Refrigeration gauges are a vital work-horse in maintenance and oversight when it comes to refrigeration systems and heat pumps. A faulty HVAC system can lead to a wide array of issues and problems that may cause discomfort to staff and increase your operational costs. If you choose the right refrigeration gauges, your technicians can effectively test, diagnose, repair and optimise your HVAC systems.
What Is A Refrigeration Gauge And How Does It Work?Refrigeration gauges are handheld devices that connect to HVAC systems that are able to provide technicians with data related to the system’s operation. Some of the variables that refrigeration gauges measure include pressure, temperature, potential leakage and many other factors. The gauges offer clear visibility, especially when digital screens are used. In order to connect the refrigeration gauge to an HVAC system, hoses are used to provide the physical input necessary to take readings.
These instruments also play an important role in common HVAC maintenance. These actions include adding refrigerant and evacuating air-conditioning and refrigeration systems to ensure there are no moisture or leaks present. The data and information obtained from the gauge can inform a variety of standard maintenance and repair actions.
What different types of refrigeration gauges are there?
In the past, analogue gauges that used a needle and a scale to provide a readout were standard for HVAC maintenance and repair. These gauges make it easy to see the distinction between the gauge itself, the manifold and the hoses that connect to the HVAC system undergoing maintenance or repair.
Modern innovation has made digital gauges more and more popular. This is because they offer a greater degree of precision and mitigate the chances of operator error when securing a reading. Digital solutions, such as the Testo 557 or Testo 550 and other gauges in our range have single body construction that integrates the gauge and much of the manifold, along with the control panel for the instrument.
Even though analogue gauges are still fit for work, technicians can easily benefit from the increased precision and control, quick data acquisition and analysis and on-site reporting offered by digital refrigeration gauges.
What Features Should A Good Refrigeration Gauge Have?
A dependable refrigeration gauge should include the basic components - gauge, manifold, and sturdy, durable attachments for the hoses. These basic components are non negotiable - they need to be present in any well designed analog or digital gauge.
Digital gauges take things a step further as they also incorporate a control panel. This control panel offers precise readouts of the measurements taken by the gauge and manifold. Many of these devices are also capable of storing information to allow technicians to accurately assess many types of common refrigerants. This means they provide a higher degree of accuracy in less time. More advanced digital gauges also offer options to boost efficiency through modern technology. Such examples include connecting to an app that allows technicians to update the refrigerant type catalogued by the unit and efficiently share accurate data. The Testo 550 and the Testo 557 work in concert with our refrigeration app to provide such benefits.
Other features to consider include recording past readings and the ability to attach probes for more efficient and additional functionality. Some manifolds - like Testo’s range - also have the ability of handling water as a refrigerant and measure differential pressure for added user benefits.
The more benefits offered in a refrigeration gauge, the more applications it has in maintenance and repair efforts.
Why Should You Choose Testo For Refrigeration And Manifold Needs?
Testo are industry leaders in offering high-quality, reliable and adaptable digital refrigeration gauges and manifold units that support your technicians as they conduct vital work that is a necessity to maintaining your organisation's HVAC system. For more information on our range of digital refrigeration gauges, get in contact with Testo NZ team today!