Appendix G : Unit Conversions 
In a  current loop,  any  length of  cable  and number  of devices  can  be connected  in 
series provided that the following conditions are met: 
•  All  devices  have  floating  differential  inputs  (both  leads  of  signal  input  are 
ungrounded). 
•  The total loop resistance does not exceed 500 Ω. 
G.1  Converting Current to Voltage 
Recording devices with voltage inputs can be converted to current inputs by shunting 
their  input  terminals  with  an  appropriate  resistor.    The  resistor  value  is  calculated  as 
follows: 
 
Resistor (Ω) = 50 x input voltage range (in volts) of recording device 
 
Example:  A chart recorder with an input range of 1V uses a 50 Ω (1%, 1W) resistor 
across the recorder input. 
 
G.2  Analog Outputs – Converting ppm to mA (or Vice Versa) 
To convert mA (milliampere) into ppm (or vice versa), use the following formula: 
 
ppm = 125 x (mA - 4); or mA = 4 + (ppm÷125) 
 
Example:  For a 4.8-mA current, the level of gases in oil is 100 ppm.  Likewise, if the 
display reads 250 ppm, then the current value is 6.0 mA.