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This article was originally published on August 15, 2022, and updated on May 19, 2025. Pressure switches are essential components in a wide range of industries and applications. From maintaining safe operation in burners and boiler systems and monitoring hydraulic pressure in industrial machinery, to controlling pump systems in water treatment facilities and ensuring safety in chemical and petrochemical equipment—pressure switches are everywhere. However, be aware that various factors can affect the performance of your pressure switch in certain applications. Selecting the appropriate microswitch is a minor yet crucial step to guarantee consistent and accurate readings. Read this article to learn about the different microswitch options available and the applications for which they are best suited. You will also see links to additional resources that can help deepen your knowledge about pressure switches and how they are used.

This article was originally published on September 26, 2022, and updated on May 8, 2025. In industries such as oil and gas, chemical processing and manufacturing, maintaining precise pressure control is an important factor in ensuring operational safety and efficiency. A pressure switch is an effective solution to help regulate your system, but its effectiveness depends on the mechanics behind these instruments. In this article, we will focus on the term deadband and its role in maintaining pressure accuracy in your applications. With Ashcroft's extensive expertise in pressure instrumentation, you will gain insights into optimizing the usage of pressure switches to ensure your systems run smoothly and safely. When you are finished reading, you will also have access to additional resources to help deepen your knowledge about choosing the right pressure switch for your specific needs.

This article was originally published on July 11, 2022, and updated on April 23, 2025. In operations that involve a risk of fire or explosion, using the wrong pressure instruments can result in severe consequences, including operator injury, equipment damage or worse. To reduce the risk of anything catastrophic happening, pressure switches and other instruments used in these environments must adhere to strict class and division codes. During my extensive career in pressure and temperature measurement, my expertise in this area is a requirement. I write about it often to help others know what to look for when purchasing instruments for their hazardous location applications. Read this article to learn about the different class and division codes and which ones will apply to your specific needs. You will also be directed to additional resources designed to deepen your knowledge even further about pressure instruments and hazardous locations.

Pressure switches that are used for industrial applications involving any kind of liquid, such as water, oil or chemicals - or processes that have a risk of explosion - must meet specific standards. Choosing the wrong type of instrument for these challenging conditions can be dangerous for your operation and your people. As a territory manager for Ashcroft, customers often ask me to explain the difference between a NEMA 4/4X pressure switch and a NEMA 7/9. The short answer is that one classification is watertight (NEMA 4/4x) and one is explosion-proof (NEMA 7/9). But that response doesn't tell you what you need to know about these instruments before selecting the best switch for your specific needs. Read this article to learn the differences between these types of switches and how each is designed for a specific purpose. When you're done reading, you will have a clear understanding of the pressure switches, features and ratings to look for when choosing the best instrument for your application. You can also deepen your knowledge by clicking on any of the related links to additional resources.

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.