Switch points in vacuum ranges: How are they set?

Setting the switch points of an electric pressure switch for a credit card applicatoin in the vacuum range isn’t a self-explanatory task. The following article therefore explains what should be taken into account with this setting. It involves a pressure switch with a hysteresis function. Instruments with this configuration are most regularly installed in industrial applications.
pressure gauge , including the WIKA models PSD-4 and PSD-4-ECO or the A-1200 pressure sensor with IO-Link, operate as ?normally closed? or ?normally open?, with regards to the task. The following graphics illustrate both switching functions with the respective switch and reset points:
In principle, the following applies: The switch point (SP) is higher than the reset point (RP) and the start of measuring range (MRS) is definitely smaller than the end of measuring range (MRE). This rule could be easily understood with settings for ambient air pressures.
Example: Control of a vacuum pump
On the other hand, setting the switch points in the vacuum range and therefore, ultimately, the switching function, requires more attention. To illustrate this, let?s take the control of vacuum pressure pump, for example, which must maintain vacuum pressure between -0.7 bar and -0.5 bar. For the duty described, we select a pressure switch with a measuring range of -1 ? 0 bar.
The beginning of measuring range (MRS) is therefore -1 bar, the finish of measuring range (MRE) 0 bar. This means: At 0 bar (= start of operation) the switch ought to be closed, so that you can activate the vacuum pump. If the pressure drops to -0.7 bar, the switch must open and prevent the pump. When the pressure reaches the upper limit value of -0.5 bar, the pump should once more start and run until the pressure has again dropped to -0.7 bar.
ow must the switch points be set in this vacuum range? Let?s take the two pictures and translate MRS and MRE:
Here it is clear that the ?normally open? function must be selected, otherwise the pump wouldn’t normally activate. After entering the switch points, the schematic is obtained, which ultimately shows how the pressure switch functions relative to the example:
Note
Information regarding WIKA?s electronic pressure switches are available on the WIKA website. Would you like to buy pressure switches? In our WIKA online-shop you will discover a few of our standard designs. Assuming you have any questions, your contact will gladly help you.
Also read our posts
What’s meant by the switching function ?hysteresis? with electronic pressure switches?
What is the difference between the switching functions ?hysteresis? and ?window? in pressure switches?
What’s meant by the ?normally open? switching function with pressure switches?

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