1. What is the Milliamp to PSI Conversion?

The milliamp to PSI conversion is used to translate a 4-20 mA current signal into a pressure reading for generators and other industrial equipment. This standard signal range is widely used in process control systems.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard conversion formula:

Where:

• \( mA \) — Current in milliamps (4-20 mA range)
• \( Span \) — The PSI range of the transmitter

Explanation: The formula converts the 4-20 mA signal into a percentage of span (0-100%) and then applies it to the specific pressure range.

3. Importance of PSI Calculation

Details: Accurate pressure calculation from mA signals is crucial for monitoring and controlling generator systems, ensuring safe operation within specified pressure ranges.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter current in mA (must be between 4-20) and the span of your pressure transmitter in PSI. The calculator will compute the corresponding pressure.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is 4-20 mA standard?
A: 4-20 mA is used because it allows for "live zero" (4 mA = 0%) detection and is less susceptible to noise than voltage signals.

Q2: What if my reading is below 4 mA?
A: Readings below 4 mA typically indicate a fault in the system (broken wire, failed sensor, etc.).

Q3: How do I determine the span value?
A: The span is the difference between upper and lower range values of your pressure transmitter (e.g., 0-100 PSI has a span of 100).

Q4: Can this be used for other units besides PSI?
A: Yes, the same formula works for any engineering units as long as you use the correct span in those units.

Q5: What about 3-15 PSI systems?
A: This calculator is specifically for 4-20 mA systems. Different formulas apply to other signal ranges.