Under Pressure? AutomationDirect Introduces LPPS and S-18C Mechanical Pressure Switch Series

AutomationDirect Expands Mechanical Pressure Sensing Portfolio with LPPS and S-18C Series

Simple Mechanical Pressure Switching for Industrial Systems

AutomationDirect has introduced two new mechanical pressure switch series designed for industrial environments that require reliable pressure detection without complex electronic control systems.

The LPPS and S-18C series provide straightforward switching functionality with integrated relay outputs, supporting both pneumatic and hydraulic applications.

These devices are designed for engineers who need stable pressure thresholds rather than advanced digital sensing or networked instrumentation.

LPPS and S-18C Series Pressure Switch Design

The AchieVe LPPS series covers higher pressure ranges from 2 psig up to 3000 psig. It uses a 5A SPDT relay output rated for 125 VAC, enabling direct load switching in industrial control circuits.

The S-18C series is designed for lower pressure applications, ranging from 3 psig to 120 psig, with higher current switching capability up to 10A. This makes it suitable for lighter-duty control systems where direct actuation is required.

Both series prioritize mechanical simplicity and field usability, reducing dependency on external signal conditioning hardware.

Mechanical Construction and Switching Reliability

The switches use brass housings combined with either Buna-N diaphragm or hardened steel piston sensing elements, depending on the pressure range.

Diaphragm-based models support low-pressure sensing, while piston-based designs handle higher pressure environments with improved durability.

Setpoints are adjustable in the field, offering repeatability within ±1 psi or 5% of full scale. Differential settings range between 10% and 20%, ensuring stable switching behavior under industrial vibration and load variation.

Mechanical lifespan exceeds one million switching cycles, making the devices suitable for continuous-duty industrial operation.

Environmental Protection and Industrial Integration

The LPPS series is rated for NEMA 4 and 13, providing resistance against dust, water, and oil exposure in harsh environments.

Operating temperature ranges from -20°F to 220°F, ensuring compatibility with both indoor machinery and outdoor industrial systems.

High-pressure LPPS models support proof pressures up to 15,000 psig and burst pressures up to 20,000 psig, offering strong safety margins for demanding applications.

Each unit supports industrial connection options including M12-style connectors and DIN wiring formats, allowing flexible integration into existing control panels.

Application Use in Industrial Automation Systems

These mechanical pressure switches are widely used in pumps, compressors, hydraulic systems, and pneumatic machinery where simple threshold-based control is required.

They are also suitable for machine tools and process equipment where reliable on/off pressure signaling is more important than continuous monitoring or digital diagnostics.

Because they operate independently of PLC logic or networked sensors, they are often used in retrofit applications or systems where simplicity and robustness are priorities.

Editorial Perspective on Mechanical Switching Technology

Mechanical pressure switches continue to play an important role in industrial automation despite the increasing adoption of digital pressure sensors.

In many industrial environments, simplicity, durability, and direct switching capability remain more valuable than high-resolution measurement data.

The LPPS and S-18C series reflect this design philosophy by focusing on reliability and ease of integration rather than complexity.

Michael Turner
Industrial Automation Editor

Focus: Process control systems, industrial instrumentation, and mechanical sensing technologies in factory automation environments.

“In many industrial systems, the most effective solution is not the most advanced one, but the most reliable one under real operating conditions.”