When it comes to pressure and temperature switches, many of the terminologies associated with them can be confusing. This article will serve as a quick reference point for some very crucial terms for you to know about when you are buying industrial temperature and pressure switches.
Actutation and deactuation points
The actuation point is also known as the set point. This is the precise point where the electrical circuit is managed by the switch which can be either made on by the increasing temperature or pressure. The direct opposite of this is the deactuation point. The latter would mean the specific point at which the electrical circuit would be switched off due to decreased temperature or pressure.
The accuracy or reliability
The accuracy is the highest functional set point which is diverged away from the point of a single factor which can be temperature or pressure of a flow switch. This should be put under a particular set of other independent factors like environmental and functioning factors.
Adjustable Range
This is the whole range where the actuation point which is also known as the set point of a factor like temperature or pressure that can be adjusted.
American National Standards Institute – ANSI
This is an organisation of trade related matters tied in with professional and scientific institutions. This has specific members who are actually companies. The ANSI would be the one agreeing and gate-keeping for non-governmental and voluntary American state standards.
American Petroleum Institute
This is the country’s trade institution which would give people the required information in documents explaining standards, brochures and recommended guidelines for the practices and protocols in the industry for petroleum.
Dead band, also known as the differential actuation value
This is the difference between the real actuation point and the deactuation point of a particular factor or sensor like temperature or pressure. For example, if your pressure switch has already hit the actuation point and it snaps close the action switch at a pressure level of a 100 PSI, then it is not in a good, actuated condition. After this, if the pressure goes on to go lower and if the switch then turns to deactuation (which is to get back to its normal position) at let’s say 90 PSI, then it is said to have a dead band of 10 PSI.
Double break switching element
A double break switching element is made up of two different, separate electrical circuits where one is usually open and the other one usually closed. The four terminals in this circuit would help out with wiring.
Field set
This is a pressure switch model which can help allow for field adjustment of different set points or actuation points. This adjustment is made by screwing the adjustment knob which is fixed inside the pressure port before the installation process is complete. Once the unit is put into place, then the actuation points can be changed by taking out the pressure knobs to reach to the adjustment knob.
This is just a simplified list with the most important key terms you would need to know in the topic, but it is definitely not exhaustive. So remember to read up other relevant and important terms with the help of the internet!
