How to Choose a DuraChoice Pressure Gauge



DuraChoice offers a wide variety of pressure gauges to suit different applications. There are a number of factors to consider when choosing a pressure gauge. This guide can help you choose between the different option to pick the pressure gauge that is best for you. Specifications such as full dimensions, PSI rating, materials, fitting size, and dial size are listed within the individual product pages. This will help explain what different specifications are referring to.


DuraChoice part number guide

1. Type

First you'll want to decide on what type you need:

  • Dry Utility
    • No liquid inside
    • Painted steel housing with brass fittings
    • Glass window
    • Cost effective solution
    • Ideal for industrial applications
  • Oil Filled
    • Glycerin oil inside
    • 304 stainless steel housing with brass or stainless steel fittings (brass is less expensive, but not as strong as stainless steel)
    • Polycarbonate window
    • Liquid filling lubricates moving parts which extends the gauge's life, also dampens vibration for a more accurate reading
    • Greater pressure ranges, larger dial & fitting sizes

2. Dial Size

  • Refers to the diameter of the dial face itself, not the housing around it
  • Dial shows both PSI and Bar measurements
  • 1-1/2", 2", 2-1/2", or 4" (4" only available with oil filled gauges)
  • Font sizes
    • 1-1/2" Dial
      • PSI Font - 0.12"
      • Bar Font - 0.1"
    • 2" Dial
      • PSI Font - 0.15"
      • Bar Font - 0.12"
    • 2-1/2" Dial
      • PSI Font - 0.15
      • Bar Font - 0.12"
    • 4" Dial
      • PSI Font - 0.2"
      • Bar Font - 0.16"

3. Pressure Range

  • Refers to the pressure a pipe or valve can handle
  • Measured in PSI (pounds per square inch) or Bar
  • PSI measures one pound of force to one inch of space
  • Bar measures force given to a unit area of a surface
  • Pressure and vacuum gauges
  • Vacuum measured in HG (inches of mercury)
  • Dry Utility
    • 0-15 PSI to 0-6000 PSI
    • -30HG to 0 HG or -30HG to 30 PSI vacuum
  • Oil Filled
    • 0-15 PSI to 0-15000 PSI
    • -30HG to 0 HG or -30HG to 30 PSI vacuum

4. Fitting Size

  • Fittings are in NPT (National Pipe Thread) and attach to a female connection
  • 1/8", 1/4", or 1/2" NPT sizes (1/2" NPT only available with oil filled gauges)
  • 1/4" NPT standard
  • Fitting sizes can be changed using an adapter
  • Threads are tapered at a rate of 1/16 - forms a tight seal
  • Threads are shallower at the base and deeper at the end
  • NPT size is not the diameter of the fitting, diameter is measured at the base
  • Outer diameter at the base
    • 1/8" NPT - 0.405" diameter
    • 1/4" NPT - 0.54" diameter
    • 1/2" NPT - 0.84" diameter

5. Mounting Style

  • Lower mount or center back mount
  • Lower mount is attached to an upward facing connection
  • Center back mount common for fitting into instrument panels