Control systems > Positioners, controllers and sensors
EP5 Electro-pneumatic Positioner
The EP5 is a Spirax Sarco traditional electro-pneumatic valve positioner for applications that need stable valve positioning with a straightforward design. It accepts a 4-20 mA current signal or 0.2-1.0 bar pneumatic signal, fits single-acting linear pneumatic actuators and provides valve position feedback. It can be paired with SPIRA-TROL, STERI-TROL and similar control valve series.
Quick facts
EP5 is a traditional electro-pneumatic positioner in the Spirax Sarco positioners, controllers and sensors product line. Compared with the EP500 (successor standard model), SP400 (loop-powered smart) and SP500 (HART-enabled smart), the EP5 focuses on straightforward, reliable positioning for traditional industrial applications.
The EP5 hazardous-area variant ISP5 is suitable for intrinsically safe environments. In Spirax Sarco SPIRA-TROL, STERI-TROL and similar control valve selection documentation, the EP5 appears as an optional electro-pneumatic positioner.
The EP5 uses a 4-20 mA current signal or 0.2-1.0 bar pneumatic signal to determine the valve setpoint and is compatible with single-acting linear pneumatic actuators.
Key features include:
The EP5 is a traditional positioner, the EP500 is the standard successor and the SP400 and SP500 are smart positioners. The main differences are:
| Feature | EP5 | EP500 | SP400 | SP500 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Traditional electro-pneumatic | Standard electro-pneumatic | Loop-powered smart | Loop-powered smart |
| Input signal | 4-20 mA / 0.2-1.0 bar | 4-20 mA | 4-20 mA | 4-20 mA |
| Feedback method | Mechanical linkage | Mechanical linkage | Hall effect non-contact | Hall effect non-contact |
| Integral pressure gauges | No | Yes | — | — |
| HART communication | No | No | No | Optional |
| Auto commissioning | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Hazardous area variant | ISP5 | EP500 ATEX | — | — |
If the project needs integral pressure gauges and a higher enclosure rating, consider the EP500. If auto commissioning or HART communication is required, consider the SP400 or SP500.
The EP5 is compatible with single-acting linear pneumatic actuators and supports both current and pneumatic input signals.
Before making an enquiry or specifying a model, confirm:
The EP5 installation and maintenance manual (IM-P343-16) covers installation, wiring, commissioning, operation and maintenance procedures. This manual applies to both the EP5 and the ISP5 intrinsically safe variant. The EP5 is listed as an optional positioner in technical documentation for Spirax Sarco SPIRA-TROL control valves, BCV blowdown valves, steam injectors and other products.
The Spirax Sarco SX80 is a 1/16 DIN panel mount process controller offering universal input for RTD and thermocouple signals, universal output with VMD 3-point, 4-20 mA analog, relay and logic, PID auto-tuning, 3 setpoints and a built-in 18 VDC transmitter power supply.
Spirax Sarco SP7-10, SP7-11 and SP7-12 smart positioners control pneumatic linear or rotary actuators and support 4-20 mA, HART, PROFIBUS PA or Foundation Fieldbus communication routes.
The Spirax Sarco SP500 is an enhanced loop-powered electro-pneumatic smart positioner for linear and rotary pneumatic valves. Building on the SP400 platform, it adds optional HART communication, diagnostic data logging, retransmission capability and a 24V power board, while retaining the same 4-20 mA input, Hall effect non-contact feedback and piezo valve technology.
The Spirax Sarco SP400 is a loop-powered electro-pneumatic valve positioner for linear and 90 degree rotary pneumatic valves. It uses a 4-20 mA input signal, non-contact valve position feedback and automatic air output correction to help the valve reach and hold the demanded position.
| Document | Reference | Language | Download |
|---|---|---|---|
| EP5 and ISP5 Series Electropneumatic Positioners | IM-P343-16-EN | English | Download |
EP5 selection usually requires confirming the actuator type, stroke range and control signal format (current or pneumatic) at the same time.
Return to positioners, controllers and sensors to compare EP5 with EP500, SP400, SP500, SP7, SX80 and other control and feedback products.
EP500 is the successor to EP5 with integral pressure gauges and IP65 protection. Visit the EP500 page to learn more.
When the project calls for a complete control valve package, continue to confirm the valve body, actuator, positioner, filter regulator and field accessories.
