Need 100 PSI pressure gauge recommendation

[KineticoUser]

I'm using a Big Blue whole house filter. I'd like to have both before and after pressure gauges. My 3-1/2" US Gauge P1590 fire protection gauge has been functioning accurately for the past 30 years, but my 2" Naylon Products 100 PSI gauge is frozen, after very few years. I'd like to replace the Naylon with a long-lasting gauge. What do you recommend? I'd prefer a 2" gauge that measures to 100 PSI with a 1/4" male NPT connection.

 

[Reach4]

There are lots of choices. While not based on experience, I would tend toward Winters, stainless steel case, liquid filled.

https://www.supplyhouse.com/Temperature-and-Pressure-Gauges-864000

See the check boxes on the left for the features you want. This includes the common bottom mount and also the back mount. Also size. If you also accept 2.5 inch size, there are more choices.

https://www.supplyhouse.com/Winters-Instruments-PFQ804LF-2-1-2-Stainless-Steel-Liquid-Filled-Gauge-1-4-Bottom-NPT-w-Brass-Internals-Lead-Free-0-100-PSI

https://www.zoro.com/winters-pressure-gauge-0-to-100-psi-14-in-mnpt-stainless-steel-silver-pfq804lf/i/G6135577/

compares Winter PFP premium to the PFQ series.

I think PFQ would be overkill for this. It does point out that it is best to use a wrench on the fitting when tightening, rather than grabbing the gauge body.

 

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[KineticoUser]

In doing my research, I've discovered there is just so much information available, so the more I research, the more confused I got. Some say the glycerin liquid filling can turn rock hard over time or discolor or leak from the pressure vent. Some manufacturers are using a flex window that makes it a sealed system, eliminating leaking pressure vents and air bubbles. FlexWindow Some say stainless steel is better than brass. Are there advantages or disadvantages of using back or bottom mounts? I could make due with either, and the size wouldn't be a game changer, either. I'd just have to make sure the pressure vent is on top, if one exists. Since I'm on a well system, I doubt pressure would ever exceed 70 PSI, so having a gauge reading over 100 PSI would just put the lines closer together and reduce the accuracy of the reading.

 

[Reach4]

Back mount would be easier to read in some cases -- depends where the FNPT is pointing.

Wika makes good gauges. Plastic housings should be OK-- I would think better than painted steel, but not sure. Speced to 3% accuracy in the more economical versions.

Results for "wika pressure gauge 100"

Zoro Tools Industrial Supplies

www.zoro.com

 

[KineticoUser]

The pipe I'm attaching this to is a horizontal stub out on a push fitting, so it can be rotated. My RO is attached to it. I think I'll get a bottom mount, as I can screw it on toward me and then raise it up vertically to bring it closer to my eyes... not by much, but 2" is 2".
It might be hard for me to find one of the FlexWindow designs. I'll call Wika tomorrow and see if they can provide me with a model number and source to buy it.
Thanks for the feedback.

 

[Fitter30]

When i got into the trade 1973 cheap gauge still had all brass insides better gauges were either oil filled or had 1/4" beval glass with better insides and specs + or - %. 14 years ago the last time tore some gauges open they all had plastic gears ( bourdon tube or needle) in them didn't matter what they cost. If your looking for a filter difference in and out use one gauge, two valves and a tee. Using one gauge if it is off a lb or two the difference will still be the same. I would use a larger gauge that 2. Larger gauge shows a bigger movement in the needle.

 

[KineticoUser]

I understand your logic, but I'm looking for quick and simple rather than reworking my copper pipes. I'm more interested in viewing patterns than knowing specific pressures. If I see the after gauge slowly changing, I'll know it will be time for me to buy a new filter.

 

[KineticoUser]

I decided to pass on the flexwindow, as it costs $100. I also chose to go with stainless steel rather than bronze, which doubles the price. I got a good deal on a 4" liquid filled Wika (WIKA Bourdon 100 psi Pressure Gauge W9833051 Mfg Part 233.53-4" Diameter-NEW).