4-20mA Current Loop Pressure Sensors for Long Distance Signal Transmission

Explore robust 4-20mA output pressure sensors ideal for industrial process control. Benefit from noise immunity, loop power, live zero diagnostics, and long-distance signal transmission for PLC & DCS integration.

Our range of pressure sensors with 4-20mA current loop outputs provides a robust and reliable solution for industrial process measurement and control applications. This industry-standard signal offers excellent noise immunity, ideal for long-distance transmission back to PLCs or DCS systems without signal degradation, while the ‘live zero’ feature enhances system diagnostics by clearly indicating loop faults. Explore sensors designed for demanding environments, often featuring convenient loop-powered operation for simplified installation.

Autoclave pressure sensor and display with 10 bar range - We are looking for a autoclave pressure sensor and display for connecting to a laboratory steam sterilising autoclave and operates at about 10 bar @160°C
16 bar, 200°C steam pressure transmitter and gauge - Combined pressure transmitter and indicator in one package with the option for use with high temperature media such as steam at 200°C

Dirty water, sludge & sewerage tank level 400 mbar pressure sensor - Flush ceramic diaphragm pressure sensor for measuring level of a dirty water, sludge & sewerage tank.
High sulphuric acid content resistant 16 bar g 4-20mA water pressure sensor - This 4-20mA pressure sensor with PVDF, ceramic, and FKM construction is designed for water with high sulfuric acid content up to 10%. Ideal for chemical processing and wastewater treatment.
SIL2 approved 10 bar pressure transducer with 4 to 20 mA output - Pressure transducer with SIL 2 approved electronics that provide a 4-20mA output over a 0-10bar working range.
ATEX approved negative 10 mbar vacuum pressure transmitter - ATEX certified intrinsically safe pressure transmitter for measuring from 0 to minus 10 millibar gauge vacuum pressure.
Lube oil pressure sensor for use on ship engines to measure up to 10 bar - Marine approved pressure sensor for use on lube oil up to 10 bar with a maximum media temperature of 125°C and environment temperature of 85°C.
10,000 psi hydraulic pressure transmitter and panel readout - Monitor hydraulic systems up to 10,000 psi with this robust transmitter and panel readout combination.

Aerospace component testing hi-temp air pressure sensor for up to 300C with 20 barg range - Conduct accurate aerospace component testing with the DMP 331P pressure sensor. With a 20 bar g range and 300°C temperature capability, it's ideal for testing pneumatic valves, heat exchangers, and sensors under simulated operating conditions.
5000 psi WECO® 1502 pressure transmitter and loop indicator - Loop powered display for mounting on a wall in hazardous area connected to a pressure transmitter with hammer union WECO™ 1502 process connection
Low operating temperature plus/minus 1 psi pressure transmitter - Reliable pressure measurements down to -40°C. Ideal for low range applications with a -1 to +1 psi gauge range.
Marine approved atmospheric pressure sensor - Marine-approved pressure sensor for atmospheric pressure measurement on ships. 4-20mA output, 800-1200mbar range.
800 to 1200 mbar atmospheric pressure transmitter - Reliable barometric pressure sensor for OEM applications requiring atmospheric pressure compensation in scientific and process instrumentation.
Water jetting high pressure pump 1600 bar/23000 psi 4-20mA pressure sensor - Rugged, all-welded stainless steel pressure sensor with 4-20mA output for demanding high-pressure applications up to 1600 bar. Ideal for water jetting, hydrodemolition, and industrial cleaning.

Find out more about 4-20mA Output Pressure Sensors to determine which product options and capabilities will best meet your application requirements.

Pressure sensors incorporating a 4-20mA (milliamp) current loop output represent a cornerstone technology in industrial process measurement and control. This analogue signalling standard is specifically favoured for its inherent resilience against electrical noise interference, a common challenge in plant environments with heavy machinery and long cable runs. Unlike voltage signals which can attenuate significantly over distance, the 4-20mA current signal maintains its integrity, ensuring reliable pressure data transmission from the point of measurement back to central control systems, even over hundreds of meters.

A key advantage appreciated by process engineers and instrument technicians is the typical 2-wire configuration, often referred to as ‘loop-powered’. In this setup, the sensor draws its operating power directly from the same two wires that carry the output signal current. This simplifies wiring installation and reduces costs compared to sensors requiring separate power connections, making integration into existing plant infrastructure more straightforward. The required DC supply voltage (commonly 24Vdc) must simply be sufficient to drive the current through the total loop resistance, including wiring and receiver input resistance.

The ‘live zero’ characteristic of the 4-20mA signal, where 4mA corresponds to the sensor’s zero pressure reading (or the lower range value), provides a vital diagnostic function. A current reading of 0mA indicates a fault condition, such as a broken wire or sensor failure, rather than a valid zero pressure reading. This fail-safe indication is critical for maintaining process safety and operational awareness, allowing control systems like PLCs or DCS to immediately flag loop integrity issues.

These sensors interface directly with a wide array of standard process instrumentation. Inputs on Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Distributed Control Systems (DCS), data loggers, chart recorders, and digital panel meters are commonly designed to accept this 4-20mA input directly. Within the control system, the 4mA to 20mA range is easily scaled to correspond to the sensor’s specific calibrated pressure range (e.g., 0 to 100 bar, -1 to 5 bar), translating the raw current signal into meaningful engineering units for monitoring, control logic, and historical trending.

Applications are diverse, ranging from monitoring hydraulic system pressures in manufacturing facilities and measuring hydrostatic level in tall chemical storage tanks to controlling fluid flow rates in pipelines within petrochemical refineries or monitoring steam pressure in power generation turbines. The robustness of the 4-20mA signal makes these pressure sensors suitable for demanding environments, including installations requiring intrinsic safety barriers for operation within potentially hazardous areas, where limiting electrical energy is paramount. Choosing the correct wetted materials and process connection type remains crucial to ensure compatibility with the specific fluid or gas being measured and the operational pressures involved.

Product Help

Checklist for 4 to 20 milliamps output pressure transmitter requirements

Define your 4-20mA output signal pressure transmitter requirements using this checklist:

Pressure range?
Output signal? 4-20 milliamps
Accuracy?
Electrical connection?
Process connection?
Process media type?
Temperature range?