need a good gauge

[1930artdeco]

I am in need of a really good gauge for my air compressor system that I am building up. I bought one from a compressor company for the tank test and it started to leak water. It held pressure but water did come out of it. So I am looking around and gauges all appear to be about $20 and I am sure made overseas. Would refer a USA made gauge but I really just want one that will work and hold pressure w/o leaking. Thoughts?

Thanks,

Mike

 

[mreisner]

Check Surplus Center they would probably have thousands of them

 

[bonneyman]

I've used Marsh gauges when doing HVAC, and they were very nice. Can't say if they're USA-made or not but the quality is excellent.

Home - Marsh Instruments

We design, manufacture, and supply the highest-quality pressure gauges, thermometers, and accessories. We are the standard of accuracy.

marshgauges.com

 

[908Jim]

It's ultimately a reference gauge so it's not exactly critical. I have a few amazon "SENCTRL" gauges (made in china) that I used on a receiver tank that seem fine.

Many years ago when I spent other peoples money for a living, I sourced Ashcroft almost exclusively. I had great experiences with the digital test gauges holding calibration every year and think they live up to their reputation. For a home compressor setup, just get the Ashcroft imported 1005 and/or utility series from Zoro or Amazon. They are around $20 and would be more than sufficient for you

 

[T444e]

I have a 6" 0-300 PSI Weiss pressure gauge on my compressor. Been installed for several years without problem. I didn't like the 2" gauge that came on the compressor. The only reason I chose this gauge was because it was on the shelf at work so the price was right. Came back from a job and sitting for a few years since the 0-300 range was not very typical for the work we performed.



I second 908Jim, Ashcroft makes a good gauge. However, I typically used Weiss or Weksler gauges.

 

[308guru]

Wika, Ashcroft, and many others in the "instrumentation" category. Your wallet will decide which one you wind up with.

 

[1930artdeco]

Ok thanks, will look into them.

Mike

 

[seber]

Norgren have always been my go to for the plant.

 

[Steve_P]

All I know to recommend is Ashcroft. Regardless, if you buy something from McMaster you've got a 99.99% chance it'll be good no matter what the brand.

 

[Beerhippie]

https://reotemp.com/products/pressure-gauges/ or Ashcroft. I use a lot of ReoTemp around the brewery.

Unless the gauge is subject to strong vibrations, skip the liquid-fill, which is what's leaking on yours. The gauge can be isolated from the compressor with hose of a copper "pigtail" to reduce or eliminate vibration.

Be sure to get one that's in the range you want. Accuracy is a percentage of the full-scale value, so, ferinstance, 10% would be 3 psi on a 0-30 gauge and 30 psi on a 0-300.

 

[cvairwerks]

Copper lines work ok in a low or no vibration environment, otherwise, go with a flexible line with either some sag in it, or a loop, to isolate the gauge from the vibration source.

 

[LopezBart]

The gauge can be isolated from the compressor with hose of a copper "pigtail" to reduce or eliminate vibration.

This. The liquid-filled gauges are intended for use on (typically) hydraulic systems, where the pressure being measured can vary quickly as valves are opened, or loads like hydraulic hammers cause rapid pressure pulsations. I've used them on piston water pumps for the same reason. Note that copper pigtails can work-harden in extreme cases, esp. if the gauge is mounted on it. A piece of proper air hose would do a better job; fasten the gauge to something that doesn't shake much .

 

[kctgb]

How did you get water in it? Condensation? Air compressors are supposed to be drained daily and should have a water trap on them. If you have air piped around a garage copper or galvanized will sweat much quicker than plastic. I used plastic, it made a huge difference.
I didn’t read your post correctly, you used water to pressure test it?

 

[Beerhippie]

How did you get water in it? Condensation? Air compressors are supposed to be drained daily and should have a water trap on them. If you have air piped around a garage copper or galvanized will sweat much quicker than plastic. I used plastic, it made a huge difference.
I didn’t read your post correctly, you used water to pressure test it?

Fluid-filled gauge is my guess.

 

[kctgb]

Fluid-filled gauge is my guess.

Did the fluid fill the gauge because the tank wasn’t drained? Keep in mind anytime you compress air it creates heat. When the heated air comes in contact with cool metal pipes or a tank/gauge, moisture will form. That’s why big compressors have automatic water drains on the bottom of the take to alleviate the water/moisture issues.

 

[Beerhippie]

Did the fluid fill the gauge because the tank wasn’t drained? Keep in mind anytime you compress air it creates heat. When the heated air comes in contact with cool metal pipes or a tank/gauge, moisture will form. That’s why big compressors have automatic water drains on the bottom of the take to alleviate the water/moisture issues.

Google "fluid-filled gauge".

 

[kctgb]

I understand now. lol! It didn’t occur to me that was what you were talking about. Sorry!

 

[Rockable]

I sold gauges for 38 years. Almost all affordable gauges are made offshore and most have acceptable quality. However, if you want to step up to the plate and buy Ashcroft, VDO, or some other instrumentation gauge, by all means do it. I just replace the leaking cheap gauge and buy another. They are good enough for compressed air systems.

Also, it didn't leak water, it leaked glycerin which helps dampen the movement. Generally, those are used in hydraulic systems with pressure fluctuations. An air gauge doesnt really need it. If the glycerin leaks out, it's likely because the bourdon tube developed a leak.

 

[LopezBart]

As I'm sure beerhippie knows, most gauges cannot tolerate heat. Gauges used on steam lines have a coiled leader pipe so that steam will condense in the loop, isolated the gauge from steam heat. Otherwise, steam would rise to the gauge, heat the internals, condense and drain down to the boiler again. The gauge would very quickly reach steam temperature.

The same condensing mechanism doesn't apply to hot air, but keeping hot compressor outlet air away from the gauge is never a bad idea.

 

[T444e]

Gauges used on steam lines have a coiled leader pipe so that steam will condense in the loop, isolated the gauge from steam heat

Not that it really matters for anyone here, the coiled pipe is called a syphon.

 

[1930artdeco]

I filled the tank with water for a burst test. I had it up to 140 and it held for 6 minutes. I only plan to go to 100 psi normally maybe 125 max. It will be isolated as I plan to set it up outside and plumb it through the wall, which is where I will put the gauge.

 

[PT Doc]

Ashcroft make gauges of all sizes. I like them for the large gauge size that you can get and thst you can read them from far away.

 

[scooby074]

Wika or Ashcroft. Available lots of places. We kept Wika "entry level" 212.53 series filled gauges on the shelf for sale, various ranges. Theyre a quality gage for a reasonable price, under $40.

 

[engineer2]

A regular mechanical gauge is fine for an air compressor. +/-10 psi is good enough.
Ashcroft mechanical looks to be made in China.
I believe Wika mechanical gauges are made in Germany.
My POS Wika liquid filled gauge after 10 years on my compressed air piping (no vibration). In hot weather the top plug would blow out. The needle eventually fell apart.