recommend: Wasco offers a variety of pressure switches such as a low-pressure switch, a high-pressure switch and a differential pressure switch. Air Logic supplies pressure switches such as miniature precision switches. Sigma-Netics offers pressure switches used in various equipment such as agricultural machinery, oil exploration equipment and pollution control devices. Ashcroft manufactures pressure switches for different industries such as breweries, dairies and beverages. You can buy an air pressure switch or a water pressure switch at Condor, a pump and compressor control product manufacturer.

Buy pressure switches from distributors or retailers

Compare different pressure switches based on their features and prices at distributors or retailers' websites. You can ask for a discount if you are buying in bulk.

I recommend: Grainger is an industrial instrument retailer that offers pressure switches for HVAC (heating, ventilation and cooling) equipment, compressors and pumps. You can buy a digital pressure switch at Kinequip, a reputable distributor of pneumatic products. Galco Industrial Electronics supplies pressure switches from reputable pressure switch manufacturers. Additionally, you can purchase pressure switches at other distributors such as Dale Foster and AutomationDirect.

Buy a customized or specialty pressure switch

Buy customized pressure switches if standard products available in the market do not match your requirements. For example, you would need a furnace pressure switch for foundry applications where operating temperature is extremely high.

I recommend: Nason, a reputable pressure switches manufacturer, can supply a customized low-pressure switch as per customers’ requirements. If you are looking for explosion proof pressure switches for hazardous environment applications, evaluate pressure switches offered by United Electric Controls. In addition to the broad array of standard industrial pressure switches, MPL also manufactures customized pressure switches.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Use standard fittings and accessories for the efficient operation of your pressure switches.