Pressure Relief Valves

Essential Safety Devices for Hydraulic Systems

Pressure relief valves are one of the most important safety components in any hydraulic system. Their primary role is to protect equipment and operators by preventing dangerous overpressure conditions. Once set, a pressure relief valve automatically opens whenever system pressure exceeds the desired limit, allowing excess fluid to flow safely back to the reservoir.

At Hydraulics Online, we supply pressure relief valves from a wide range of global manufacturers – including Argo Hytos, Bosch Rexroth, Eaton Vickers, Parker, Wandfluh, Voith, and many others – with expert advice to help you select the right valve for your application.

Our website shows only a selection of what we supply. For impartial advice and access to our full range of hydraulic components, contact our expert team.

Pressure relief valves are non-adjustable or adjustable control valves designed to regulate maximum pressure in a hydraulic circuit. They act as a safety device by:

Limiting system pressure – preventing damage to pumps, actuators, and piping
Protecting against overloads – automatically venting excess pressure to the reservoir
Ensuring safe operation – required in all hydraulic systems for compliance and reliability

Different designs are available, including pilot-operated relief valves for stable performance in high-pressure systems and proportional relief valves for precise electronic control.

Safety assurance – prevents catastrophic system failure due to overpressure
Automatic operation – opens only when pressure exceeds the set limit
Reliable performance – proven in demanding industrial and mobile environments
Versatile designs – available in direct-acting, pilot-operated, and proportional formats
Compact installation – suitable for both in-line and manifold-mounted systems

Pressure relief valves are widely used in:

Mobile machinery (construction, agriculture, forestry)
Industrial automation and process control
Marine and offshore hydraulic systems
Energy and utility installations
Material handling and lifting equipment

They are essential wherever hydraulic systems must operate safely under varying load conditions.

Are pressure relief valves required in all hydraulic systems? Yes, they are a mandatory safety device to protect against dangerous overpressure.

What’s the difference between direct-acting and pilot-operated relief valves? Direct-acting valves respond quickly to pressure spikes, while pilot-operated valves provide more stable control at higher pressures.

Can proportional relief valves be electronically controlled? Yes, proportional designs allow precise, dynamic adjustment using electronic signals.