PS120 Series

Supervisory Pressure Switch

Features
• One or two switch models available
• Independent switch adjustment on two switch models, no tools
needed
• Two 1/2” conduit/cable entrances
• Separate isolated wiring chambers
• Non-corrosive pressure connection
• VdS version available
• Non-Conductive enclosure

This document contains important information on the installation

and operation of PS120 pressure switches. Please read all instructions
carefully before beginning installation. A copy of this document is
required by NFPA 72 to be maintained on site.

Installation Technical Specifications

The Potter PS120 Series Supervisory Pressure Actuated Switches Two knockouts for 1/2” conduit provided. Individual switch
Conduit Entrances
are designed primarily to detect an increase and/or decrease from compartments and ground screw suitable for dissimilar voltages
normal system pressure in automatic fire sprinkler systems. Typical SPDT (Form C)
applications are: Wet pipe systems with excess pressure, pressure Contact Ratings 10.1 Amps at 125/250VAC, 2.0 Amps at 30VDC
tanks, air supplies, water supplies, and monitoring pressure regulators One SPDT in PS120-1, Two SPDT in PS120-2
in standpipes. The PS120 switch is factory set for 120 psi (8,3 bar)
Cover incorporates tamper resistant fastener that requires a special
normal system pressure. The switch marked with the word LOW is set Cover Tamper
key for removal. One key is supplied with each device.
to operate at a pressure decrease of 10 psi (0,7 bar) at 110 psi (7,6 bar).
Typical 2 lbs at 35 psi (0,14 at 2,41 bar)
The switch marked with the word HIGH is set to operate at a pressure Differential
9 lbs at 225 psi (0,62 at 15,51 bar)
increase of 10 psi (0,7 bar) at 130 psi (9 bar). See section heading
Dimensions 3.78”(9,6cm)Wx3.20”(8,1cm)Dx4.22”(10,7cm)H
Adjustments and Testing if other than factory set point is required.
Cover: Weather/UV/Flame Resistant High Impact Composite
Enclosure Base: Die Cast
1. Connect the PS120 to the system side of any shutoff or check valve. All parts have corrosion resistant finishes
2. Apply Teflon tape to the threaded male connection on the device. -40º F to 140ºF (-40ºC to 60ºC)
(Do not use pipe dope) Environmental
Limitations NEMA 4/IP66 Rated Enclosure indoor or outdoor when used with
NEMA 4 conduit fittings
3. Device should be mounted in the upright position.
(Threaded connection down) PS120-1 operates on decrease at 110 psi (7,6 bar)
Factory Adjustment PS120-2 operates in increase at 130 psi (9 bar) and on decrease
4. Tighten the device using a wrench on the flats on the device. at 110 psi (7,6 bar)
Maximum System
300 psi (20,68 bar)
Pressure
Pressure Connection Nylon 1/2” NPT male
Pressure Range 35-225 psi (2,41 to 15,51 bar)
Service Use NFPA 13, 13D, 13R, 14, 72

*Specifications subject to change without notice.

Potter Electric Signal Company, LLC • St. Louis, MO • Phone: 800-325-3936 • www.pottersignal.com

5400933 - REV G • 2/20 PAGE 1 OF 4

 PS120 Series
Supervisory Pressure Switch

Wiring Instructions Switch Clamping Plate Terminal

1. Remove the tamper resistant screw with the special key Fig 2
provided.
2. Carefully place a screwdriver on the edge of the knockout and
sharply apply a force sufficient to dislodge the knockout plug.
Ou
See Fig 9. tgo
ing
3. Run wires through an approved conduit connector and affix the
connector to the device. A NEMA-4 rated conduit fitting is required
for outdoor use. Inc
om
4. Connect the wires to the appropriate terminal connections for ing
the service intended. See Figures 2,4,5, and 6. See Fig 7 for two
switch, one conduit wiring.

Adjustments and Testing An uninsulated section of a single conductor should not be looped around the
terminal and serve as two separate connections. The wire must be severed,
NOTE: Testing the PS120 may activate other system connected devices. thereby providing supervision of the connection in the event that the wire
The use of a Potter BVL (see product bulletin 8900067 for details) is becomes dislodged from under the terminal.
recommended to facilitate setting and testing of the PS120 pressure switch.
When a BVL (bleeder valve) is used, the pressure to the switch can be
isolated and bled from the exhaust port on the BVL without effecting the
supervisory pressure of the entire system. See Fig. 3 Typical Sprinkler Applications
The operation of the pressure alarm switch should be tested upon completion Fig 3
of installation and periodically thereafter in accordance with the applicable PS120
NFPA codes and standards and/or the authority having jurisdiction SUPERVISORY
PS10
PRESSURE
(manufacturer recommends quarterly or more frequently). SWITCH WATERFLOW WATER
ALARM MOTOR
The operation point of the PS120 Pressure Switch can be adjusted to BLEEDER
WET SYSTEM
SWITCH GONG
TEST
any point between 35 and 225 psi (2,41 and 15,51 bar) by turning the RBVS VALVE ALARM CHECK
adjustment knob(s) clockwise to raise the actuation point and counter BVL VALVE

clockwise to lower the actuation point. In the case of the PS120-2,

both switches operate independent of each other. Each switch may be CHECK
VALVE RBVS
independently adjusted to actuate at any point across the switch adjustment
EXCESS
range. Initial adjustment can be made with a visual reference from the top PRESSURE
of the adjustment knob across to the printed scale on the switch bracket. PUMP OS & Y
WATER
BY-PASS
Final adjustments should be verified with a pressure gauge. VALVE
TEST VALVE
RBVS DWG #926-1A

Dimensions
Fig 1
GROUND
CAUTION
2.87
SCREWS Closing of any shutoff valves between the alarm check valve and the PS10
ADJUSTMENT [72.97] will render the PS10 inoperative. To comply with NFPA-72 any such valve
4.22
KNOB
[107.19]
shall be electrically supervised with a supervisory switch such as Potter
Model RBVS.
1/2" NPT

2.48 1.60
[62.87] [40.64]

3.78 3.20
[95.89] [81.28]

NOTE: To prevent leakage, apply Teflon tape sealant to male threads only.

DWG# 930-1

Potter Electric Signal Company, LLC • St. Louis, MO • Phone: 800-325-3936 • www.pottersignal.com

5400933 - REV G • 2/20 PAGE 2 OF 4

 PS120 Series
Supervisory Pressure Switch

Typical Connections
Fig 4
PS120-1 PS120-2

WITH NORMAL SYSTEM

PRESSURE APPLIED LOW - TO FIRE
TERMINAL 2 CLOSES ON ALARM
PRESSURE DROP. PANEL HIGH
AIR
COM 1 2
2 1 COM

COM 1 2 WITH NORMAL SYSTEM

LOW PRESSURE APPLIED
TO FIRE EOLR AIR HIGH - TERMINAL
ALARM 1 WILL CLOSE ON
PANEL PRESSURE INCREASE.
EOLR

DWG# 933-1

Low Pressure Signal Connection One Conduit Wiring

Fig 5 Fig 7
Break out thin section of divider to provide path for wires when wiring
TO FIRE ALARM PANEL both switches from one conduit entrance.
EOLR

LOW PRESSURE SWITCH

C
DWG# 928-1 DWG# 928-4

High Pressure Signal Connection Changing Pressure C 1 2

Fig 6 Fig 8
LowPRESSURE
LOW PressureSWITCH
Switch HighPRESSURE
HIGH PressureSWITCH
Switch
TO FIRE ALARM PANEL
C C
EOLR

C 1 2 C 1 2

DWG# 930-3

Terminal Terminal
HIGH PRESSURE SWITCH
C: Common 1. Open when installed
1. C
Closed when installed under normal system
under normal system pressure. Closes on
Pressure. increase in pressure. Use
C 1 2 for high pressure signal.
DWG# 928-2
2. Open when installed
DWG# 930-3
under normal system 2. Closed under normal
pressure. Closes on system pressure.
pressure drop. Use for
low pressure signal.

Potter Electric Signal Company, LLC • St. Louis, MO • Phone: 800-325-3936 • www.pottersignal.com

5400933 - REV G • 2/20 PAGE 3 OF 4

 PS120 Series
Supervisory Pressure Switch

Removing Knockouts
Fig 9
•Installation must be performed by qualified personnel and in
accordance with all national and local codes and ordinances.
•Shock hazard. Disconnect power source before servicing.
Serious injury or death could result.
•Read all instructions carefully and understand them before
starting installation. Save instructions for future use. Failure to
read and understand instructions could result in improper
operation of device resulting in serious injury or death.
•Risk of explosion. Not for use in hazardous locations. Serious
injury or death could result.

CAUTION
•Do not tighten by grasping the switch enclosure. Use wrenching
flats on the bushing only. Failure to install properly could damage
DWG#928-5 the switch and cause improper operation resulting in damage to
equipment and property.
•To seal threads, apply Teflon tape to male threads only. Using
Engineer/Architect Specifications joint compounds or cement can obstruct the pressure port inlet
and result in improper device operation and damage to equipment.
Pressure Type Waterflow Switch •Do not over tighten the device, standard piping practices apply.
Pressure type supervisory switches; shall be a Model PS120 as Do not apply any lubricant to any component of the pressure switch.
manufactured by Potter Electric Signal Company, St. Louis, MO., and shall
be installed on the fire sprinkler system as shown and or specified herein.
Ordering Information
Switches shall be provided with a ½” NPT male pressure connection to be
Model Description Part Number
connected into the air supply line on the system side of any shut-off valve.
Pressure switch with one set SPDT
A Model BVL bleeder valve as supplied by Potter Electric Signal Company PS120-1 1341203
contacts
of St. Louis, MO., or equivalent shall be connected in line with the PS120 to
provide a means of testing the operation of the supervisory switch. (See Fig. 3) Pressure switch with two sets SPDT
PS120-2 1341204
contacts
The switch unit shall contain SPDT (Form C) switch(es). One switch shall Hex Key 5250062
be set to operate at a pressure decrease of 10 psi (0,7 bar) from normal. If
Cover Tamper Switch Kit 0090200
two switches are provided, the second switch shall be set to operate at a
pressure increase of 10 psi (0,7 bar) from normal. BVL Bleeder valve 1000018

Switch contact shall be rated at 10.1 Amps at 125/250VAC and 2.0 Amps Tamper
at 30VDC. The units shall have a maximum pressure rating of 300 psi
Cover incorporates tamper resistant fastener that requires a special key for
(20,68 bar) and shall be adjustable from 35 to 225 psi (2,41 to 15,51 bar). removal. One key is supplied with each device. For optional cover tamper
switch kit, order Stock No. 0090200. See bulletin #5401200 PSCTSK.
The pressure switch shall be UL, ULC, and CSFM listed, FM and
LPC approved and NYMEA accepted.

Pressure switches have a normal service life of 10-15 years.

However, the service life may be significantly reduced by local
environmental conditions.

Potter Electric Signal Company, LLC • St. Louis, MO • Phone: 800-325-3936 • www.pottersignal.com

5400933 - REV G • 2/20 PAGE 4 OF 4