What the 171-210-065 Is
The Vogel/Lincoln 171-210-065 is a piston-type minimum-flow switch for oil circulation lubrication systems. It monitors flow in the 8.0 to 14.0 L/min range and provides a switch contact when flow drops below the set threshold.
Lincoln, Vogel, and SKF are trademarks of their respective owners.
This is an aftermarket monitor, not manufactured, sponsored, or endorsed by SKF.
171-210-065 designations are for cross-reference identification only.
The unit threads into a lubrication line with M18 x 1.5 inlet and outlet ports. It is a mechanical monitor, not a precision instrument, and it signals low-flow conditions for alarm or control purposes.
Specifications
| Model | 171-210-065 |
| Function | Mechanical minimum-flow switch |
| Flow range | 8.0-14.0 L/min |
| Inlet connection | M18 x 1.5 |
| Outlet connection | M18 x 1.5 |
| Operating pressure | 4-25 bar |
| Lubricant | Mineral oils, viscosity 20-1000 mm2/s |
| Operating temperature | +5 to +80 °C |
| Protection class | IP65 |
| Family flow coverage | 0.05-14 L/min |
| Switch rating (secondary listing) | 250 V AC / 0.5 A changeover, confirm datasheet |
| Housing (secondary listing) | Zinc die-cast with polyamide |
| Seal (secondary listing) | NBR standard, FKM on request |
| Dimensions (secondary listing) | Approximately 101 x 47 x 34 mm |
| Minimum actuating pressure | 4 bar, 6 bar with metering restrictors installed |
How a Piston Flow Switch Works
Oil flow enters the monitor and pushes a spring-loaded piston along its bore. The piston position corresponds to the flow rate passing through the unit.
When flow falls below the switching threshold, the spring returns the piston toward its rest position. This movement actuates a switch contact that opens or closes an electrical circuit for alarm or control.
The switching point is not a fixed universal value. It depends on oil viscosity, operating temperature, and installation conditions, so the selected flow range must match the actual circuit flow.
The 171-210 Series
| 171-210-051 | 50-100 cm3/min | M10 x 1 inlet | M18 x 1.5 outlet |
| 171-210-052 | 100-200 cm3/min | M10 x 1 inlet | M18 x 1.5 outlet |
| 171-210-053 | 200-500 cm3/min | M10 x 1 inlet | M18 x 1.5 outlet |
| 171-210-054 | 500-800 cm3/min | M10 x 1 inlet | M18 x 1.5 outlet |
| 171-210-055 | 800-1800 cm3/min | M10 x 1 inlet | M18 x 1.5 outlet |
| 171-210-061 | 1.6-2.5 L/min | M18 x 1.5 inlet | M18 x 1.5 outlet |
| 171-210-062 | 2.3-4.0 L/min | M18 x 1.5 inlet | M18 x 1.5 outlet |
| 171-210-063 | 3.6-6.0 L/min | M18 x 1.5 inlet | M18 x 1.5 outlet |
| 171-210-064 | 5.5-10.0 L/min | M18 x 1.5 inlet | M18 x 1.5 outlet |
| 171-210-065 | 8.0-14.0 L/min | M18 x 1.5 inlet | M18 x 1.5 outlet |
Select the model by actual circuit flow, not by port size. Do not choose the 065 merely because it has the larger M18 x 1.5 connections.
Flow Monitor, Pressure Switch, or Piston Detector
A flow monitor like the 171-210-065 confirms that oil moves through its own passage. It does not prove that every downstream lubrication point receives oil.
A pressure switch confirms system pressure, not flow. Pressure can exist without flow when a line is blocked downstream.
A piston detector mounts on a progressive divider and monitors divider cycling. It verifies that the divider advances, which is a different function from in-line flow monitoring.
Related Parts
These monitors serve centralized lubrication systems in circulating-oil applications. Request sizing support through the quotation form.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the 171-210-065 do?
It monitors oil flow in a circulation lubrication line and switches when flow drops below the set threshold. The switch contact can trigger an alarm or stop the machine.
Which flow range should I pick?
Choose the model whose range contains your actual circuit flow during normal operation. Do not select by port size alone.
What are the connections?
The inlet and outlet are both M18 x 1.5 threaded ports. This matches the larger flow models in the series.
What is the operating pressure window?
The family operates from 4 to 25 bar. Minimum actuating pressure is 4 bar, or 6 bar with metering restrictors installed.
What oil viscosity does it accept?
It works with mineral oils from 20 to 1000 mm2/s. Viscosity changes affect the switching point.
Does it measure flow exactly?
No, it is a minimum-flow switch, not a precision flow meter. It signals when flow falls below a threshold.
Can I mount it in any orientation?
The installation document allows any mounting orientation. Confirm your specific installation against the supplied documentation.
How is it different from a piston detector?
A piston detector monitors progressive divider cycling. This flow monitor watches oil movement through its own passage.
How is it different from a pressure switch?
A pressure switch confirms pressure only. This unit confirms actual flow through the line.
How do I order or get support?
IsoHiTech Lubrication Systems, founded in 2023, engineering since 2006, builds and supports every unit. Email inquiry@isohitech.com for specifications and a quotation.
Use the quotation form for a fast response. Include your flow range and connection details.
