PS61 Pressure Switch: Piston vs. Diaphragm

Benefits in High Pressure High Cyclical Applications

The PS61 Pressure Switches are available in two versions: Diaphragm and Piston. The major differences between the two are the different methods that Gems uses to seal off the fluids or gases on the customer’s side of the pressure switch.

• The Diaphragm style is much like a flat disk and is perfect for general use as well as heavy-duty applications. It is designed to hold both oils as well as gases.
• The Piston style is more like a donut shape that seals the oils inside the switch and is geared towards high cycle/high pressure applications like Off-Highway Vehicles, Transportation and Alternative Energy. The Piston style works excellent with oils but does not seal well against gases.

What are the differences?

Most specifications (current capability, temperature ranges, shock & vibration, environmental sealing, etc.) for both versions are the same. The exceptions are:

When would I use each one?

When you have many options on which version of the PS61 Pressure Switch to choose from, it can be challenging. The chart below can assist you in the decision-making process: