New, open front stainless steel dry or liquid-filled pressure gauges straight out of the box can surprise you with a pointer that is off zero. This may lead you to think that the gauge is defective.
In fact it may just be that the pressure trapped inside the gauge case is higher or lower than the surrounding atmosphere.
Most Ashcroft open front gauges are equipped with a top vent plug. This permits you to open the gauge case allowing the inside and outside pressures to equalize.
Venting or burping gauges with ranges 200 psi and above should not be required.
Before installation, stand the gauge upright to eliminate gravitational effect on the bourdon tube and pointer.
Make sure to prevent fluid leakage if the gauge is liquid filled.
Locate the pop-up plug on top and simply pull up the blue stopper.
To prevent inaccuracy due to zero offset in dry areas, the vent plug can be left open, however this practice should be limited to dry areas because it will lower the ingress rating to IP54 and risk water infiltrating the gauge.
Ashcroft pressure gauges come in various sizes, accuracies, and range from 0 – 10 in. H2O through 0-100,000 psi. Choices include differential pressure gauges, test gauges, sanitary gauges, high-purity gauges, subsea gauges, digital pressure gauges, OEM pressure gauges, and more. Ashcroft pressure gauges are known for high quality and reliability and are available to fit nearly any budget and application requirement.
For more information about Ashcroft products, contact Swanson Flo. Call 800-288-7926 or visit https://swansonflo.com.