Last updated on 03/27/2020
Using the right pressure switch is an integral part of ensuring your system operates efficiently and safely. However, choosing the right device for your specific application may be difficult if you are not sure of the right questions to ask. Here are some common questions to help you narrow down your selection and choose the right CCS pressure switch model:
1. Will the pressure switch be needed in a hazardous area?
If yes, look for CCS models marked with the letter “E” in the part number. All CCS switches that are rated for hazardous areas are denoted by the letter “E” for explosion-proof. Our 6900GE series pressure switch is a great example.
2. Are any hazardous or country-specific certifications required for the pressure switch?
Different countries require different certifications for hazardous area conformance and quality conformance. For example, in Canada, there are sometimes both CSA and Dual Seal requirements for Class I explosive environments, but there is also cUL which is the Underwriter Laboratories for Canada who certifies for quality conformance.
Take a look at our certifications page for a matrix matching our CCS models with specific certifications.
3. What type of pressure is being measured?
CCS manufactures different model switches depending on the type of pressure measured:
Gage Pressure
A gage pressure switch measures standard positive atmospheric pressures. CCS offers gage pressure switches capable of withstanding up to 16,000 PSI. CCS Models for gage pressure have a letter “G” or “P” in the part number. “G” stands for diaphragm-based gage switches, while “P” stands for piston-based switches. Examples:
Vacuum Pressure
Vacuum pressure switches measure very low negative atmospheric pressures. CCS Models for vacuum pressure have a letter “V” in the part number. Examples:
Differential Pressure
These pressure switches measure the pressure difference between two pressure inputs. These switches have two pressure ports and have the letter “D” in the part number. Examples:
4. What pressure range or set point is required of the pressure switch?
Each family of CCS pressure switches offers different pressure ranges that a switch can be set to. For example, the 6900G series offers 7 different increasing setpoint ranges: 3-20 PSIG, 6-75 PSIG, 12-150 PSIG, etc. Each part also has a similar decreasing setpoint range that is slightly different due to the dead band.
5. Will the switch need to be factory set or field adjustable?
When purchasing CCS pressure switches, you have the option to have our engineers set the switch to a given (trigger) setpoint or have them shipped to you without any setting
6. Is a specific system or proof pressure required?
Some applications will see high spikes of pressure and a high system and proof pressure will be needed so the switch is not damaged. For these applications, we recommend using the CCS 6900P pressure switch which is rated to handle pressures as high as 25,000 PSI.
7. Will the body of the switch need to be stainless steel or aluminum?
In some harsh environments, corrosion of an aluminum switch may happen. For these applications, it might make more sense to have a stainless steel body. CCS offers a stainless steel body as the standard on our 6900PZZ and 6900GCZZ Series pressure switches.
8. Does the switch need to be a small profile?
For applications where a smaller size of the pressure switch is needed, a 604 or 646 series pressure switch can possibly be too large. CCS offers the 611 series pressure switch which is a smaller-sized pressure switch at just 4.5” long and has both vacuum pressures available as well as gage pressure ranges up to 180 psi. The proof pressure rating for the 611 series is just 1000 psi. If higher pressure ranges or proof pressures are needed then the 6900 series should be considered. It also has a relatively small profile at 5.7” length and has pressure ranges all the way up to 16,000 psi.
9. Are all the wetted parts compatible with the medium being measured?
Wetted materials are any surface that comes into contact with the medium being measured. These materials include: the diaphragm or piston, the O-ring seal, and the pressure port inlet. For very corrosive mediums or mediums at very high or low temperatures, a welded stainless steel pressure capsule can be used. This is denoted by the letter “C” in CCS part numbers, the 604GC series pressure switch is a good example
10. Is the pressure port size correct for the application?
The pressure port must have the correct thread size as the application being sensed or else the two parts will not mate correctly. Standard pressure port sizes for CCS switches are typically either ¼”-18 National Pipe Female Thread or NPFT, ½”-14 NPFT, or for some limited models like the 611GZ810, it is 1/4” NPT male.
11. Finally, what electrical connection is required?
The electrical connection of a pressure switch also requires a proper mating thread size for the switch to be compatible. A ½”-14 NPT Male connection is offered standard on many of these common CCS models, a ¾”-14 NPT Female is standard on the 604 series pressure switch, and a British M20 mating thread is offered on the 6900*****-7106 series.
In addition, most CCS models offer both a Single Pole-Double Throw (SPDT) or Double-Pole Double-Throw (DPDT) wiring setup. If the pressure application requires two electrical connections instead of one, then the DPDT option should be used and is denoted by the letter “M” in CCS part numbers.
The electrical connection material can also be vital, therefore, be sure to know whether aluminum or stainless steel material is required.
To learn more about our products, feel free to take a look at our selection of pressure switches for all kinds of applications or contact us directly.