Supported Applications
The Omega FSW-160 Heavy Duty Paddle Flow Switch is designed for use in flow lines to signal, start, or stop electrically operated equipment when flow or no-flow conditions occur. The device functions as an operating control and is intended for fluids not harmful to brass, stainless steel, and EPDM.
Installation guidelines specify mounting on the top of a horizontal section of pipe within a straight run of at least 5 pipe diameters. If mounted in vertical pipes, switch points will deviate from published values: downward flow results in lower switch points, while upward flow yields higher switch points. The series is not designed for human applications.
Operating Conditions & Performance
The FSW-160 operates with a liquid temperature range of 32° - 250°F (0° - 121°C) and an ambient temperature range of 32° - 150°F (0° - 66°C). The maximum service pressure is rated at 250 psi, though the unit is proof tested to 1200 psig at 21°C (70°F).
Flow detection capabilities span from a minimum adjustment of 4 GPM in 1" pipe up to over 350 GPM in 6" pipes. The switch exhibits hysteresis of 10% at the upper end of the flow range and 30% at the lower end. Electrical enclosure rating is NEMA Type 1 (IP10), with a note that it is not for use in hazardous locations.
Configuration Options
The series supports pipe sizes from 1" to 6" NPT, utilizing adjustable paddle flow switches. Key configurable and documented capabilities include:
• Pipe Sizes & Switchpoint Ranges (GPM):
• 1": Min Adjust ON: 4 / OFF: 2; Max Adjust ON: 8 / OFF: 7
• 1½": Min Adjust ON: 7 / OFF: 5; Max Adjust ON: 13 / OFF: 11
• 2": Min Adjust ON: 12 / OFF: 7; Max Adjust ON: 27 / OFF: 26
• 2½": Min Adjust ON: 18 / OFF: 12; Max Adjust ON: 35 / OFF: 32
• 3": Min Adjust ON: 27 / OFF: 19; Max Adjust ON: 52 / OFF: 49
• 4": Min Adjust ON: 63 / OFF: 50; Max Adjust ON: 123 / OFF: 120
• 5": Min Adjust ON: 125 / OFF: 100; Max Adjust ON: 238 / OFF: 232
• 6": Min Adjust ON: 190 / OFF: 158; Max Adjust ON: 350 / OFF: 338
Electrical Output:
• Contact Rating: Single-Pole-Double-Throw (SPDT)
• VAC Load: 15A, ½ hp at 125, 250, or 277V
• DC Load: ½A at 125 Vdc; ¼A at 250 Vdc (tungsten lamp)
Housing & Materials:
• Body and Lid: Brass
• Shaft: 304 stainless steel
• Paddle: 316 stainless steel
Seal: EPDM (elastomeric sealing system)
Housing Dimensions: Front view height 38 mm (1.5 in), width 95 mm (3.75 in); Side view height 81 mm (3.19 in), width 40 mm (1.59 in).
Connections:
Process Connection: 1" NPT
Electrical Entry: One opening for ½" conduit
Key Product Differences
The FSW-160 is offered as a single model configuration described in the series documentation. The unit features an adjustable set-point mechanism and utilizes an elastomeric sealing system distinct from metal bellows designs.
| Accuracy | ± 1 % |
| Electrical Connection | 1/2 in NPS female Conduit with Screw Terminal block |
| Enclosure Ratings | IP10, NEMA Type 1 |
| Hysteresis | 10% at upper end of flow range, 30% at lower end of flow range (∆ Flow Rate to Activate/ Deactivate Switch) |
| Linear Flow Rate, Max | 0 ft/s |
| Linear Flow Rate, Min | 0 ft/s |
| Material Construction Option | N/A |
| Materials | Stainless Steel, Brass |
| Operating Pressure, Max | 200 psi |
| Operating Pressure Note | Operating Pressure: 8.6 bar (125 psi) @ 21°C (70°F), 3.4 bar (50 psi) @ 100°C (212°F) |
| Operating Temperature, Max | 66 °C |
| Operating Temperature, Min | 0 °C |
| Paddle Length | 1.3 in |
| Pipe Size, Max | 0 in |
| Pipe Size, Min | 0 in |
| Pressure Drop, Max | 1 psi |
| Process Connection Size | 1 in |
| Process Connection Type | NPT Male |
| Process Temperature, Max | 121 °C |
| Process Temperature, Min | 0 °C |
| Sensitivity | 10% @ upper end of range; 30% @ lower end of range |
| Series ID | FSW-160-Series |
| Supply Voltage | 125 / 250 Vac |
| Switch Rating | 15 A |
| Switch Rating Note | 15 A, ½ hp at 125 or 250 Vac 0.5 A at 125 Vdc (tungsten lamp) 0.25 A @ 250 Vdc (tungsten lamp) |
| Switch Type | SPDT NO/NC, Selectable |