Pressure switch

Would you like to control switching processes in a technical system that are triggered by changes in the pressure of a gaseous or liquid medium? Then you need a pressure switch. Here you can learn a little more about the history, the tasks and the operating principle of pressure switches. Inexpensive and reliable pressure switches for switching valves or pumps are available here in the eibabo® online shop. Choose a model that suits your system from our range.

What are pressure switches?

Pressure switches are used to automate a pump or compressor. The basic principle of these switching devices is that connected devices:

  • switched on when the pressure falls below a set limit
  • off when the upper pressure limit is reached

 

Source: eibabo®, Eaton MCSN11-V pressure switchImage: Eaton MCSN11-V pressure switch

Pressure switches have many names. The following terms are very common:

Differential pressure switch, pressure limiter, pressure controller, pump relay, water pressure switch, air pressure switch or compressor switch

The devices are used, for example, in liquid tanks or gas tanks in which the filling level or the internal pressure of the medium contained therein is to be monitored. This ensures that certain values are not exceeded or fallen below. Alternatively, when a critical value is reached, switching processes are triggered in order to restore the desired or programmed normal state. A distinction is made between mechanical and electronic pressure switches, which offer individual advantages depending on the desired area of application.

The history of the pressure switch

In the past, pumps and compressors were switched on and off mechanically and required constant human intervention. In the early 1930s, August Frede Maschinenfabrik (today: Condor-Werke) developed a simple and functional device that was equipped with a membrane and worked according to a spring principle. This first pressure switch should automate the switching on and off of pumps or compressors. In 1935, the company received the world's first patent for a diaphragm pressure controller for the automatic control of pumps. To this day, Condor-Werke is one of the global market leaders in the development and production of pressure switches.

What are the advantages of a pressure switch?

A pressure switch allows full automation of the start-up and shut-down process, eliminating the need for human involvement in managing the pump or compressor. An automatic shutdown when the upper pressure limit is reached guarantees the safety of the respective system. If pumps or compressors only work within a certain pressure range due to intelligent switching processes, energy costs can be significantly reduced and resources saved.

 


TIP

Be sure to note the installation location and, accordingly, the moisture protection of the pressure switch.


 

In addition, pressure switches are very reliable and durable.

The mechanical pressure switch

Depending on the design, pressure switches can work mechanically or electronically. Mechanical type devices are more common due to their reliability, durability and simplicity. The mechanical pressure switch can be installed directly on site with minimal effort.

Notice

High-quality pushbutton switches have non-stick silver-plated contacts, a high-strength diaphragm and fine-tuning capabilities. Especially with cheap goods from the Far East, the lack of these properties can lead to failures and unreliable switching operations. Here in the eibabo® online shop you only get reliable quality goods from well-known brands.


The functional principle of a mechanical pressure switch is essentially based on the combination of a membrane with a block of adjustable springs. The pressure of the working medium is transmitted through the diaphragm to the working pressure setting springs by means of nuts or screws. A differential pressure setting spring measures the value of this compression. If the compression of the working pressure setting springs exceeds a certain value due to the pressure of the diaphragm, the differential pressure setting spring opens the contacts in the contact block and the pump or compressor is switched off. When the pressure drops, the tension in the springs relaxes again and the compression decreases. The mains contacts then close again and the connected device is switched on again. Depending on the version of the pressure switch, there may be additional outlets for connecting a pressure gauge and safety valves.

The electronic pressure switch

An electronic pressure switch is actually a complete pump controller. As a rule, these devices include elements for soft starting, protection against dry running, as well as ways of setting the upper and lower thresholds of the operating mode of the pump or compressor. The advantages compared to a mechanical pressure switch are the smaller dimensions and the setting principle. Sensitivity adjustment screws are located on the electronic pressure switch body.

How do I protect myself from my system running dry?

The cause of failures in the operation of pumps or compressors is often the lack of the required working medium in the system. This problem is annoying and affects the reliability of all components. Idling leads to overheating or damage to parts and the associated failure of the entire system. To avoid this, when choosing a pressure switch, please consider the characteristics and allowable ratings for the operation of your pump or compressor. You avoid the danger of idling as follows:

  • Buy a device with dry-running protection. These devices are a bit more expensive, but respond very effectively to pressure drops.
  • Invest in the installation of a controller that not only monitors the pressure. This would, for example, also switch on the pump if the actual values fall below the set target values.

 

How do I choose a pressure switch?

When choosing a pressure switch, it is necessary to determine the type of pressure switch, the required functionality and the operating pressure:

  • Should the switch monitor the pressure of liquids or gases?
  • Does the switch have to be able to withstand chemical compounds?
  • In which key figures is the working pressure range?
  • How is the power supply designed for the switch (voltage, number of phases, current)?
  • What sizes are required for the flange connections?
  • What additional components and options are desired? Examples of this would be: start button, thermal relay to protect the electric motor, dry running protection relay for pumps, relief valve to make starting compressors easier and so on.

 

When installing a high-quality pump, please remember that the pressure switch should also be of the same quality. This is the only way to ensure reliable operation.

 


by the way

The manufacturers of high-quality devices carry out long-term tests with the pressure switches in the laboratory in order to guarantee more than half a million switching operations.


 

Use our detailed search to select your pressure switch. There you can precisely set the parameters of the switch you want and filter accordingly.

 

eibabo - technology store

 

Catalogue content:


In this eibabo® catalogue Low-voltage industrial components > Pressure switch you will find items from the following product groups:

Item overview:

  • Compressor switch
  • Cylinder switch
  • Differential pressure switch
  • Pressostat
  • Pressure limiter
  • Pressure monitoring device
  • Pressure regulator
  • Pressure sensor
  • Pressure sensors
  • Pressure switch
  • Pressure transducer
  • Pressure transmitter
  • Two-position controller
  • Vacuum monitor
  • Vacuum switch


from the following manufacturers:

Manufacturer overview catalogue Pressure switch:

  • Alre-it
  • Baumer
  • Bourdon-Haenni
  • Condor
  • Doepke
  • Eaton
  • Elster
  • Endress + Hauser
  • Helios
  • Honeywell Fema
  • Ifm Electronic
  • Ipf Electronic
  • Jumo
  • Maico
  • NE-MA
  • Rockwell
  • Schneider Electric
  • Sick
  • SMC Deutschland


 
Would you like to control switching processes in a technical system that are triggered by changes in the pressure of a gaseous or liquid medium? Then you need a pressure switch. Here you can learn... read more »
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Pressure Switches – Automated switching based on pressure

Would you like to control switching processes in a technical system that are triggered by changes in the pressure of a gaseous or liquid medium? Then you need a pressure switch. Here you can learn a little more about the history, the tasks and the operating principle of pressure switches. Inexpensive and reliable pressure switches for switching valves or pumps are available here in the eibabo® online shop. Choose a model that suits your system from our range.

What are pressure switches?

Pressure switches are used to automate a pump or compressor. The basic principle of these switching devices is that connected devices:

  • switched on when the pressure falls below a set limit
  • off when the upper pressure limit is reached

 

Source: eibabo®, Eaton MCSN11-V pressure switchImage: Eaton MCSN11-V pressure switch

Pressure switches have many names. The following terms are very common:

Differential pressure switch, pressure limiter, pressure controller, pump relay, water pressure switch, air pressure switch or compressor switch

The devices are used, for example, in liquid tanks or gas tanks in which the filling level or the internal pressure of the medium contained therein is to be monitored. This ensures that certain values are not exceeded or fallen below. Alternatively, when a critical value is reached, switching processes are triggered in order to restore the desired or programmed normal state. A distinction is made between mechanical and electronic pressure switches, which offer individual advantages depending on the desired area of application.

The history of the pressure switch

In the past, pumps and compressors were switched on and off mechanically and required constant human intervention. In the early 1930s, August Frede Maschinenfabrik (today: Condor-Werke) developed a simple and functional device that was equipped with a membrane and worked according to a spring principle. This first pressure switch should automate the switching on and off of pumps or compressors. In 1935, the company received the world's first patent for a diaphragm pressure controller for the automatic control of pumps. To this day, Condor-Werke is one of the global market leaders in the development and production of pressure switches.

What are the advantages of a pressure switch?

A pressure switch allows full automation of the start-up and shut-down process, eliminating the need for human involvement in managing the pump or compressor. An automatic shutdown when the upper pressure limit is reached guarantees the safety of the respective system. If pumps or compressors only work within a certain pressure range due to intelligent switching processes, energy costs can be significantly reduced and resources saved.

 


TIP

Be sure to note the installation location and, accordingly, the moisture protection of the pressure switch.


 

In addition, pressure switches are very reliable and durable.

The mechanical pressure switch

Depending on the design, pressure switches can work mechanically or electronically. Mechanical type devices are more common due to their reliability, durability and simplicity. The mechanical pressure switch can be installed directly on site with minimal effort.

Notice

High-quality pushbutton switches have non-stick silver-plated contacts, a high-strength diaphragm and fine-tuning capabilities. Especially with cheap goods from the Far East, the lack of these properties can lead to failures and unreliable switching operations. Here in the eibabo® online shop you only get reliable quality goods from well-known brands.


The functional principle of a mechanical pressure switch is essentially based on the combination of a membrane with a block of adjustable springs. The pressure of the working medium is transmitted through the diaphragm to the working pressure setting springs by means of nuts or screws. A differential pressure setting spring measures the value of this compression. If the compression of the working pressure setting springs exceeds a certain value due to the pressure of the diaphragm, the differential pressure setting spring opens the contacts in the contact block and the pump or compressor is switched off. When the pressure drops, the tension in the springs relaxes again and the compression decreases. The mains contacts then close again and the connected device is switched on again. Depending on the version of the pressure switch, there may be additional outlets for connecting a pressure gauge and safety valves.

The electronic pressure switch

An electronic pressure switch is actually a complete pump controller. As a rule, these devices include elements for soft starting, protection against dry running, as well as ways of setting the upper and lower thresholds of the operating mode of the pump or compressor. The advantages compared to a mechanical pressure switch are the smaller dimensions and the setting principle. Sensitivity adjustment screws are located on the electronic pressure switch body.

How do I protect myself from my system running dry?

The cause of failures in the operation of pumps or compressors is often the lack of the required working medium in the system. This problem is annoying and affects the reliability of all components. Idling leads to overheating or damage to parts and the associated failure of the entire system. To avoid this, when choosing a pressure switch, please consider the characteristics and allowable ratings for the operation of your pump or compressor. You avoid the danger of idling as follows:

  • Buy a device with dry-running protection. These devices are a bit more expensive, but respond very effectively to pressure drops.
  • Invest in the installation of a controller that not only monitors the pressure. This would, for example, also switch on the pump if the actual values fall below the set target values.

 

How do I choose a pressure switch?

When choosing a pressure switch, it is necessary to determine the type of pressure switch, the required functionality and the operating pressure:

  • Should the switch monitor the pressure of liquids or gases?
  • Does the switch have to be able to withstand chemical compounds?
  • In which key figures is the working pressure range?
  • How is the power supply designed for the switch (voltage, number of phases, current)?
  • What sizes are required for the flange connections?
  • What additional components and options are desired? Examples of this would be: start button, thermal relay to protect the electric motor, dry running protection relay for pumps, relief valve to make starting compressors easier and so on.

 

When installing a high-quality pump, please remember that the pressure switch should also be of the same quality. This is the only way to ensure reliable operation.

 


by the way

The manufacturers of high-quality devices carry out long-term tests with the pressure switches in the laboratory in order to guarantee more than half a million switching operations.


 

Use our detailed search to select your pressure switch. There you can precisely set the parameters of the switch you want and filter accordingly.

 

eibabo - technology store

 

Catalogue content:


In this eibabo® catalogue Low-voltage industrial components > Pressure switch you will find items from the following product groups:

Item overview:

  • Compressor switch
  • Cylinder switch
  • Differential pressure switch
  • Pressostat
  • Pressure limiter
  • Pressure monitoring device
  • Pressure regulator
  • Pressure sensor
  • Pressure sensors
  • Pressure switch
  • Pressure transducer
  • Pressure transmitter
  • Two-position controller
  • Vacuum monitor
  • Vacuum switch


from the following manufacturers:

Manufacturer overview catalogue Pressure switch:

  • Alre-it
  • Baumer
  • Bourdon-Haenni
  • Condor
  • Doepke
  • Eaton
  • Elster
  • Endress + Hauser
  • Helios
  • Honeywell Fema
  • Ifm Electronic
  • Ipf Electronic
  • Jumo
  • Maico
  • NE-MA
  • Rockwell
  • Schneider Electric
  • Sick
  • SMC Deutschland
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RECOMMENDED
3D
Alre-it - JDL-111 - Differential pressure switch mech,20-300Pa,15KPa JDL-111
£45.85 incl. VAT (£0.00)

*

Differential pressure switch mech,20-300Pa,15KPa
Alre-it
| JDL-111
RECOMMENDED
3D
RECOMMENDED
3D
Condor - MDR 5/5 #212850 - Pressure switch 1500...5000hPa MDR 5/5 #212850
£76.38 incl. VAT (£0.00)

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plus shipping
(£91.17 RRP***)
Pressure switch 1500...5000hPa
Condor
| MDR 5/5 #212850
RECOMMENDED
3D
Condor - MDR 5/11-K #212942 - Pressure switch 2000...11000hPa MDR 5/11-K #212942
£99.78 incl. VAT (£0.00)

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plus shipping
(£119.10 RRP***)
Pressure switch 2000...11000hPa
Condor
| MDR 5/11-K #212942
RECOMMENDED
3D
Eaton - MCS4 - 1-pin pressure switch MCS4
£75.80 incl. VAT (£0.00)

*

plus shipping
(£119.19 RRP***)
1-pin pressure switch
Eaton
| MCS4
RECOMMENDED
3D
Eaton - MCS22 - 1-pin pressure switch MCS22
£80.33 incl. VAT (£0.00)

*

plus shipping
(£126.30 RRP***)
1-pin pressure switch
Eaton
| MCS22
RECOMMENDED
3D
RECOMMENDED
3D
Condor - MDR 43 GAA #212812 - Pressure switch MDR 43 GAA #212812
£90.09 incl. VAT (£0.00)

*

plus shipping
(£107.54 RRP***)
Pressure switch
Condor
| MDR 43 GAA #212812
RECOMMENDED
3D
Condor - MDR-3 GAA #212263 - Pressure switch MDR-3 GAA #212263
£81.30 incl. VAT (£0.00)

*

plus shipping
(£97.04 RRP***)
Pressure switch
Condor
| MDR-3 GAA #212263
RECOMMENDED
3D
Alre-it - JDW-5 - Differential pressure switch mech,20-500Pa,5KPa JDW-5
£41.05 incl. VAT (£0.00)

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Differential pressure switch mech,20-500Pa,5KPa
Alre-it
| JDW-5
RECOMMENDED
3D
Condor - MDR 53/8 #213079 - Pressure switch MDR 53/8 #213079
£102.84 incl. VAT (£0.00)

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plus shipping
(£122.75 RRP***)
Pressure switch
Condor
| MDR 53/8 #213079
RECOMMENDED
3D
Eaton - MCSN11 - Pressure switch 3-pole MCSN11
£87.85 incl. VAT (£0.00)

*

plus shipping
(£137.87 RRP***)
Pressure switch 3-pole
Eaton
| MCSN11
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