Allen-Bradley 836T Technical Data Manual

Pressure Switch 836T – Allen Bradley

Technical Data

Technical Terms

Adjustable operating range — Total span

within which the contacts can be adjusted to

trip and reset.

Trip setting — Higher pressure setting at

which value the contacts transfer from their

normal state to a change state.

Reset setting — Lower pressure setting at

which value the contacts return to their

normal state.

Adjustable differential — Difference between the trip and reset values

Minimum differential — When the differential is set to the lowest possible difference between trip and

reset.

Maximum differential — When the differential is set to the highest possible difference between trip

and reset.

Max. occasional surge pressure — Maximum surge pressure that can be applied to the actuator. Surges

or transients can occur during start-up and shut-down of a machine or system. Expressed in

milliseconds, complex electronic instrumentation is required to measure the varying amplitude,

frequency, and duration of this wave form. Extreme surges that occur approximately 8 times in a 24-

hour period are negligible.

Maximum line pressure — Maximum sustained pressure that can be applied to the actuator without

permanent damage. The control should not be cycled at this pressure. Note: Does not apply to piston

type controls.

psi — Pounds per square inch gauge (positive pressure). Devices listed are in gauge pressure units which

use atmospheric pressure as a reference. Atmospheric pressure at sea level is approximately 14.7 psi or

30 in. Hg.

Pressure Switch 836T – Allen Bradley

Vacuum — Inches of mercury (in. Hg) vacuum (negative pressure).

Operating range adjustment screw — This screw is used to adjust the trip setting by varying the force

of the main spring.

Differential adjustment screw — This screw is used to adjust reset setting by varying the force of the

differential blade spring.

Pressure media — There are many types of pressure media that can be controlled. Examples include

air, water, hydraulic fluids, and other types of gases and liquids. The type of media and the maximum

system pressure will determine the type of actuator used for the pressure control application. See

Pressure Control Selection.

Pressure connection — Common standard types of pressure connections used in control systems are

1/4 in. and 3/8 in. N.P.T. female pipe threads. SAE 7/16 and SAE 9/16 O-ring boss seals are also

available (piston versions only).

Contact configuration — Bulletin 836T controls are available with either a 2-circuit or 4-circuit contact

block. See Contacts.

Style D

Style D — pressure difference controls adjustable system difference range — The adjustable

operating range for a pressure difference control.

System difference pressure bushing — This bushing is used to adjust the trip setting by varying the

force on the main spring.

Trip setting — Desired difference in pressure between the two bellows at which value the contacts

transfer from their normal state to a changed state. This occurs in one of the following conditions:

 The pressure in the bottom bellows is higher than the pressure in the top bellows by a value equal to

the trip setting.

 The pressure in the bottom bellows remains constant and the pressure in the top bellows decreases

by a value equal to the trip setting.

Pressure Switch 836T – Allen Bradley

Reset setting — Pre-determined normal difference in pressure between the two bellows, at which

value the contacts return to their normal state. This occurs in one of the following conditions:

 The pressure in the bottom bellows is lower than the top bellows.

 The pressure in the bottom bellows remains constant and the pressure in the top bellows increases.

Figure 1
Graphics to Illustrate Technical Terms

Theory of Operation

Bulletin 836T Pressure Controls are designed to open or close electrical circuits in response to changes

in pneumatic (air or gas) or hydraulic (oil or non-corrosive liquids) pressure. Piston controls are not

intended for use with air or water. (Figure 2) shows the basic operating mechanism.

Pressure is applied to the actuator which can be either a bellows or piston type. As pressure rises, the

actuator exerts force on the main spring. When the threshold force of the main spring is overcome,

levers transfer the motion to the contact block, displacing the contacts — this is referred to as the trip

setting. The unique lever design amplifies the actuator motion, providing shorter stroke, which results

in maximizing bellows life.