Ingersoll-Rand ATC20022 Pressure Switch 150 PSI for Air Compressors
A Pressure Switch is a simple electromechanical device designed to monitor the pressure of a fluid (liquid or gas) and automatically open or close an electrical contact when a pre-set pressure level is reached. It acts as a vital safety sentinel and control point in a system, converting a physical pressure value into an electrical signal that can be used to activate alarms, shutdown sequences, or control other equipment like pumps, compressors, and actuators.
The core function of a pressure switch is to provide automatic control based on pressure.
- Safety Shutdown: Protects equipment from damage due to over-pressure or under-pressure conditions (e.g., shutting down a compressor if pressure gets too high).
- System Control: Automatically starts or stops motors, pumps, or alarms based on preset pressure thresholds.
- Monitoring & Alarm: Provides a warning signal to an operator or control system if pressure deviates from a normal operating range.
Most pressure switches operate on a balance-of-forces principle:
- Pressure Sensing: A piston, diaphragm, or bellows is exposed to the system pressure.
- Force Generation: The pressure creates a force that acts against a pre-tensed spring (the set point adjustment).
- Actuation: When the pressure force overcomes the spring force, it mechanically moves a switching mechanism.
- Electrical Signal Change: This movement instantly opens or closes one or more electrical contacts within the switch.
- Reset: When pressure returns to a normal level, the spring force moves the mechanism back, resetting the electrical contacts to their original state.
The pressure at which the switch changes state is called its set point.
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Adjustable or Fixed Set Point | Flexibility to customize the activation point for different applications or a fixed, tamper-proof setting for safety. |
| Differential (Deadband) | The difference between the set point and reset point. Prevents rapid cycling of equipment. |
| NEMA / IP Rated Enclosure | Protects internal components from water, dust, and corrosion in harsh industrial environments. |
| Multiple Electrical Configurations | SPST, SPDT, DPST contacts; various voltage and current ratings for broad compatibility. |
| Robust Sensing Element | Diaphragms (for lower pressures) and pistons (for higher pressures) built for long life and media compatibility. |
| Manual/Auto Reset | Auto-reset returns to normal automatically. Manual reset requires an operator to push a button after a trip, critical for safety events. |
| Type | Description | Primary Application |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Pressure Switch | Uses a mechanical linkage. Rugged, simple, and cost-effective. | General industrial applications, HVAC, hydraulic systems. |
| Electronic Pressure Switch | Uses a pressure transducer and electronic circuitry. Highly precise and programmable. | Applications requiring high accuracy, adjustable deadband, and digital communication. |
| Diaphragm Actuated | Uses a flexible diaphragm. Good for low to medium pressures and sensitive responses. | Water systems, air compressors, gas pressure monitoring. |
| Piston Actuated | Uses a piston seal. Suitable for high pressures and viscous media. | Hydraulic oil systems, industrial machinery. |
| Pressure Vacuum Switch | Monitors both pressure and vacuum (negative pressure) ranges. | Cabin pressure, filtration systems, ventilation. |
- Pressure Range: The minimum and maximum pressures the switch can sense (e.g., 0-100 PSI, 500-5000 PSI).
- Set Point Accuracy: How closely the switch activates to the desired set point (e.g., ±1% of range).
- Electrical Rating: The voltage and current (AC or DC) the switch contacts can handle (e.g., 120VAC, 15A / 24VDC, 5A).
- Switch Function: Normally Open (NO) or Normally Closed (NC) contacts.
- Port Size & Connection: Thread size for process connection (e.g., ¼" NPT, G¼).
- Wetted Materials: Materials that contact the media (e.g., 316SS, Brass, Buna-N). Must be compatible with the fluid.
- Enclosure Rating: IP65 (dust-tight and protected against water jets), NEMA 4X (weatherproof & corrosion-resistant).
Pressure switches are ubiquitous across all industries:
- HVAC: Controlling compressor operation, fan activation, and proving air flow.
- Industrial Machinery: Hydraulic and lubrication system control, over-pressure protection.
- Water & Wastewater: Pump control, tank level by pressure, filter monitoring.
- Power Generation: Monitoring lube oil pressure, boiler pressure, and auxiliary systems.
- Mobile Equipment: Monitoring hydraulic pressure, brake air pressure, and implement control.
- Compressed Air: Controlling air compressor operation and monitoring for leaks.
- Proven Reliability: Built with industrial-grade materials and tested for millions of cycles, ensuring long-term performance.
- Precision & Repeatability: Consistent actuation at the set point for stable system control and safety.
- Media Compatibility Expertise: We help you select the right wetted materials for your specific fluid, preventing premature failure.
- Easy Installation & Adjustment: Clear calibration scales and accessible adjustment mechanisms simplify setup.
- Global Certification & Support: Our switches meet international standards (CE, UL), and our technical team provides expert application support.
To select the correct pressure switch, please provide:
- Function: (e.g., High-Pressure Cut-Out, Low-Pressure Alarm, Pump Control)
- Desired Set Point(s): (e.g., Cut-Out at 150 PSI, Cut-In at 100 PSI)
- System Media: (e.g., Hydraulic Oil, Compressed Air, Water)
- Pressure Range: (Maximum pressure expected in the system)
- Electrical Requirements: (Voltage, Current, AC/DC, NO/NC contact preference)
- Process Connection: (Port size and thread type)
- Environmental Conditions: (Hazardous area, washdown, etc.)
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