Frequently Asked Questions
We have compiled a list of the most common questions that we encounter when working with customers. If you do not see your question listed, please contact us. We are happy to help.
Sensor Selection
I know my application but I am not sure which sensor is best for me. Where do I start?
Sensors are offered with a variety of mechanical, electrical, and approval options. Below are few tips for narrowing down the sensor selection for your application:
- Confirm the environment of the sensor (is the sensor in a hazardous location, are there environmental conditions to account for, etc.). Understanding the approvals and certifications required can quickly filter the types of sensors available and make the decision easier.
- Are there space limitations such as an enclosure?
- Is the output signal predetermined by an existing set up or is it open to options? What types of supply voltages are available to power the sensor?
- Are there mechanical installation preferences for installing the sensor, such as a specific threaded process connection?
- Are there any special material requirements for the sensor in terms of compatibility with the liquid or gas being measured? For example, if water is being measured, what type of water? Is it chlorinated, tap water, or salt water? If measuring oil and gas pressure, is there hydrogen sulfide and at what concentration? If the sensor is going to be submerged, what are all of the materials that it will come into contact with?
These bullets are not intended to intimidate, but rather guide to the best solution. We understand sensor selection can be confusing with all the different varieties available. Please call us at 862-245-2673. A sales specialist will go over your requirements and walk you through the ideal sensor configuration.
Learn More: Selecting A Pressure Sensor / Transducer / Transmitter – A How To Guide.
How do I purchase from Core Sensors?
Core Sensors sells through local distributors as well as direct to customer when a distributor is not available.
Our distributors are knowledgeable and are able to offer local, on site support, both pre and post sale. Please call us at (862) 245-2673 to find your local distributor.
Core Sensors accepts all major credit cards. Credit cards are charged prior to production beginning on your order. We also offer Net 30 day payment terms for qualified accounts.
Learn More: How To Buy
Configuration Options
Which output signal should I choose?
Selecting the appropriate output signal depends on a few pieces of information regarding the application. Is this an existing setup where the output signal is already defined? What is the supply voltage available to power the sensor? How far do you need to transmit the output signal of the sensor? All of these application questions will help guide us to the most appropriate output signal. Core Sensors offers:
- 4-20mA, 2-wire output signals
- Learn More: 4-20mA Output Pressure Transducers
- Voltage output signals (0-5V, 0-10V, 1-5V, 1-6V, 1-10V, 0.5-4.5V ratiometric, 0.5-2.5V non-ratiometric, etc.)
- Learn More: Voltage Output Pressure Transducers
- Millivolt output signals (10mV/V, mV uncompensated, etc.)
- Learn More: Millivolt Output Pressure Transducers
What electrical connection options are available?
Core Sensors offers a variety of electrical terminations to fit just about any installation. Standard configurations include integral cable, connector or inline connector. Customers can choose from connectors such as DIN 43650-A and C, M12x1, Packard Metripack 150, 6-Pin Bendix, Deutsch DT04 3 Pin and 4 Pin and others. Certain product families have a limited selection of options due to hazardous certifications and design limitations. Please see the “Model Number Configuration” table on each product family webpage or datasheet to see the available options. Custom configurations are available upon request.
Can I buy mating connectors and mating cable assemblies with my sensor?
Absolutely! We offer both standard mating cable assemblies and field wireable mating connectors.
Learn More: Pressure Sensors Accessories
I am worried about material compatibility. What are my options to choose from?
One of the most important steps when specifying the appropriate sensor for your application is selecting the wetted material of the process connection (or pressure port). Wetted material is another term for the type of metal that will be in contact with the media in your application. Core Sensors offers materials such as:
- 17-4PH Stainless Steel (UNS S17400)
- 316L Stainless Steel (UNS S31603)
- Inconel 718 (UNS N07718)
- Hastelloy* C276 (UNS N10276)
- Titanium BT9 (Grade 12)
Learn More: Wetted Material Options Offered By Core Sensors
*Hastelloy® is a registered trademark of Haynes International, Inc.
Do you offer oxygen cleaned sensors?
Yes! When installing sensors in oxygen enriched environments, it is important to ensure that the sensor is cleaned to a recognized standard to prevent combustion. We offer oxygen cleaning on most products. The sensor is cleaned, inspected and double bagged to ensure operation in environments with Oxygen in contact with the process connection. A Certificate of Cleaning can be supplied upon request.
Learn More: Oxygen Cleaned Pressure Sensors
Can your products be used in hydrogen applications?
Yes, we offer sensor configurations designed for hydrogen applications! The sensor technology and sensor material play a crucial role in the survivability of the sensor in hydrogen applications. Our sales team has extensive knowledge and application experience to properly assist you with the correct sensor configuration.
Learn More: Pressure Sensors for Hydrogen Measurement
I need a pressure sensor that operates off of a supply voltage under 5V. Can you help?
With the increased popularity of IoT and remote monitoring applications, lower current consumption and sensors operating from lower voltage power supplies has increased. Core Sensors manufactures a variety of low-powered pressure transducers that operate from 3-5VDC of unregulated power and produces a 0.5-2.5V output signal. The current consumption is ≤ 3mA. While millivolt output pressure sensors are available, this is amplified from the traditional millivolt signal, giving greater calibration capabilities through a digital ASIC as well as more signal for users to use in the field.
Learn More: Low Powered Pressure Transducers for Remote Telemetry / Wireless Applications
What is a snubber? Should I use one?
A snubber, also sometimes referred to as a restrictor plug, is designed to slow down the process media as it enters the pressure sensors port. This is important in applications where pressure transients are common such as hydraulics and water pumps. These pressure transients can exceed the rating of the sensors diaphragm and, at a minimum, cause permanent shifts in the sensors output. Snubbers can also mechanically filter out the signal spikes of the hammering effect. The delay of the output signal can prevent pumps and panels from premature on/off functions, increasing the life of the equipment. Core Sensors welds an internal stainless steel snubber in the pressure port to avoid any leak paths or additional length considerations that come with external threaded on snubbers.
Application Knowledge
My application is considered a hazardous location. Can you help?
Yes! Core Sensors is dedicated to offering safe and compliant pressure transducers for use in hazardous classified locations. We offer pressure transducers that have been independently tested and certified. We currently offer:
- CSA Class I, Division 2 Non-Incendive
- CSA Class I, Division 1 Intrinsically Safe
- CSA Class I, Division 1 Explosion-Proof
- ANSI/UL 122701 Single Seal
- ABS (American Bureau of Shipping)
- CE
Learn More: Hazardous Location Pressure Transducers
What is the difference between gauge, sealed gauge, and absolute pressure?
Gauge – Gauge pressure refers to pressure measurements in relation to atmospheric pressure. A gauge pressure sensor has either a vent hole or vent tube that allows the back side of the sensors diaphragm (internal to the sensors housing) to see the same atmospheric pressure as the pressure port side of the diaphragm. This is why gauge sensors read zero pressure when the port is open to atmospheric pressure. Gauge pressure reference is commonly used in low pressure applications as changes in barometric pressure from weather or altitude changes can have a considerable effect on the output of the sensor.
Sealed Gauge – Sealed gauge refers to a sensor that has atmospheric pressure sealed on the inside of the sensors housing. There are no vent holes or vent tubes. The atmospheric pressure sealed inside the sensor is determined at the time of welding. Sealed gauge reference is common in high pressure applications where changes in atmospheric pressure have a negligible effect on the output of the sensor. Customers may also consider a sealed gauge reference in applications where a lot of moisture or high pressure washdowns occur.
Absolute – Absolute pressure refers to pressure measurements in relation to a full vacuum. For example, if an absolute pressure sensor is held open to the air then the sensor will read the actual barometric pressure at that location. Therefore, absolute pressure sensors are affected by altitude changes and other barometric changes.
What is the difference between compound and absolute pressure?
Compound sensors are very similar to absolute sensors in that they both measure a vacuum. The difference is how the vacuum is displayed by the sensor.
In a compound pressure sensor, the sensor is zero referenced to atmospheric pressure. When measuring a vacuum, a compound pressure sensor will display a negative number. For example, a 10 PSI vacuum would display as -10 PSI with a compound pressure sensor.
In an absolute pressure sensor, the sensor is zero referenced to a full vacuum. When measuring a vacuum, an absolute pressure sensor will display a positive number. Using the same example as the compound pressure sensor above, a 10 PSI vacuum would display as +10 PSI with an absolute pressure sensor.
0 PSI absolute is equal to about -14.7 PSIG.
What is a compound pressure transducer and how do I calculate the output signal?
A compound pressure transducer has an offset “zero” output signal such that the baseline signal measures a full vacuum pressure range of -14.7 PSI (or -1 bar). Typically this is offered for gauge and some sealed gauge pressure sensors and transducers. Applications include compression equipment and HVAC/R.
Learn More: How To Calculate The Output Signal of A Compound Pressure Transducer
What is a bi-directional pressure sensor?
Bi-directional pressure sensors measure both positive and negative pressure. The zero point on a bi-directional pressure sensor is the mid-point of the applicable output signal such as 12mA on a 4-20mA output signal. For example, a customer can choose to have a 10 PSI bi-directional pressure range with a 4-20mA output signal. This sensor would have the following set points:
4mA = -10 PSI
12mA = 0 PSI
20mA = 10 PSI
A bi-directional pressure sensor is ideal for applications such as vapor recovery. The positive end of the pressure transducers measurement range is used to monitor the increase in vapor pressure at the top of the storage tank and the negative end of the measurement range is used to monitor the suction when recovering the vapors from the tank.
Learn More: Bi-Directional Pressure Transducers
Technical Support
How do I wire my pressure sensor?
Click here to view and download our standard wiring diagrams. Wire color and pin designations can also be found directly on the sensors label. If you have a new requirement that you do not see listed, please contact the factory to receive a quotation for non-standard requirements.
I ordered the wrong pressure range. Can my sensor be re-ranged?
No, the pressure range and output signal are factory set and cannot be re-ranged after sealing up the sensor for shipment. A new sensor needs to be purchased with the correct pressure range indicated.
I am not getting an output signal from my pressure transducer? What should I do?
Here are a few troubleshooting steps that can be performed at the customer site to potentially diagnose an issue:
- Ensure the sensor is wired correctly. Color and pin designations can be found on the label of the sensor and can be downloaded here. While most output signals are protected from incorrect wiring, it is possible to cause damage with certain output signals. Check the sensor is wired as outlined.
- Ensure the correct excitation voltage is being used and is reaching the sensor. Excitation voltage requirements can be found on the sensors label as well as on the datasheet of the model family. For long distance transmissions, ensure enough supply voltage is reaching the sensor.
- To isolate any issues with other equipment, measure the output signal at zero pressure using an independent multimeter and power supply.
If at any time you are uncomfortable or uncertain on how to perform these tests, please call us at 862-245-2673 and we will be happy to walk you through the appropriate steps.
I need to return a sensor for evaluation. Where do I start?
Any item returned to Core Sensors must first be issued a Return Material Authorization (RMA) number. Click here for more information.
Connect With Our Sales Team
Have questions? Need a quote? We are ready to help! Fill out the form and a member of our sales team will contact you to discuss your requirements. You can also give us a call at (862) 245-2673.
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