Can I mount my micron gauge onto the vacuum pump?
Can I mount my micron gauge onto the vacuum pump?
No, it’s not recommended to mount your micron gauge directly onto the vacuum pump. The micron gauge should be placed as far away from the pump as possible, ideally on the system being evacuated, to get an accurate reading of the vacuum level within the system.
Elaboration:
- What the micron gauge measures:A micron gauge measures the pressure in very small units (microns of mercury) to indicate the level of vacuum within a system.
- Why not on the pump:Measuring the vacuum at the pump only tells you how well the pump is performing, not the vacuum level within the actual system you’re trying to evacuate.
- Ideal placement:The best practice is to mount the micron gauge on the system, as close to the point you want to be evacuated as possible. This ensures you are measuring the vacuum level in the area where it matters most.
- Example:For HVAC systems, the micron gauge is often placed on the liquid line, or at the furthest point from the pump within the system.
- Importance of isolation:It’s also important to isolate the gauge from the pump, hoses, and manifold to get an accurate measurement.
It is not recommended to do so as you are reading what the pump is doing and not what the pump is doing to the system (see DV-29). It is suggested that you tee off on the suction side of the system and mount the gauge there.
