Setra Blog

Why are industry leaders using remote sensors?

Wet-to-wet differential pressure transducers have undergone several significant design and technological improvements recently. The most dramatic of which is the ability to install these units with remote sensors, rather than with traditional embedded sensing elements. A contractor can now easily install remote sensors directly into the pipes while an electrician makes electrical connections between the remote sensors and the transducer via cables or conduit. For industrial applications, contractors can order plumbing-ready cable versions with up to 30 feet of cable. When the local electrical code requires conduit, typically for projects like schools or municipal buildings, contractors can order units in the conduit version.

There are a variety of current switches and current transducers currently available for use in HVAC applications. Each product provides different features and benefits for that particular job. This post reviews two common types of current switches and a new technology that eliminates the risk of arc flash hazard during installation.

Traditional vs. Remote Sensor Installation

To better understand the labor and material savings made possible by remote sensors, it is important to compare the traditional method of installing differential pressure transmitters with the new method of installing remote sensors. On a typical job using the conventional method, the mechanical contractor first installs taps with shutoff valves—usually a ball or petcock valve—in the desired locations in the mechanical piping.

After reviewing the top 5 product considerations (pressure, media, temperature, and environment) in which the pressure transducer will be installed, it’s time to look at transducer construction, circuit design and the pressure transducer manufacturer's supply chain.

Pre-configuration of current switches can help eliminate arc flash danger and enable faster installation

Technician wearing a PPE suit

Current switches, also known as current sensors, are used to monitor the operation of motors, pumps, fans, compressors, lights, and other equipment. Two common types of current switches currently available are fixed point and adjustable set point switches. Fixed current switches are designed with a single pre-determined set point and are beneficial because they are installed on cold circuits requiring no adjustment. 

When selecting multi-range pressure sensors, there are certain things to be cautious of. Often a "one size fits all" pressure transducer is chosen for expected cost savings and inventory control; however this decision turns out to be a bad idea. Issues arise with inaccuracy and poor stability on low range applications where the range output adjustment is simply pushed too far.

Liquid Level

The pressure measured at the bottom of a liquid filled tank is proportional to both the height (head) and density of the liquid. For best results the pressure should be sensed by a pressure transmitter mounted at the lowest point possible on the tank, as shown in Figure 1.

Openings Doors in the Operating Room

On behalf of all of us here at Setra, we'd like to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season.

The "central command station" of each floor in a hospital (aka the central nurse's station) plays a critical role in the proper operation of OR suites, isolation wards, and other critical spaces where room condition is crucial. Floor nurses and circulating nurses are tasked with monitoring multiple rooms in their wing, which requires them to physically check each room's condition via the room's condition monitoring device.