2 Wire 3 Wire 4 Wire Transmitter Wiring

4-20 mA Transmitter
Wiring Types :2-Wire, 3-

Wire, 4-Wire
Transmitters are available with a wide variety of signal outputs. The 4-20mA
analogue signal is by far the most commonly used in industrial applications.
Several physical 4-20mA wiring options exist. This guidance note aims to
outline these options.
Industrial transmitters are available for monitoring many parameters these
including pressure, temperature and flow etc. Gas detectors / transmitters
offer 4-20mA outputs, where 4 mA equates to a zero reading and 20 mA
equates a full scale reading of the calibrated range.
This signal is sent to a remotely located control panel. The control panel uses
this signal and activates executive actions via relay contacts, e.g. audible and
visual alarms or initiate some trips or even plant shut down procedures.
Transmitters typically require a 24Vdc supply. This supply can be derived

local to the transmitter or supplied direct from the associated control panel.
4-20 mA Transmitter Wiring
Several transmitter wiring options exist. The design of the associated control
panel dictates which option should be used.
These wiring options include:
 Current source transmitter, non isolated (3 wire)

 Current sink transmitter, non isolated (3 wire)
 Fully isolated (4 wire)
 Two wire loop powered transmitters
Most modern transmitters can be wired in a current sink or source format,
selection is often made by the use of specific terminals or the location of a link
within the transmitter.
However some transmitters may be limited to either a sink or
source configuration. Check the transmitters technical manual for the
available options.
When transmitters are wired in a current source configuration it follows that
the control system will be current sink, and vice versa. Therefore it is
important to qualify whether it is the transmitter or the control system that is to
be wired in a specific configuration.
For the purposes for this guidance note it is assumed that both the transmitter
and the remote control panel require a 24Vdc supply.
Current source transmitter, non isolated (3 wire)

This is the most common configuration of modern 4-20mA transmitters.
The transmitter and control panel can use the same 24V and 0V dc supply
lines. The 4-20mA signal flows through the 24V dc line and the signal line to
the controller.
Advantages:
 Only three cable cores are required to the transmitter.

 A common power supply can be used for both the transmitter and the
control panel.
Disadvantages:
 Any electrical interference or pick up may be transmitted along the

signal line, which could generate a spurious alarm in the control panel
Current sink transmitter, non isolated (3 wire)
The transmitter and control panel can use the same 0V and 24V dc supply
lines. The 4-20mA signal flows through the 0V dc line and the signal line to
the controller.
Advantages:
 Only three cable cores are required to the transmitter.

 A common power supply can be used for both the transmitter and the
control panel.
Disadvantages:
 Any electrical interference or pick up may be transmitted along the

signal line, which may generate a spurious alarm in the control panel.
Fully isolated (4 wire)
The transmitter and control panel use separate power supplies. The 4-20mA
signal flows through two separate cable cores between the transmitter and
control panel. It is assumed that the power to drive the 4-20mA loop is derived
from the control panel.
Advantages:
 Electrical interference on the voltage supply lines will not be transferred

to the 4-20mA signal line, reducing the risk of spurious signals being
received at the controller.
Disadvantages:
 An additional cable core is required for each transmitter compared to

current sink and source options.
 A separate power supply is required for both the transmitter and control
panel.
Two Wire Loop Powered Transmitters
This configuration supplies power and 4-20mA signal over a two wire
loop connection between the transmitter and the control panel.
Not all transmitters can be wired in this format and must be specifically
designed to accommodate this configuration.
Advantages:
 Has low power consumption.

 Only two cable cores are required to the transmitter.
Disadvantages:
 Transmitter discrete fault signalling can not be set at 0mA as this

configuration continues to draw some current in a fault condition. This
configuration is not suitable for control panels that require a 0mA signal
for a fault indication.
Sub 4mA status signalling is limited due the reduced range of mA available
between fault and a zero reading.
Not suitable for power hungry transmitters, e.g. catalytic gas detectors,
or Infrared gas detectors using optical heating elements.
Implementing Loop powered indicator via Junction box
A lot of vendor provide connection of terminals for loop powered indicators.
So Why do we need Loop powered indicator via JB instead of just wiring via
transmitter.
Well for a lot of cases the Loop powered indicator and Transmitters are not in close
proximity.
A typical situation is when a loop powered indicator is required near the control valve
that is controlled via input from transmitter.
The transmitter might not be at the same location as that of control valve.
So instead of wiring all the way from transmitter to Loop powered indicator which
would be a single cable running in between them without proper support and
systematic route it is prefer by some client to run such cable via JB.
Such that cables are well supported accounted and systematic, prevent tripping of
personnel at site.
In order to simplify this connection let us refer the regular loop powered connection as
shown below.
Instead of having the cable running from Transmitter’s -ve terminal to +ve terminal of
Loop powered indicator, The -ve cable runs to JB Terminal 2.
The Terminal 2 and 3 of JB are interconnected.
The Terminal 3 of JB then connects to the +ve of loop powered indicator and the -ve
terminal of loop powered indicator rums back to JB Terminal 4 completing the Field
side connection.
Note the terminals 1 and 4 are sent to Control system side.
Loop powered indicator connection via JB.
Thanks for reading.

Hope its been of value to you.

2 Wire 3 Wire 4 Wire Transmitter Wiring

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4-20 mA Transmitter

Wiring Types :2-Wire, 3-

Transmitters typically require a 24Vdc supply. This supply can be derived

 Current source transmitter, non isolated (3 wire)

Current source transmitter, non isolated (3 wire)

 Only three cable cores are required to the transmitter.

 Any electrical interference or pick up may be transmitted along the

 Only three cable cores are required to the transmitter.

 Any electrical interference or pick up may be transmitted along the

 Electrical interference on the voltage supply lines will not be transferred

 An additional cable core is required for each transmitter compared to

 Has low power consumption.

 Transmitter discrete fault signalling can not be set at 0mA as this

Note the terminals 1 and 4 are sent to Control system side.

Loop powered indicator connection via JB.

Thanks for reading.

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