Vacuum Switches
Vacuum switches help regulate the pressure between two closed cavities by converting a negative pressure signal to an electrical output. As a safe and cost-effective alternative to safety relief valves, vacuum switches are able to work with gas, electric current, and liquid pressure situations, individually or in a combination. In addition, pressure vacuum switches will detect when a problem, such as leaking pressure during operation, is happening and will shut down the process until the trouble is fixed and an operator restarts the operation.
Quick links to Vacuum Switches Information
Applications of Vacuum Switches
Corrosion-resistant and long-lasting vacuum switches provide control stability through inconsistent conditions and assure continuous service even under extreme shock and vibration.
Often used to control and monitor various processes, vacuum switches are also commonly used in applications as an interlock device to sense gas, air, or water pressure at a specific point, vacuum pressure switches provide on and off control of:
- Waste Oil Heating Systems
- Residential Boilers
- Electric Heaters
- Pumps
- Small Air Compressors
- Transmission Systems
Industries Using Vacuum Switches
Industries that utilize vacuum switches include:
- Food Processing
- Aerospace
- Chemical Processing
- Residential
- Industrial
- Commercial
- Heating and Cooling
- Electronics
- Pharmaceutical
- Automotive
Processes of Vacuum Switches
Vacuum switches respond to a change in negative pressure.
- If a change is signaled, an elastomeric diaphragm opens or closes an electrical circuit based on a predetermined pressure set point and activates the vacuum switch.
- The movement of the diaphragm actuates a single snap-acting switch, a mechanical switch that causes a rapid transfer of contacts from one position to another.
- When actuated, the snap-acting switch converts the negative pressure signal into an electrical signal.
An elastomeric diaphragm eliminates the need for an oil barrier because they separate pressure instruments from the process media while allowing the instruments to sense the process pressure.
A vacuum switch is set to a certain point of pressure to which it will automatically respond. Field adjustable pressure set points allow the vacuum pressure switch to be calibrated to the correct pressure points for opening and closing the diaphragm.
Design of Vacuum Switches
There are three main vacuum switch designs:
- Mechanical
- Pneumatic
- Electronic
In the mechanical and pneumatic versions, an elastomeric diaphragm reacts to changes in the pressure level and actuates either a mechanical switch or a valve. In the electric version, a piezoresistive pressure sensor measures the pressure level and converts the level into an electrical signal. Construction materials vary depending on the applications, and vacuum switch materials are wide-ranging, including brass, polycarbonate, plated steel, glass reinforced polyester, polyvinyl chloride, and cast aluminum.