What is a Water Pressure Switch?
A water pressure switch is a crucial device found in HVAC systems that monitors the water pressure, particularly within a hydronic heating loop. It sends a signal, such as shutting down the system, when the pressure falls below or exceeds a predetermined safe level, serving as a vital safety mechanism to protect the equipment from harm due to extreme fluctuations in water pressure.
The device detects water pressure and initiates an action once the pressure hits a preset threshold, whether it is too low or too high.
By continuously monitoring water pressure, it helps avert problems such as system damage from inadequate pressure or excessive pressure buildup.
There are several types of water pressure switches available on the market, often referred to as float sensors. These are frequently used in HVAC systems water pumps and motors for tasks like automatic condensate water drainage or refilling in chiller plants, among other applications.