This article was originally published on March 22, 2021, by John Girard and updated by Paul Francoletti on November 11, 2024.
Pressure gauges are relied upon in virtually every industrial and commercial application to ensure smooth and efficient operations. That means Ashcroft - an industry leader in pressure and temperature instrumentation - gets A LOT of calls from new customers in search of a pressure gauge. Nine times out of ten, the first question we get is how much the gauge will cost them.
Of course, the answer is not that simple.
The reason is this: it’s nearly impossible to provide any kind of cost estimate without knowing your specific requirements.
As the product leader for pressure gauges at Ashcroft, I can tell you the price range for these instruments is anywhere from $10 to $1,000. To help you get a more accurate answer, continue reading for a closer look at the factors that influence price.
When you’re done reading, you will be able to either validate the price range you are currently paying or know what to expect if you are searching for a new supplier. Ultimately, you will be better equipped to make an informed decision about purchasing a pressure gauge, regardless of whether you choose to work with Ashcroft.
Choose your pressure gauge based on the application, not the cost.
Pressure gauges will range in cost based on many factors. A pressure gauge designed to measure the air pressure in the tire of your bike is a simple, lightweight, and cost-effective tool, typically made from basic materials and intended for occasional use. A gauge used at a nuclear power plant, which must be highly precise, durable, and capable of withstanding extreme conditions, has completely different engineering requirements. These differences highlight the importance of selecting the right tool for the job, as each application demands specific features and capabilities to ensure safety, efficiency, and reliability.
Keep in mind, despite aggressive advances in pressure measurement technology, many engineers who design new process systems continue to insist on including mechanical pressure gauges in their applications. This preference may be due to the reliability and durability of mechanical gauges, which are powered by the process itself. This makes these gauges a reliable backup in power outages and often more robust than electronic alternatives.
This technology, which dates back to the Civil War, has stood the test of time, proving its effectiveness in various demanding environments. In the event of an urgent situation, pressure gauges can tell operators what’s happening inside the system.
What are the top 5 pressure gauge cost drivers?
1. Pressure Gauge Types
Pressure gauges are generally classified into the following categories, each defined by the specific application they serve and the characteristics they exhibit.
- For lighter commercial or residential applications, pressure gauges are typically smaller in size, have an open-front design and lightweight brass or bronze systems, making them more cost-effective.
- Industrial applications often require more expensive gauges that are made with stainless steel cases and systems for higher accuracy. These gauges usually have smaller dial sizes, around 2.5 or 3.5 inches.
- Applications that involve continuous process monitoring demand more robust gauges. These gauges often have larger dial sizes, typically 4.5 inches or more, and are designed with enhanced accuracy and safety features, such as solid-front cases or safety glass.
- Some applications may necessitate specialized capabilities, including inert case fills, diaphragm seals with exotic wetted parts, or the ability to register extremely low readings with high static or proof pressure requirements.
- Test gauges are specifically designed to verify the calibration of other instruments. According to ASME standards, test gauges must be four times as accurate as the instruments they are checking. Consequently, test gauges need to be extremely precise, and generally, the higher the accuracy, the greater the cost.
Figure 1: Pressure Gauge Types.
2. Accuracy and dial size
Depending on the application, accuracy can be very important. Generally, accuracy ranges can vary from ±0.1% to ±5%. Generally speaking, more accurate pressure gauges are more expensive. This is partly because it takes longer for a manufacturer to calibrate an instrument to a tighter accuracy, as is the case of a test gauge. But, more commonly, upgrading to a pressure gauge with better accuracy typically involves an upgrade to a new category of pressure gauges (e.g., moving from a commercial gauge to an industrial-grade gauge). In these instances, the more significant cost impact is upgrading the category versus just tightening up the accuracy.
The same can be said for increasing dial size. For example, going from a smaller 2.5 or 3.5-inch dial to a 4.5-inch or larger dial typically means upgrading to a more expensive category of gauges.
3. Range considerations
Pressure gauges typically measure from 0-30 psi to 0-600 psi, and these ranges usually don't affect the cost. However, if you need gauges that measure both vacuum and positive pressure, the cost may increase. Other reasons your pressure range specifications can affect the price of your gauge include:
- When stronger systems are needed for very high-pressure ranges (1,000-15,000 psi)
- When stronger materials like Inconel are required for pressures over 20,000 psi
- When applications need to measure small pressure differences while handling high static pressures
- When applications need to measure very low pressures that standard gauges can't detect, requiring special bellows or capsule designs
4. Options that can increase cost
Pressure gauges come with various options for different purposes. Some options enhance safety for the gauge and operators, while others improve visibility or extend the gauge's lifespan.
Critical applications, especially those involving hazardous chemicals, often need pricier options like calibration certificates, material traceability reports, or leak detection. Generally, the more critical the application, the higher the cost of the required configurations.
Figure 2: Estimated Additional Costs for Pressure Gauge Options.
5. Accessories
In challenging environments, pressure gauges often face stressors such as pulsation, vibration, extreme temperatures, pressure spikes, clogging, and corrosion. All of these factors can affect the performance and lifespan of a pressure gauge. To prevent demanding environments from damaging your instrument, accessories are often used, which also can influence the cost of pressure gauge installations.
Here are a few examples:
- Flow restrictors help manage pressure fluctuations and are generally affordable
- Diaphragm seals and pressure limiting valves can exceed the initial cost of the gauge, and in some cases can cost many times more.
- Diaphragm seals with specialized materials and inert system fills can significantly drive up costs, especially with flange installations
- Isolation rings can be used to guard against heavy slurries and can be moderately expensive for smaller pipes and increase substantially for larger sizes - costs for a 30-inch pipe can exceed $20,000
Other considerations that can influence the cost of your pressure gauge
Beyond the general options and features, there are additional factors that influence the cost of pressure gauges, including:
Manufacturing location. Pressure gauges produced in regions with lower labor costs are generally more affordable compared to those manufactured in areas with higher labor expenses. If you purchase a pressure gauge imported from a low-cost labor region, you may save on cost; however, you may also experience extended lead times, fewer customization options, and limited access to support services.
Brand selection can also impact the cost of a pressure gauge. Some brands are considered to be premium quality and cost more in the initial purchase, but there may be benefits to purchasing a brand that is known for quality. They tend to perform better for a longer time, stand up to harsh conditions more effectively and often provide better resources to ensure the proper installation.
If a pressure gauge lasts longer in your application, the initial cost impact will be significantly offset by not having to replace it as often.
Ready to learn more?
Now that you know many of the factors that can affect the cost of pressure gauges you can understand why it's not easy to give a quick answer to the cost question. However, if you are ready to get a quote for a pressure gauge that will meet your specific requirements, we can help.
Contact us and our product experts will guide you to the gauge you need.
In the meantime, here are a few other articles that may be of interest:
- What is a Pressure Gauge?
- Advantages of Ashcroft Pressure Gauges
- 6 Reasons Pressure Gauges Fail Instrument Audits
To learn the 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing the Best Gauge for your Process, download our guide.
