Pressure gauge
A pressure gauge is a mechanical instrument used to measure the pressure of a fluid (gas or liquid) in a closed system. It typically consists of a dial with a needle that indicates the pressure reading in units such as pounds per square inch (psi), bar, or kilopascal (kPa). Pressure gauges are essential components in various industrial, commercial, and residential applications where monitoring pressure is critical for safety and operational efficiency.
Fire extinguishers typically use two types of pressure gauges:
1. Bourdon Tube Gauge:
- This is the most common type of pressure gauge used in fire extinguishers.
- It operates by using a curved, spring-like tube that straightens out as pressure increases.
- The movement of the tube moves a needle on a dial, indicating the internal pressure of the extinguisher.
- It is reliable, cost-effective, and easy to read.
2. Diaphragm Gauge:
- This type of gauge uses a flexible diaphragm instead of a tube.
- The diaphragm flexes with changes in pressure, and this movement is translated into a pressure reading.
- Diaphragm gauges are less common but are used in some specialized extinguishers.
Both types are used to indicate whether the pressure inside the fire extinguisher is within the proper range for effective operation.