4 to 20 mA vs 0 to 10 V
Side by side comparison: how they work, where each fits, and which to choose.
Quick answer: 4 to 20 mA is immune to wire resistance, detects broken wires and can power the transmitter; 0 to 10 V is simple for short runs inside panels and HVAC.
4 to 20 mA vs 0 to 10 V: Comparison Table
| Aspect | 4 to 20 mA | 0 to 10 V |
|---|---|---|
| Cable length | Long, hundreds of metres | Short |
| Noise immunity | Good | Lower |
| Broken wire detection | Yes (live zero) | No (0 V looks valid) |
| Loop powered devices | Yes | No |
| Typical use | Process instruments | HVAC, drives, panel signals |
Choose 4 to 20 mA when
- Field instruments and long cables
Choose 0 to 10 V when
- Short signals between devices in one panel
Key Differences Explained
Current is the same everywhere in a series loop, so cable resistance does not change the reading. Voltage signals drop along the cable and pick up noise more easily.
A 250 Ω resistor converts 4 to 20 mA to 1 to 5 V.
Related Glossary Terms
Free Calculators
Free Downloads
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 4 to 20 mA and 0 to 10 V?
4 to 20 mA is immune to wire resistance, detects broken wires and can power the transmitter; 0 to 10 V is simple for short runs inside panels and HVAC.
Can I convert 4 to 20 mA to 0 to 10 V?
Yes, with a signal converter.
What about 2 to 10 V?
It is a live zero voltage signal used in HVAC.
Why not 0 to 20 mA?
No live zero, so faults are hard to detect.
Learn more on the blog
4 to 20 mA current loop explained
A practical guide on instrumentationblog.in that goes deeper into this topic with field examples.
Read Full ArticleMore Comparisons
All comparisons · Instrumentation glossary