Pressure Gauge Terminology.

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Accuracy – the conformity of a gauge indication to its true value. Accuracy is the difference
(error) between the true value and the gauge indication and is expressed as a percent of the gauge
span. Accuracy error includes hysteresis and repeatability errors, but not friction error.

Bourdon Tube - a tubular elastic pressure sensing element. May have “C”, helical, or spiral
form.

Calibration - the process of adjusting the mechanism to cause the gauge to indicate within
specified accuracy limits.

Case - the housing that supports, protects, and surrounds the gauge internals.

Compound Gauge – a gauge that indicates both positive and negative gauge pressures.

Deadweight Tester – a pressure testing device by which very accurate known pressures can be
generated by means of a pressure source.

Environmental Conditions - the conditions external to the gauge, including weather,

temperature, humidity, salt spray, vibration, corrosive atmosphere, and other similar conditions
that could effect the performance of the gauge.

Fatigue Failure – elastic element failure resulting from repeated applications of stress.

Friction Error – the difference between indicated readings before and after the gauge has been
lightly tapped. Maximum friction permitted is defined in ASME B40.1, Table 1 “Accuracy
Grades”.

Hysteresis Error – the difference between increasing pressure and decreasing pressure readings
at any point on the scale obtained during a pressure cycle after tapping has eliminated friction
errors.

Liquid Filled Gauge – a gauge in which the case is filled with a liquid.

Movement – the gauge component that converts pressure element motion to rotary pointer
motion.

Normal Operating Conditions - the environmental conditions in which the stated accuracy
applies.

NPT – American Standard taper pipe threads.

Operating Pressure – the pressure at which the gauge is normally operated.

Overpressure – the application of a pressure beyond the full-scale pressure.

Overpressure Failure – elastic element failure caused by the application of internal pressure in
excess of the rated pressure of the element.
 Pressure Gauge Terminology.doc -

Pointer – the component that, in conjunction with the dial, indicates pressure.

Pointer Indication Adjustment – a means of causing a change in indication with an adjustable

pointer. This change is equal over the entire scale.

Pressure Gauge – a device that senses and indicates pressure.

Pressure Relief Plug – a plug inserted in the gauge case wall that, in the event of an element
leak, vents, preventing excess case pressure build up.

Proof Pressure – the maximum pressure a gauge can withstand without evidence of change in
accuracy.

Pulsation – a periodic pressure surge.

Repeatability – the maximum difference between any two or more consecutive indications for
the same applied pressure under the same operating conditions.

Restrictor – the device that restricts the fluid flow between the pressure source and the pressure
element.

Retard Gauge – a gauge having a scale that is compressed at one or both ends.

Ring – the component that secures the window to the case.

Rupture Pressure – the maximum pressure above which the pressure element may no longer
hold pressure.

Scale – markings on the dial, consisting of graduations, related numerals, and units of measure.

Snubber – a device that is used to reduce the effect of pressure fluctuations and surges.

Socket (stem) – the main supporting component of the pressure element assembly to which the
elastic element is attached.

Temperature Error – the change of pressure indication that results when the gauge components
are at a temperature different from the temperature at which they were calibrated.

Vacuum Gauge – a gauge that indicates negative gauge pressure (vacuum).

Wetted Parts – any surface that directly contacts the pressure media.

Window – a transparent component that closes the front of the case.