Document Nr.: A3.5.

020/E 3
PT3
Replaces doc.: A3.5.020/E 2
Pressure Transmitter
Date: 08.04.2002
Technical Data

The PT3 Pressure Transmitter converts a pressure into a linear

electrical output signal. The heart of the transmitter is a piezo
resistive chip enclosed in an oil capsule.

Features
• Pressure sensitive piezo-based cell with strong primary
output signal for precise and noise-free operation
• Pressure cell protected by oil filled pressure enclosure
• Vibration and pulsation resistant
• Protection class IP 65
• Compact dimensions
• Standard output signal 4 to 20 mA
• Gauge pressure output ranges
• Standard pressure ranges compatible with former ALCO
transmitters
• Pressure connector 7/16-20 UNF w. Schrader depressor
• Variable supply voltage
• CE-mark under EC EMC-Directive

Options
• Output signals 0…10 V or 1...6 V PT3
• Other pressure ranges and calibrations
• Other pressure connectors Pressure Transmitter
• Calibration for other supply voltages

Introduction
The ALCO pressure transmitter PT3 is designed for pressure equipment. Various pressure ranges are available to match the
sensing and the generation of a linear electrical output signal. It is operating pressures commonly encountered in refrigeration
specifically aimed at applications in refrigeration and air systems. The PT3 meets the requirements of the European EMC
conditioning systems. The standard 4 - 20 mA current output directive and is labelled with the CE-mark.
enables easy interfacing with the most common signal processing

Output 4 … 20 mA Output 0 …10 V

20 10

16 8
12 6

8 4
4 2
0 0
0 10 20 30 0 10 20 30
Pressure (bar) Pressure (bar)

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 Document Nr.: A3.5.020/E 3
PT3
Replaces doc.: A3.5.020/E 2
Pressure Transmitter Date: 08.04.2002

Description
Heart of the transmitter is a pressure sensitive piezo resistive cell. The cable is stress reliefed so that moderate pull forces
This is surrounded by an oil cushion enclosed by a Nickel occasionally experienced during installation will not damage the
diaphragm. The integrated electronic module conditions the transmitter. Short-term protection against wrong polarity is
output of the pressure cell to produce a temperature
compensated signal of either 4…20 mA (or 0…10 V). sensor
electronic
The PT3 pressure transmitter can be applied in digital and analog board
electronic systems.
The pressure cell consists of a silicon diaphragm with strain Nickel
oil cushion
gauges diffused into it. A particular advantage of using silicon is its diaphragm
good hysteresis and creeping behaviour. The direct integration of
the strain gauges means that no additional errors can be
introduced between the location where the pressure acts and
where it is measured.
Separation of the pressure sensitive element by the oil cushion
protects the sensor cell against external mechanical loads such as PRESSURE
vibrations, pressure pulsations. This ensures reliable operation and
a high life-time expectation even under severe operating provided by an internal diode, up to 40 Vdc for the 4...20 mA
conditions. output version and up to 24 Vdc for the voltage output version
The protective Nickel diaphragm ensures compatibility with the (supply lines only!).
media frequently encountered in refrigeration systems. The cable is a screened cable with the screen connected to the PT3
The outside of the PT3 consists of a corrosion resistant stainless housing. This ensures compliance with present electromagnetic
steel cover. It is sealed at the cable entrance into the housing and compatibility legislation and in particular with the EMC directives
at the pressure connector joint. This way, the PT3 meets the 89/336/EC, 91/263/EC, 92/31/EC and 93/68/EC.
requirements of IP65.

Selection Chart
Type Part Code No.: Pressure Range Output Test Pressure Connection
(bar) Signal Pressure
PT3-07A 802 276 -0.8 to 7 4 to 20 mA 25 bar 7/16’’ -20 UNF
PT3-18A 802 277 0 to 18 4 to 20 mA 36 bar 7/16’’ -20 UNF
PT3-30A 802 278 0 to 30 4 to 20 mA 36 bar 7/16’’ -20 UNF
PT3-07U 802 302 -0.8 (-0.6) to 7* 0 to 10 V 25 bar 7/16’’ -20 UNF
PT3-18U 802 303 0 (0.5) to 18* 0 to 10 V 36 bar 7/16’’ -20 UNF
PT3-30U 802 304 0 (0.8) to 30* 0 to 10 V 36 bar 7/16’’ -20 UNF
*value in brackets designates lowest measurable value; below this value the output signal will be approximately 10 mV

Technical data
Supply voltage Sensor lifetime
Nominal 24 Vdc PT3 -07 /-18 /-30 full stroke ≥ 5.000.000 cycles
Total range current output 8...28 Vdc Burst pressure ≥ 200 bar
voltage output 10...28 Vdc
Operating current Materials
4...20 mA output max. 20 mA Housing cover Stainless steel
0…10 V output max. 4 mA Pressure connect. medium contact Brass plated
Diaphragm medium contact Nickel
Load resistance Ub - 8.0V_ Medium compatibility HFC, HCFC, CFC
RL ≤ not suitable for ammonia and
4 - 20 mA output 0.02A
inflammable refrigerants !

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 Document Nr.: A3.5.020/E 3
PT3
Replaces doc.: A3.5.020/E 2
Pressure Transmitter Date: 08.04.2002

Electrical insulation test 500 Vdc Weight approx. 0.2 kg

Protection class acc. to EN 60529 IP65 Mounting position not position sensitive
Temperatures
70
Operating ambient housing -30.....70 °C
Medium 1 -40...135 °C 60
Transport and storage -40.....85 °C
50

40

30
70 80 90 100 110 120 130
Medium Temperature (°C)
Vibration at 10 ... 2000 Hz max. 4 g
1
Precision 2 ) For medium temperatures above 70°C the ambient
Offset deviation at 20 °C ≤ ±1.0 % temperature must be derated as per chart above. For example, at
120°C the ambient temperature of the housing should not
Linearity ≤ ±0.6 % exceed 55°C.
Hysteresis ≤ ±0.1 % 2
) Percentage related to full sensor range
(all data 3
) Including linearity, hysteresis, zero and range error
according to IEC 770)
PT3-07 PT3-18/ PT3-30
Typical error of measurement 3
≤ ±1.5 % ≤ ±1.0 %
temp. range
18...22°C ≤ ±2.5 % ≤ ±2.5 %
temp. range
0...50°C
(per IEC 770)

Electrical connection
• Factory wired 2.0 m cable (standard) Note: Changing the length of the electrical connection lead
• 4 ... 20 mA (Two wire connection) beyond 2 m can have a negative impact on electromagnetic
compatibility. Additional protection may be required.
• 0 ... 10 V (Three wire connection)
• Protected against inverted polarity

Two wire connection Three wire connection

Electronic system Electronic system
Pressure transmitters with current output with current input with voltage input
(two wire connection) offer the following brown 10.0 to 28 VDC
advantages:
brown 8 to 28 Vdc green
• More suitable for signal transmission 0V
over long distance 4 - 20 mA white
0 – 10 V
• Higher immunity to electro-magnetic white
interference
• Open circuit detection enables fail-
safe operation PT3 PT3

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 Document Nr.: A3.5.020/E 3
PT3
Replaces doc.: A3.5.020/E 2
Pressure Transmitter Date: 08.04.2002

Conversion from other pressure Transmitters

Converting from ALCO PT1/2 to PT3
Converting from standard PT1 / 2 models with 4...20 mA
and pressure connection type ‘S’ to standard PT3 versions Electronic System Electronic System
can be done on a one to one replacement basis.
Converting from ALCO APT and other three wire 24V 0V 4-20 mA 24V 0V 4-20 mA
transmitters with 4...20 mA output signal
The ALCO PT3 pressure transmitter with two wire
connection can replace ALCO APT as well as all other
pressure transmitters (4 ... 20 mA output) with three wire
connections (see figure on the right). ALCO APT....
PT3
In case of problems when converting from types not (Previous Version)
mentioned above please ask for ALCO application
support.

Dimensions (in mm)

17

Cable length 2m

17

PT3-xxA PT3-xxU
SW17 A 40 50

ALCO CONTROLS is not to be held responsible for erroneous literature in compliance with technical knowledge of today. It is intended only for
regarding capacities, dimensions, applications, etc. stated herein. use by persons having the appropriate technical knowledge and skills, at
Products, specifications and data in this literature are subject to change their own discretion and risk. Since conditions of use are outside of
without notice. The information given herein is based on technical data ALCO’S control we can not assume any liability for results obtained or
and tests which ALCO CONTROLS believes to be reliable and which are damages occurred due to improper application.

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