Pressure switches that are used for industrial applications involving any kind of liquid, such as water, oil or chemicals - or processes that have a risk of explosion - must meet specific standards. Choosing the wrong type of instrument for these challenging conditions can be dangerous for your operation and your people. As a territory manager for Ashcroft, customers often ask me to explain the difference between a NEMA 4/4X pressure switch and a NEMA 7/9. The short answer is that one classification is watertight (NEMA 4/4x) and one is explosion-proof (NEMA 7/9). But that response doesn't tell you what you need to know about these instruments before selecting the best switch for your specific needs. Read this article to learn the differences between these types of switches and how each is designed for a specific purpose. When you're done reading, you will have a clear understanding of the pressure switches, features and ratings to look for when choosing the best instrument for your application. You can also deepen your knowledge by clicking on any of the related links to additional resources.

This article was first published on September 12, 2022, and updated on February 19, 2025. Not every application will require the same level of pressure gauge accuracy. For instance, the pressure of a home water system does not necessarily need to be as precise as a medical sterilizer. However, over time, even the highest quality pressure instruments can become less accurate due to factors such as wear and tear, environmental conditions, and mechanical stress. This gradual decline in accuracy poses can lead to inefficiencies, safety risks, and compromised operations, making it critical to periodically calibrate your instruments to ensure they provide accurate readings. During my 13 years as a precision product leader at Ashcroft, I am often asked how calibration is done. Read this article to learn what is involved in pressure gauge calibration and the instruments you can use to ensure it is done correctly. At the end of the article, you will also see links to additional resources to help deepen your knowledge on this subject and more.

This article was originally published on August 16, 2021, and updated on February 12, 2025. Pressure gauge accessories like snubbers, dampeners, capillaries, pressure-limiting valves, and siphons play an important role in keeping your processes running safely and efficiently. However, while these devices help ensure your pressure instruments maintain optimal performance in the most challenging applications, there is an underlying concern about their potential impact on pressure measurement accuracy. As the product manager for pressure gauges and accessories at Ashcroft - a leader in pressure and temperature instrumentation, I am often asked for reassurance that these products don't interfere with gauge performance. In this article, you will learn about the factors that can affect pressure measurement accuracy, and the accessories that help, not hinder, instrument performance.

Hydrofluoric acid (HF) is well known for its aggressive and hazardous characteristics. That’s why selecting material for these applications is important for ensuring the safety and performance of your instruments and your operation. Ashcroft is a recognized leader in pressure measurement instrumentation and understands the unique challenges of hydrofluoric acid (HF). Read this article to learn about stress corrosion cracking, the comparative properties of Monel® 400 and Monel® K-500, their performance in HF environments, and considerations for using these or alternative materials in applications where corrosion resistance is critical.

This article was originally published on May 8, 2021, and was updated on February 5, 2025. There are many different styles of thermowells, so depending on what you need, the cost for these instruments can be as low as $15 or as high as $5,000. With such a broad price range, selecting the right one for your application can be difficult. Ashcroft is a leader in pressure and temperature instrumentation. In my role as an engineer and product leader at the company, I have insight into the factors that can affect a thermowell's cost and what to consider before you place an order. Read this article to learn about the price ranges of thermowells and the key cost drivers, including product design, materials, testing requirements and more. You will also receive links to additional resources to help deepen your knowledge about the temperature instruments we offer. Please note: the costs represented in this article depend on the material, the requirements/tests needed, and the process conditions involved.

Ensuring the reliability and safety of pressure measurement instruments is important in any application, especially when you are dealing with challenging environmental conditions. Rating systems including the Ingress Protection (IP) and National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) were created to level the playing field for manufacturers by providing a standardized measure of an instrument's ability to withstand environmental challenges. Understanding these rating systems can help you select the right equipment for your operational needs, ensuring instrument durability and safety. With close to two centuries of experience as a global leader in pressure and temperature instrumentation, Ashcroft can help you understand why these ratings are important and what to look for when selecting pressure instruments for certain applications. When you're done reading, we will also share additional information that can help guide your selection process.