What does a compound pressure gauge measure?

A compound pressure gauge is designed to measure both pressure and vacuum levels. This is important in HVAC applications, where it’s common to deal with both positive pressure (such as in refrigerants and air in ducts) and negative pressure (as in vacuum systems) during different phases of operation.

The construction of a compound gauge typically includes a dial that indicates values below and above atmospheric pressure, allowing for comprehensive monitoring of system performance. This can help technicians assess the proper functioning of systems, identify potential issues, and ensure that pressures within HVAC systems remain within safe and efficient operating ranges.

Measurement of just pressure or just vacuum is not sufficient for the diverse scenarios encountered in HVAC applications, which makes the ability to measure both vital for proper system diagnostics and maintenance. Temperature measurement is handled by different instruments (such as thermometers) and is not part of a compound gauge's function.