Pressure Transmitter Troubleshooting Tips

The below list provides the list of general pressure transmitter problems and their possible corrective actions.

Transmitter milliamp reading is zero

  • Verify power is applied to signal terminals
  • Check power wires for reversed polarity
  • Verify terminal voltage is 10.5 to 42.4 Vdc
  • Check for open diode across test terminal

Transmitter Not Communicating with Field Communicator

  • Verify the output is between 4 and 20 mA or saturation levels
  • Verify terminal voltage is 10.5 to 42.4 Vdc
  • Verify clean DC Power to transmitter (Max AC noise 0.2 volts peak to peak)
  • Check loop resistance, 250 ohms minimum (Power supply voltage -transmitter voltage/loop current)
  • Have Field Communicator poll for all addresses

Transmitter milliamp reading is low or high

  • Verify applied pressure
  • Verify 4 and 20 mA range points
  • Verify output is not in alarm condition (Alarm option available in some transmitters)
  • Verify if 4 – 20 mA output trim is required

Transmitter will not respond to changes in applied pressure

  • Check test equipment
  • Check impulse piping or manifold for blockage
  • Verify the transmitter is not in multidrop mode
  • Verify applied pressure is between the 4 and 20 mA set points
  • Verify output is not in alarm condition
  • Verify transmitter is not in Loop Test mode

Digital Pressure Variable reading is low or high

  • Check test equipment (verify accuracy)
  • Check impulse piping for blockage or low fill in wet leg
  • Verify transmitter is calibrated properly
  • Verify pressure calculations for application

Digital Pressure Variable reading is erratic 

  • Check application for faulty equipment in pressure line
  • Verify transmitter is not reacting directly to equipment turning on/off
  • Verify damping is set properly for application

Milliamp reading is erratic 

  • Verify power source to transmitter has adequate voltage and current
  • Check for external electrical interference
  • Verify transmitter is properly grounded
  • Verify shield for twisted pair is only grounded at one end

Reference : Rosemount 

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