Overpressure

Overpressure is used to describe a condition where the pressure value has exceeded operational limits or a threshold pressure.
An Overpressure value may refer to an alarm condition on a process which warns an operator that a limit has been exceeded or triggers a switch which controls a pressure relief valve.

Overpressure may also refer to the maximum pressure value that a pressurised component can withstand without affecting operational performance.

On most manufacturer’s pressure sensor data sheets you will find an overpressure or proof pressure rating. This is the maximum pressure that the pressure sensor will tolerate without damaging the diaphragm or putting it outside specification tolerances.

The overpressure or proof pressure rating is mainly a guideline for determining whether a pressure sensor will be protected when there is a system failure and a pressure is applied which is over and above the normal operating conditions.