How to Choose a DuraChoice Pressure Gauge

DURACHOICE PRESSURE GAUGE SELECTION GUIDE

Choose the Right DuraChoice Pressure Gauge Without Guesswork

Match the gauge type, dial, NPT fitting, mounting position and pressure range to your application, then generate the DuraChoice part number in seconds.

DuraChoice pressure gauges for industrial pressure and vacuum measurement

How do you choose a DuraChoice pressure gauge?

Choose a dry utility gauge for economical service with low vibration, or an oil-filled gauge for vibration, pulsation and higher pressure ranges. Then match the dial size to the viewing distance, select the correct male NPT connection and mounting direction, and choose a range that keeps normal operating pressure near the middle of the scale.

1️⃣

Choose Gauge Type

Use dry utility for basic, stable service. Choose oil filled when vibration or pressure pulsation can make the pointer difficult to read.

2️⃣

Size the Dial

Select 1-1/2, 2, 2-1/2 or 4 inches. Larger dials are easier to read; the 4-inch option is oil filled only.

3️⃣

Match Connection

Match the female process port with the 1/8, 1/4 or 1/2-inch male NPT gauge fitting. The 1/2-inch option is oil filled only.

4️⃣

Set Mount & Range

Use lower mount above a process connection or center back mount in a panel. Select a scale that includes expected peaks.

1. Choose the Gauge Type and Wetted Fitting Material

💨 Dry Utility

A cost-conscious choice for general industrial pressure monitoring where vibration and pulsation are limited.

  • No internal fill liquid
  • Painted steel case and brass fitting
  • Glass window
  • Pressure ranges from 0–15 through 0–6,000 PSI
  • Vacuum and compound ranges available

💧 Oil Filled

Glycerin filling dampens pointer movement and lubricates internal parts, improving readability and service life in vibrating or pulsating systems.

  • 304 stainless steel case
  • Economical brass fitting or stainless steel fitting for more demanding use
  • Polycarbonate window
  • Pressure ranges through 0–15,000 PSI
🧪 Material check: The fitting is exposed to the process media. Confirm that brass or stainless steel is chemically compatible with the fluid or gas being measured.

2. Select a Readable Dial Size

Dial size is the diameter of the dial face, not the outside case. DuraChoice dials show PSI and bar, so choose the smallest size that operators can read clearly from the normal viewing position.

1-1/2"
PSI font: 0.12"
bar font: 0.10"
2"
PSI font: 0.15"
bar font: 0.12"
2-1/2"
PSI font: 0.15"
bar font: 0.12"
4"
PSI font: 0.20"
bar font: 0.16"
Oil filled only
DuraChoice pressure gauge dial size comparison Open the dial-size image ↗

3. Choose the Correct Pressure Range

🎯 Range-selection rule

Select a range that places normal operating pressure near the middle of the dial while leaving room for expected peaks. Avoid continuous operation at the extreme end of the scale.

📏 Units

PSI is pounds per square inch. Bar is a metric pressure unit; 1 bar is approximately 14.5 PSI. Vacuum is shown in inches of mercury (inHg/HG).

↔️ Pressure, vacuum or compound

Use a pressure gauge above atmospheric pressure, a vacuum gauge below atmospheric pressure, or a compound gauge when the process can move through both vacuum and positive pressure.

Dry utility:
0–15 to 0–6,000 PSI
Oil filled:
0–15 to 0–15,000 PSI
Vacuum/compound:
Starts at -30 inHg

4. Match the NPT Fitting Size

DuraChoice gauges use tapered male NPT threads that install into a female process connection. A nominal NPT size is not the fitting’s measured outside diameter, so identify the thread standard and nominal size before ordering.

1/8" NPT
Approx. 0.405" diameter at base
1/4" NPT
Approx. 0.540" diameter at base
Standard size
1/2" NPT
Approx. 0.840" diameter at base
Oil filled only
⚠️ Installation note: Do not identify NPT size from outside diameter alone. Confirm the female port and use a suitable adapter when the connection sizes differ.

5. Select the Mounting Style

⬇️ Lower Mount

The fitting exits the bottom of the gauge. Use it when the gauge sits above an upward-facing process port, pipe or valve.

🎛️ Center Back Mount

The fitting exits the rear center of the gauge. This compact arrangement is commonly used for instrument-panel installation.

INTERACTIVE PART NUMBER GUIDE

Build a DuraChoice Pressure Gauge Part Number

Select all five options. The exact part number and product-search link will appear only after the configuration is complete.

🖼️ View Code Diagram
Part number structure
P[TYPE][DIAL][NPT][MOUNT]-[RANGE]
Your DuraChoice part number will appear here after all five options are selected.

Availability note: Not all options are available for every type of DuraChoice pressure gauge. If the product search returns no results, email [email protected] for configuration help.

DuraChoice Part Number Code Reference

Type & Material
A — Dry, brass
B — Oil filled, brass
S — Oil filled, stainless
Dial Size
15 — 1-1/2"
20 — 2"
25 — 2-1/2"
40 — 4"
NPT Fitting
8 — 1/8" NPT
4 — 1/4" NPT
5 — 1/2" NPT
Mounting Style
B — Center back
L — Lower mount

✅ Final Selection Checklist

Confirm dry or oil-filled construction.
Check brass or stainless media compatibility.
Match the male NPT size to the female port.
Allow scale headroom for pressure peaks.
Choose lower or center back mounting.
Verify overall dimensions on the product page.

DuraChoice Pressure Gauge FAQs

When should I use an oil-filled pressure gauge?

Use one where vibration or pulsation causes pointer movement. Glycerin dampens the movement and lubricates internal components.

Is 1/4-inch NPT the measured diameter?

No. NPT is a nominal pipe size. A 1/4-inch NPT fitting measures approximately 0.540 inch at the base.

What is a compound pressure gauge?

A compound gauge reads both vacuum and positive pressure, making it useful when a process crosses atmospheric pressure.