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This article was originally published on February 28, 2022, and updated on December 4, 2024. Pressure switches are important components in many industrial and OEM applications. By monitoring pressure levels in your system and automatically activating or deactivating equipment when pressure reaches a predetermined setpoint, they help ensure a safe and efficient process. Choosing the wrong pressure switch could lead to actuation errors, damaged equipment, worker injury, or other dangerous issues. So, how do you know if you have the right pressure switch? And what factors should you consider if you need a new one? As the Ashcroft Product Manager for Switches, I’ve developed some best practices for things to consider while you’re researching. Read this article to learn about the primary factors to look for when choosing or replacing a pressure switch. You will also find links to additional information that can deepen your knowledge of pressure switches used in different applications.

This blog was originally published on August 2, 2021, and updated on October 30, 2024. In most industries, the need to maintain accurate pressure levels is important to ensure safety and efficiency. However, when it comes to selecting the appropriate pressure switch for a specific application, the challenge is understanding all the options available and finding the right one for your specific needs. During my time working in the pressure measurement industry, and specifically with Ashcroft, a leader in pressure instrumentation, I am often asked when an electronic pressure switch (also referred to as a digital pressure switch) is the better option than a mechanical switch. Of course, the answer depends on the application. In this article, you will learn how an electronic pressure switch works and some scenarios when electronic has advantages over mechanical options.

This article was originally published on April 29, 2024, and updated on August 28, 2024 Whether you use industrial storage tanks for harvesting rainwater, providing municipal drinking water, irrigating fields, emergency fire suppression, or other purposes, you know how important it is to maintain accurate tank level pressure. One reliable solution is a pressure switch. This instrument is known for its accuracy, repeatability and versatility in water level management applications in water treatment systems, bubblers, scrubbers, and more. But how do they work? Ashcroft has decades of experience manufacturing pressure switches designed to address the unique challenges of water systems, such as tank-level management. Our instruments, including those that are certified for NSF/ANSI/CAN 61, are used globally to keep water systems flowing efficiently. In this article, you will see how a pressure switch works and learn how multiple tank levels can be monitored and controlled using one or more pressure switch connections. When you are done reading, you will also find additional resources to answer other switch-related questions you may have.

If you work in an industry that relies on pressure switches or temperature switches you know that these small devices play a big role in making sure your applications run smoothly and efficiently. But at what price? The short answer is between $50 - $1500. Not helpful, I know. But, if you Google how much these instruments cost, you will be hard-pressed to find an accurate answer. The reason is simple. There are so many factors that go into the price of a switch, it’s nearly impossible to provide any kind of estimate without knowing your specific requirements. As a product manager for industrial switches at Ashcroft – a recognized global leader in temperature and pressure instrumentation - I can help you get closer to a more precise answer. However, keep in mind, this topic covers a lot of ground. So, for the purposes of this article, we will focus on pressure and temperature switches used in industrial applications. When you’re done reading, you will be able to validate the price range you are currently paying. You will also know what to expect if you are searching for a new supplier. Finally, you will be more prepared to make a pressure switch or temperature switch purchasing decision, whether you work with Ashcroft or not.

A pressure switch can help ensure safe, reliable measurements for an application, but only if you fully understand the physics of its mechanics and the various nuances such as the setpoint, reset point and deadband. But what does deadband mean and how does it apply to a pressure switch? This article will explain the meaning of deadband and how it works so you can help ensure continued accuracy for your application.

Your pressure sensors are an important part of your application, ensuring accurate and reliable measurements and the safety of your process and its operators. To keep your processes working properly, recalibration of your sensors may be necessary over time. Sensors can degrade over time as components are exposed to wear, temperature and cycling. This can lead to a loss of stability and drift in the output signal of the sensor away from its published specification. Using sensors that cannot be recalibrated would require the replacement of the sensor once it drifted outside of its specifications and its output signal was no longer reliable. This could cause your critical application to shut down temporarily until the sensor can be replaced. A sensor that can be recalibrated will not only prolong the sensor’s life but will have your process back up and running in no time at all. This article will discuss zero and span adjustability and the benefits it can provide to your process.