APPLICATIONS
Pressure Sensors for HVAC & Building Automation
Comfort costs energy, and energy costs money. PRESS SPEC low-range pressure transducers and transmitters keep duct static, chilled water loops and VAV systems precisely on setpoint — and connected to your BMS.
KEY MEASUREMENTS
Three Signals Every Building Needs
Duct Static Pressure
Supply and return duct static pressure tells the AHU controller exactly what the fans are delivering. Low-range transducers in the 0-1 kPa and 0-2.5 kPa spans hold accuracy across the whole operating curve — not just at full flow.
Chilled Water Differential Pressure
Differential pressure across coils, risers and the chilled water loop proves flow where it matters and lets the BMS reset pump speed. DP transducers in the 0-100 kPa range drive the pump and valve sequencing.
VAV Box Control
VAV boxes need a fast, stable inlet static pressure signal to modulate the damper without hunting. Compact transducers with 4-20mA or 0-10V outputs fit inside the plenum and respond quickly enough for real-time control.
MEASUREMENT POINTS
Where to Measure in an HVAC System
| Location | What to Measure | Typical Range | Recommended Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supply / return duct | Duct static pressure | 0-1 kPa / 0-2.5 kPa | Pressure transducers |
| Filter bank across AHU | Filter differential pressure | 0-500 Pa - 0-1 kPa | Differential pressure transducers |
| Chilled water supply / return | Loop pressure for pump control | 0-1.6 MPa | Pressure transmitters |
| Across cooling coil | Coil differential pressure | 0-100 kPa | Differential pressure transducers |
| VAV box inlet | Inlet static pressure | 0-1 kPa | Pressure transducers |
| Cleanroom / lab rooms | Room-to-corridor differential pressure | 0-100 Pa - 0-500 Pa | Differential pressure transducers |
Low spans are calibrated individually at the factory — a 0-1 kPa transducer is built and tested as a 0-1 kPa transducer, not as a 0-40 MPa sensor with a smaller scale.
SPECIFICATION TIPS
Specifying Sensors for Building Systems
Low Range, Real Accuracy
HVAC is a low-pressure world: duct statics of 1-2.5 kPa and room differentials of 100-500 Pa. The PT100 platform calibrates these low spans so 0.5%FS means real accuracy at the operating point — not a percentage of a range ten times too big.
4-20mA or RS485 into the BMS
Two-wire 4-20mA transmitters drop straight into standard BMS analog inputs; RS485 versions join digital fieldbus networks. For BACnet and Modbus projects, tell us your network and we confirm the interface.
Fast Response for Control Loops
VAV dampers and fan VFDs react to the signal in seconds. Response times in the low milliseconds with damped options for stable readings keep control loops from hunting.
Plenum-Friendly Mounting
Compact housings with cable or M12 connectors fit inside duct sections and AHU plenums. IP54 is typical for dry mechanical rooms; IP65 covers outdoor air handling units.
RECOMMENDED
Recommended for HVAC & Building
Differential Pressure Transducers
Filter, coil and room differential pressure in low ranges down to 100 Pa.
View product →Pressure Transducers
Duct static and VAV inlet pressure with 4-20mA, 0-10V or RS485 output.
View product →Pressure Transmitters
Chilled water loop pressure up to 1.6 MPa for pump and valve control.
View product →FAQ
HVAC & Building Questions
What accuracy do HVAC pressure sensors really need?
For duct static and VAV control, 0.5%FS on a correctly sized range is standard. The critical part is range selection — a 0-1 kPa sensor specified for a 500 Pa operating point beats a 0-10 kPa sensor at the same percentage accuracy.
Can I use one sensor for both static and differential pressure?
No. Static pressure sensors measure one port relative to atmosphere; differential pressure transducers measure the difference between two ports. Filter, coil and room pressure applications need a true differential transducer.
How do your sensors connect to a BMS?
Through standard analog inputs: 4-20mA two-wire is the most common, with 0-10V for short runs and RS485 available for digital networks. HART is available on PT200 models for commissioning and diagnostics.
Do you make sensors for cleanroom differential pressure?
Yes. Differential pressure transducers calibrated for 0-100 Pa to 0-500 Pa spans cover cleanroom, lab and containment room pressure monitoring, with 4-20mA or RS485 output for the building management system.
What about outdoor AHU and rooftop installations?
Specify IP65 or IP67 housings and wider operating temperature ranges. The PT100 and PT200 families support both, with weatherproof cable glands for rooftop air handling units.
Spec Your Building Pressure Sensors
Send your duct static, DP or chilled water requirements — get a low-range configuration and quotation within 24 hours.