Vacuum & Pressure Gauges

In pressure applications, constant monitoring and measurement is integral to the safe, efficient reliable operation of a system or a machine. No matter if it is exerted by air or liquid, you need to use pressure gauges that you can trust to provide an accurate analysis of current conditions. At RS, that is what we can help with – thanks to our extensive choice of products.

Our comprehensive range contains a variety of options that are tailor-made for your chosen use. From analog vacuum gauges to digital pressure gauges, we can help you locate the product(s) you need. All our listed products are sourced from trusted manufacturers like Wilka Instruments and US Gauge to provide you with the confidence and certainty you need with your selection.

For your convenience, our range of vacuum or pressure gauges are all available for online order today. Look at what RS can offer – and get what you need, direct to your location.

What are vacuum and pressure gauges?

A pressure gauge is an analog or digital device used for analyzing, monitoring, and measuring the pressurized state of gases and/or liquids. As there are so many industries and environments in which gases and liquids need to flow under such conditions, air and hydraulic pressure gauges are such a valuable instrument to have at your disposal.

The unit output of a pressure gauge reflects the force exerted by the gas or fluid when at rest on a specific area. This is often reported as pounds per square inch (PSI). But different applications can demand alternative units for greater accuracy – such as bar, inch of mercury (inHg) or even kilogram per square centimeter (kg/cm2). Combinations of these units are also possible.

In the case of digital pressure gauges, these are sometimes referred to as pressure sensors and switches. Either way, they still perform much the same task as analog alternatives. With your gauge, you can also test and calibrate the pressurized state of gases and liquids within systems or equipment. For some industries, this can be an important installation or maintenance feature.

The different types of pressure measurement

When looking through our selection of pressure gauges, it is worth noting that there are various measurements that can be recorded. It could influence your choice – depending on the intended use or application. This refers to the reference pressures that a reading is measured against.

Absolute pressure

The input pressure of the liquid or gas is measured against a complete vacuum at 0bar. It means the reading is positive and provides the pressure in the context of the surrounding atmosphere.

Gauge pressure

Gauge pressure is perhaps the most common measurement. The zero reference is made against the ambient air pressure. This means the readings can be negative. For applications when this is possible, a vacuum pressure gauge is the device you need.

Differential pressure

If using a differential pressure gauge, there will be two inputs – high and low. The reading is the difference in pressure between the inputs. This is an option common in applications including air conditioning and HVAC equipment, as well as filtering and pumping settings.

Pressure gauges: What do you need to consider?

The intended application can have a big influence over the type of pressure gauge you both want and need. But you must also consider some other integral factors when browsing our range.

The range of your pressure gauge is an important consideration. No matter if you need hydraulic or air pressure gauges, the maximum working pressure should not go above 75% of the scale (if measuring a constant pressure). For fluctuating or inconsistent pressures, that maximum falls to between 50% and 65% of the scale.

RS’ range of vacuum or pressure gauges can also be refined based on a variety of other factors such as operating fluid, units of measurement, and number of scales. There is also a choice of analog or digital pressure gauges, provided your choice is suited to the application.

Do you need a vacuum or pressure gauge?

There is a broad range of reasons why you might need a vacuum or pressure gauge – whether it forms part of an installation, upgrade, or maintenance project. Some of the common applications and industries in which air, water or hydraulic pressure gauges are used include:

• Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems
• Oil, chemical, and gas production
• Food and drink production
• Water treatment, supply, and leak detection
• Vehicle manufacturing and maintenance
• Medical testing, analysis, and assessment

Why turn to RS for pressure gauges?

At RS, it is essential to us that all our customers trust the quality and reliability of the products we supply. In discovering our wide range of vacuum and pressure gauges, you can be assured that each option available to order online meets our high standards. That is because we only offer products and components from the most trusted brands and manufacturers.

With such an extensive choice of pressure gauges to choose from, we can make it easier for you to find what you are looking for. Use our dynamic filters to refine your search based on the sizes and specs that matter to you. Or, if you already know what you need, just type the part number or name into the search bar and get to what you are looking for quicker.

Need some assistance? Our team of advisors are here to help. All you need to do is get in touch and we will be delighted to answer any questions you might have. You may also find it useful to look at our free expert content hub too. It contains lots more information and advice about your pressure gauges – and how to get the most out of them in your desired application.