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.
The fundamentals of pressure and temperature gauge pointers
On the surface, the pointer on a measurement instrument may seem like a simple component, but its function can have a major impact on how effectively a system is monitored. Depending on the application, a pointer may do more than indicate current pressure or temperature. It may also need to mark peak pressure or temperature, provide a reference limit, or track extreme operating conditions over time.
Here are a few considerations for evaluating pointer types:
- Purpose: Real-time indication vs. historical tracking
- Environment: Presence of vibration, pulsation, or liquid fill
- Reset needs: Manual vs. adjustable vs. static
- Compatibility: Whether the pointer can function within a liquid-filled case
Common pressure and temperature gauge pointer types
Each pointer style offers distinct functionality. Below are examples of some of the most common pointer types used in Ashcroft instruments, along with their unique purposes, benefits and limitations.
1. Stationary red set hand on dial (XHS)
This pointer type has a stationary red hand mounted on the dial, offering a fixed visual reference for the operator. It does not move with pressure but is manually positioned to indicate a setpoint, limit or safe operating zone. It is available on the Ashcroft® 1009 Pressure Gauge (2½″, 3½″, 4½″ and 6″), the Ashcroft®C-600A-03 Remote Mount Duratemp® Thermometer (4½″, 6˝ and 8½″), as well as the Ashcroft® 1279 Duragauge® Pressure Gauge and more.
This pointer is best for systems with constant operating targets and harsh, high-vibration environments. Advantages include:
- A simple and effective reference for operators
- Compatibility with liquid-filled gauges
- Minimal wear or maintenance due to no moving parts
Figure 1. Ashcroft® 1009 2½″ Pressure Gauge with stationary red set pointer on dial (reference XSH)
Figure 2. Ashcroft® C-600A-03 Duratemp® Temperature Gauge with standard red set pointer on dial (reference XSH)
2. External adjustable red set hand on window (XEO)
This pointer type also has a red set hand, but it is mounted externally behind the window and adjusted with a knob, offering more convenience and flexibility for field technicians to set a limit without opening the case. It is available on the Ashcroft® 1009 Pressure Gauge (4½″ and 6″), the Ashcroft®C-600A-03 Remote Mount Duratemp® Thermometer (4½″ and 6˝), as well as the Ashcroft® 1279 Duragauge® Pressure Gauge.
This pointer is best for field-adjustable setpoint monitoring and as an operator reference in dry gauge monitoring. Advantages include:
- Easy repositioning during operations
- Fast marking of new setpoints
Figure 3. Ashcroft® 1009 4½″ Pressure Gauge with external adjustable red set hand with knob on window (reference XEO)
Figure 4. Ashcroft® 1009 2½″ Pressure Gauge with external adjustable red set hand on window (reference XEO)
3. External adjustable tattle tale max pointer (XEP) and min pointer (XEQ)
This pointer type provides min/max indication by tracking the extreme pressure values reached during an operation. These pointers are manually resettable and used for diagnostics, testing, and system health monitoring. They are offered on the Ashcroft® 1009 Pressure Gauge (4½″ and 6″), the Ashcroft®C-600A-01 Remote Mount Duratemp® Thermometer (4½″and 6˝), as well as the Ashcroft®1279 Duragauge® Pressure Gauge, to name a few.
This pointer is best for diagnostics and maintenance logs, as well as applications requiring visibility of peak system performance. Advantages include:
- Ability to track pressure excursions automatically
- Allows repeated use across text cycles with manual reset
The external adjustable tattle-tail pointer is not suitable for rapidly fluctuating systems, and its drag-based movement doesn't work with liquid dampening.
Figure 5. Ashcroft® 1009 4½″ Pressure Gauge with external adjustable tattle tail min/max pointer (reference XEP)
Figure 6. Ashcroft® C-600A-01 Temperature Gauge external adjustable tattle tail min/max pointer (reference XEP)
4. Electrical contacts (XED, XEE, XEF, XEG)
Although these are not considered traditional pointers, Ashcroft also offers electric contact pointers that work in conjunction with pressure readings to activate alarms, relays, or shutoff systems. They are used for electrical integration with control systems and safety-critical pressure-limit enforcement.
Electrical contacts are options for the Ashcroft® C-600A-02-03-04 Duratemp® Pressure Gauges, as well as the Ashcroft® 1279 Duragauge® Pressure Gauge and others
Figure 7. Ashcroft® C-600A-02 Temperature Gauge Electrical Contacts (reference XED, XEE, XEF, XEG)
Why liquid-filled gauges don’t work with moving pointers
Many pointer types, especially those used to track peak or low pressure, rely on low-friction environments to move freely. Liquid-filled gauges introduce thickness that interferes with these mechanics.
The XEP and XEO pointer types discussed in this article are not compatible with liquid fill. However, the XSH is fully compatible, since it does not rely on movement.
Choosing the right pressure gauge pointer for your application
Ready to learn more?
Now that you know the basics about gauge pointers and how they work, you likely have more questions. Here are a few helpful resources to help you take the next step in building your knowledge on the subject:
- What Is a Zero Box vs. a Dial Pin on a Pressure Gauge—and Why It Matters
- Choosing the Right Pressure Gauge Dial Size (ashcroft.com)
- How Can I Order Custom Dials for Pressure Gauges?
- 10 Steps to Selecting Your Pressure Gauge
Or, to speak with someone directly, feel free to contact one of our product experts with any questions you have. In the meantime, check out our pressure gauge selection tool to help you find the best instrument for your needs.
