Mechanical pressure switches are usually given a factory-set switch point. Nevertheless, some users desire to make this configuration themselves, as, for instance, the pressure conditions in the application form can change. Regarding pressure switches with a measuring aspect in a bellows, diaphragm or piston design, the manual setting of the switch point, reset point or hysteresis (depending on model) requires a certain amount of effort. But it?s not witchcraft. This short article explains, step-by-step, how to take action.
Users need the next equipment: a pressure source (e.g. a dead-weight tester), a control pressure gauge, a continuity tester or a control lamp in addition to a tool for the adjustment screw (incidentally, WIKA supplies the appropriate Allen key with its instruments; a conventional screwdriver is sufficient for setting the hysteresis).
Setting plan view for the model PSM02 mechanical pressure switch from WIKA. The pin assignment 1 and 3 (small picture) corresponds to the switching function ?normally closed?, the assignment 2 and 3 would be for ?normally open?.
Setting of the switch point
First, screw the pressure switch in to the pressure source connection and connect its electrical connections to the continuity tester or control lamp.
Turn the adjustment screw for the switch point in completely. This sets the switch point to optimum value.
Now apply the required switching pressure to the pressure switch until the control pressure gauge indicates the worthiness.
From then on, turn the adjustment screw out until the instrument switches and the continuity tester or the control lamp reacts.
Then lower the pressure until the pressure switch switches back and increase it again to check the switch point. If necessary, the switch point must be corrected by turning the adjustment screw. Repeat Special before desired switch point is reached.
Setting of the reset point
In a few applications, the reset point is set instead of the switch point, e.g. for minimum pressure monitoring. Here the task is comparable to the switch point, but without turning in the adjustment screw.
Increase the pressure until the instrument switches.
Then lower the pressure until the instrument switches back and adjust the position of the adjustment screw accordingly. The rule of thumb here is:
Set point < Actual value: Turn the screw out
Set point > Actual value: Turn the screw in
Setting of the hysteresis (not with all models)
To get this done, first set the switch point and check the reset point (see above). With regards to the reset point, the hysteresis screw is turned in or out. The switch point must then be checked, as changes to the hysteresis screw also affect the switch point.
Note
An overview of the various mechanical pressure switches in addition to further technical information are available on the WIKA website. When you have any questions, your contact will gladly help you.
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