What is the Cost of Mechanical Pressure and Temperature Switches?

The cost of an industrial mechanical pressure switch or temperature switch typically ranges from about $50 to more than $1,500, depending on several factors, including how it is used and what the application requires.

For OEM operators and engineers, the challenge is that these switches may look similar, but vary widely in performance expectations, materials and approval requirements. This makes it difficult to estimate the cost without the application details. Understanding these cost drivers helps ensure the right balance between safety, reliability and budget.

Ashcroft has decades of experience supporting industrial pressure and temperature applications across industries. This article focuses on mechanical pressure and temperature switches used in industrial applications. Read on to learn about common applications for these instruments, the factors that can affect cost and which application requirements have the greatest impact on total cost.

Where are mechanical pressure and temperature switches used?

Mechanical pressure and temperature switches are used in industrial applications where accurate and reliable measurement is critical to ensure safe and efficient operation. These devices help monitor operating conditions and protect equipment when limits are exceeded.

The first step in understanding cost is identifying where the switch will be used. In OEM applications, for example, switches often have smaller form factors, may not need high accuracy and can use lower-cost materials such as ABS plastic with minimal approvals. On the other hand, applications that require higher accuracy and long-term reliability, hazardous area certifications, corrosion resistance or sanitary features typically need more robust designs and materials, which increases cost.

Figure 1. Applications using pressure and temperature switches

Why does the cost range of pressure and temperature switches vary so greatly?

Both mechanical pressure and temperature switches generally fall within a cost range of $50 to $1,500 or more.  The cost of pressure switches largely depends on the configuration and application requirements, while the cost of temperature switches also factors in the sensing method, materials and application conditions.

How mechanical pressure switches work

Pressure switches (sometimes called vacuum switches) perform two primary functions:

1. Monitor and control pressure in a system
2. Protect equipment from damage when operating conditions are not within acceptable limits

They are designed to sense changes in pressure within an application. When the pressure exceeds the stated setpoint, the switch mechanically opens or closes an electrical circuit to help maintain proper operation and support equipment and personnel safety. 

These instruments are available with a wide range of optional features that address specific application needs.

Figure 2. Illustration of a mechanical pressure switch

How mechanical temperature switches work

Temperature switches serve 2 similar protective functions as the pressure switches:

1. Monitoring and controlling system temperature
2. Protecting equipment from overheating or overcooling

These instruments sense changes in temperature and mechanically open or close switch contacts at a predetermined setpoint to maintain desired operating conditions or indicate an out-of-limit situation. Like pressure switches, they can be configured with features to meet specific industrial requirements.

Figure 3. Illustration of a mechanical temperature switch

What application specifications and requirements affect switch cost?

Once you move beyond the primary use of a basic pressure or temperature switch, application specifications and requirements become the leading factors influencing cost.

Pressure and temperature ranges
The selected switch must handle the specific pressure or temperature ranges of the application under normal operating conditions as well as spikes that may occur in the system. As operating extremes increase, specialty materials or accessories may be required to prevent these conditions from affecting measurement accuracy or instrument longevity.

Pressure switch actuation
There are several methods of actuation for pressure switches. The most common options that affect cost include Bourdon tube, piston and diaphragm designs. Each method offers different performance characteristics and durability levels that influence pricing.

Microswitch actuation
Another cost factor is how the microswitch is turned on and off inside the switch. In many designs, this is done with a snap-action microswitch. These microswitches “snap” between states—whether they use a straight/inline style or a cantilever design—which allows them to change state quickly and consistently. When the microswitch changes state exactly at the defined setpoint and then again at the reset point, it typically provides more accurate and repeatable switching performance.

Approvals and certifications
Pressure and temperature switches may require specific safety or industry approvals. Instruments used in hazardous locations may require explosion-proof, intrinsically safe or non-incendive approvals. Other applications may require NACE certification or Safety Integrity Level certification. Each required approval adds testing, documentation and design considerations.

Case materials
For applications with harsh and highly corrosive ambient conditions, you’ll likely want to employ specialized metal materials such as stainless steel or high-grade aluminum.

Process media compatibility
The switch you select must be compatible with your application. That means, the specialized wetted materials you use (i.e., process fittings, pistons, O-rings and diaphragms) to prevent corrosion issues, safety concerns and process leakage also become important cost factors.

Sensing method for temperature switches
Temperature switches use different sensing methods, including bellows-style actuation, bimetallic discs or vapor-filled thermal systems. These systems expand and contract to actuate the microswitch and can add to the overall cost depending on performance requirements.

Figure 4. Example of a pressure switch cost estimate

Figure 5. Example of a temperature switch cost estimate

Key takeaways

• The cost of mechanical pressure and temperature switches is driven by application-specific requirements, not by the instrument category alone.
  
  
• Accuracy expectations, operating pressure or temperature ranges, environmental conditions, required approvals and material selection all directly influence pricing.
  
  
• Understanding these factors helps engineers and OEMs validate whether current pricing aligns with actual application needs.
  
  
• A clear definition of requirements also makes it easier to evaluate new suppliers and make informed purchasing decisions without over- or under-specifying the switch.

Ready to learn more?

For more information about pressure and temperature switches, take a look at the related resources below. If you have questions, contact us to speak with a product expert. In the meantime, feel free to download our guide to learn about mechanical switches used in chemical and petrochemical applications.