Blog

This article was originally published on May 2, 2022, and updated on October 29, 2025. Maintaining accurate temperature measurement in industrial environments can be challenging. Exposure to extreme heat, cold, vibration, or pressure can affect sensor performance and reliability. Resistance temperature detectors (RTDs) and thermocouples are the most common instruments used to deliver stable, repeatable temperature readings in these demanding conditions. With decades of experience in pressure and temperature measurement, Ashcroft® designs temperature sensors that combine proven accuracy with rugged construction to meet the needs of diverse industries. In this Product Review, you’ll learn how RTDs and thermocouples operate, explore the features and benefits of Ashcroft’s temperature sensors and compare which model best fits your application.

Across industries like manufacturing, energy, HVAC, and process control, accurate pressure measurement is critical to maintaining safety, efficiency, and product quality. Over time, even high-quality pressure transducers can experience drift — a gradual deviation between actual and measured pressure caused by vibration, temperature changes, or normal wear. Calibration restores accuracy by comparing the transducer’s output to a known reference standard and adjusting as needed. But with multiple calibration methods available, the right approach depends on your environment, equipment and accuracy requirements. As a recognized leader in pressure and temperature instrumentation, Ashcroft addresses this challenge with customers frequently. In this article, you’ll learn why pressure transducer calibration is essential, how zero and span adjustability preserve accuracy over time, the difference between primary and secondary calibration standards, and the lab and field methods that are best suited for both every day and hazardous applications.

When selecting a mechanical pressure or temperature gauge, many engineers and technicians focus on the gauge’s range, accuracy or material compatibility. But did you know the pointer type can be just as critical? The wrong pointer can result in poor visibility, missed pressure events, or other system issues. With so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to know which pointer type is the best fit for your application. As a trusted authority in pressure and temperature instrumentation, Ashcroft has helped customers across industries, from energy and water treatment to OEM and chemical/petrochemical applications, identify the right pressure monitoring solutions for over a century. In this article, part of our “Understanding the Basics” series, we’ll walk you through several common pointer types, show you how they work, what they’re best used for and the pros and cons of each. Read on to help you decide which pointer is the best for your needs.

Finding the right temperature sensor at a price that fits your budget can be a challenge. During an industrial project for a critical application that required both RTDs and thermocouples (two common types of temperature sensors), the buyer's main concern was cost. He had assumed these instruments were priced similarly. The reality is not all applications are the same and not all temperature sensors are created equal. A sensor designed to measure air temperature in a room is vastly different from one built to withstand 1,400 °C in a heat-treating furnace. The type of sensor, the environment it's used in and the level of accuracy or durability required can all influence the price. As a trusted leader in temperature and pressure measurement, we created this article to help you understand what really goes into the cost of a temperature sensor. Read this article to learn the top five cost drivers for temperature sensors so you can make a confident, cost-effective decision. By identifying what matters most to your application, you can avoid overpaying for unnecessary features—and feel confident that you’re selecting the right tool for the job. When you are done reading you will have a better idea of how much you can expect to pay for these instruments. Plus, you will see additional resources that can address other questions you may have about temperature sensors.

This article was originally published on April 4, 2022, and updated on June 4, 2025. When installing temperature instruments like bimetal thermometers, RTDs, or thermocouples, a small oversight—such as an improperly fitted thermowell—can lead to costly damage, safety risks or inaccurate readings. Thermowells are essential to protecting your thermometer or temperature sensor and ensuring accurate measurements in high-pressure and high-temperature applications, no matter how extreme the conditions. However, if they are too long or two short for the instrument they need to protect, you will not get an accurate temperature measurement and your instrument can be damaged. At Ashcroft, a leading authority in pressure and temperature instrumentation since 1852, we are often asked how to properly fit thermowells into various temperature instruments. Because there are so many factors to consider, such as making sure you have the correct measurements, knowing if a u-dimension is needed, remembering to subtract the tip thickness from the overall thermowell length and more, it can be easy to get the wrong size if you aren’t paying attention. Read this article to learn about thermowells and the different ways to measure your thermometer or RTD/thermocouple for proper installation. When you are done reading, you will understand what each measurement represents and be more proficient in fitting your temperature instrument with a thermowell. You will also see links to additional articles and resources that are available should you need to broaden your understanding of these instruments further.

This article was originally published on August 15, 2022, and updated on May 19, 2025. Pressure switches are essential components in a wide range of industries and applications. From maintaining safe operation in burners and boiler systems and monitoring hydraulic pressure in industrial machinery, to controlling pump systems in water treatment facilities and ensuring safety in chemical and petrochemical equipment—pressure switches are everywhere. However, be aware that various factors can affect the performance of your pressure switch in certain applications. Selecting the appropriate microswitch is a minor yet crucial step to guarantee consistent and accurate readings. Read this article to learn about the different microswitch options available and the applications for which they are best suited. You will also see links to additional resources that can help deepen your knowledge about pressure switches and how they are used.