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Return to positioners, controllers and sensors to compare EP5 with EP500, SP400, SP500, SP7, SX80 and other control and feedback products.
Where EP5 sits in the control range
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.
Product features
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:
- Supports both 4-20 mA current and 0.2-1.0 bar pneumatic input signals
- Valve position feedback for position monitoring
- Compatible with single-acting linear pneumatic actuators
- Simple construction suited to traditional industrial control loops
- Optional ISP5 intrinsically safe variant for hazardous areas
How EP5 compares with EP500, SP400 and SP500
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.
Installation and selection tips
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:
- Actuator type (single-acting linear pneumatic) and stroke range
- Control signal format: 4-20 mA current or 0.2-1.0 bar pneumatic signal
- Whether an intrinsically safe hazardous-area variant (ISP5) is needed
- Whether a field filter regulator is required
- Whether the EP5 is being specified alongside SPIRA-TROL, STERI-TROL or other control valves
Technical documentation coverage
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.
Related routes
- Return to positioners, controllers and sensors to compare EP5 with EP500, SP400, SP500, SP7, SX80 and other control and feedback products.
- View EP500 electro-pneumatic positioner, the EP5 successor standard model.
- View SP400 positioner when smart positioning and auto commissioning are needed.
- View SP500 smart positioner for HART communication and diagnostic features.
- View pneumatic actuators to confirm the actuator type the EP5 needs to match.