Pressure Switch vs Pressure Transmitter
Tell us the pressure range and whether you need an alarm contact or a continuous signal — we recommend the right device.
Pressure switch or pressure transmitter — which do you need? This one-minute video shows the difference: a switch changes a contact at a set point and resets lower (hysteresis), while a transmitter sends a continuous 4–20 mA signal so the PLC always knows the exact pressure.
Chapters
Key points
- Both sense the same pressure; the difference is what they send out.
- A pressure switch switches at a set point and resets only at a lower point; the hysteresis stops chattering.
- A pressure transmitter sends a continuous 4–20 mA signal that follows the pressure.
- Use a switch for simple pump control and alarms; use a transmitter for monitoring, control loops and trends.
- SEGMENsensor makes both: the SYK102 switch and transmitters up to 400 bar.
Transcript
Pressure switch or pressure transmitter: which one do you need?
Both sense the same pressure. The difference is what they send out.
A pressure switch has a set point. When pressure rises past it, the contact switches on. It switches off again only at a lower reset point. That gap, the hysteresis, stops it from chattering.
A pressure transmitter sends a continuous 4–20 mA signal that follows the pressure, so the PLC always knows the exact value.
Use a switch for simple pump control and alarms. Use a transmitter for monitoring, control loops and trends.
SEGMENsensor makes both: the SYK102 switch, and transmitters up to 400 bar. Learn more at segmensensor.com.