When you guys buy stuff like flow switches, pressure sensors, etc. for your potable water systems, how much attention do you give to whether or not it is "approved for potable water", "approved for sanitary use", "meet 3A standards for applications in food, dairy, beverage and pharmaceutical processing, liquid level control, and sanitary pipelines", and stuff like that?
The sensor mustangcoupe pointed to says it is "constructed of FDA approved wetted materials", but doesn't say it is 3A compliant or approved for potable water. Then again, about the only thing I check for in plumbing fittings is to make sure fittings/valves/etc. are lead free if possible.
Does common wisdom say that as long as the wetted materials are some type of plastic, stainless steel, teflon, or similar material, it is okay to use in a potable water system?
My guess is that part of the "3A rating" is that the device cannot contain any nooks and crannies where things can get stuck and deteriorate over time. The 3A rated pressure sensors I've seen have some special way of connecting into a system.
In reality, when I look at my well, pump, pressure switch, check valve, pressure tank, valves, pressure gauges, etc., all the way down the line, I can't see where anything that is stainless/plastic/teflon and the components are sealed could be any worse.
Ira
