--- title: What is Low Pressure in Pressure Instrumentation? description: Discover how low pressure is defined in pressure instrumentation and why sensing element design is critical for accurate measurement across applications. image: https://blog.ashcroft.com/hubfs/LowPressure_BLOG.jpg --- [Skip to main content](https://blog.ashcroft.com/what-is-low-pressure-in-pressure-instrumentation#maincontent) Select Region - [US & Canada](https://ashcroft.com) - [Europe](https://ashcroft.eu/) - [China](http://www.ashcroft.com.cn/) - [Mexico & Central America](http://www.ashcroft.com.mx/) - [South America](https://ashcroftsudamericana.com/) - [Brazil](https://ashcroft.com.br/) Login - [Distributor Extranet](https://extranet.ashcroft.com/) - [Product Configurator](https://www.ashcroft.com/my-account/) [Careers](https://www.ashcroft.com/careers) [Contact](https://www.ashcroft.com/contact/) [![ashcroft-logo-lg-2](https://blog.ashcroft.com/hs-fs/hubfs/ashcroft-logo-lg-2.png?width=261&height=60&name=ashcroft-logo-lg-2.png) ![ashcroft-logo-white](https://blog.ashcroft.com/hubfs/assets/images/ashcroft-logo-white.svg)](https://www.ashcroft.com/) Products Pressure Instruments - [Pressure Gauges](https://www.ashcroft.com/products/pressure/pressure-gauges) - [Pressure Switches](https://www.ashcroft.com/products/pressure/pressure-switches) - [Pressure Sensors (Transducers/Transmitters)](https://www.ashcroft.com/products/pressure/pressure-sensors) - [Diaphragm Seals-Isolators](https://www.ashcroft.com/products/pressure/diaphragm-seals-and-isolators) - [Accessories](https://www.ashcroft.com/products/pressure/accessories) - [SMART Transmitter Assemblies](https://www.ashcroft.com/products/pressure/smart-transmitter-assemblies) Temperature Instruments - [Thermometers](https://www.ashcroft.com/products/temperature/thermometers) - [Thermowells](https://www.ashcroft.com/products/temperature/thermowells) - [Temperature Switches](https://www.ashcroft.com/products/temperature/temperature-switches) - [RTDs](https://www.ashcroft.com/products/temperature/rtds) - [Thermocouples](https://www.ashcroft.com/products/temperature/thermocouples) - [Temperature Transmitters](https://www.ashcroft.com/products/temperature/temperature-transmitters/) - [MultiPoint Temperature Sensors](https://www.ashcroft.com/products/temperature/multipoint-temperature-sensors/) - [OEM Temperature Sensors](https://www.ashcroft.com/products/temperature/oem-temperature-sensors) Test Instruments - [Calibrators](https://www.ashcroft.com/products/test-instruments/calibrators/) - [Hand Pumps-Controllers](https://www.ashcroft.com/products/test-instruments/hand-pumps-and-controllers/) - [Hydraulic Testers](https://www.ashcroft.com/products/test-instruments/hydraulic-testers/) - [Test Gauges](https://www.ashcroft.com/products/test-instruments/test-gauges/) Helpful Tools - [Product Documentation](https://www.ashcroft.com/learn/product-documentation/) - [Product & Quality Certifications](https://www.ashcroft.com/about/quality-certifications/) - [Material Selector & Corrosion Guide](https://www.ashcroft.com/webtools/materialselector/) - [Unit Converter](https://www.ashcroft.com/webtools/calculatoruom/) - [Wake Frequency Calculator](https://www.ashcroft.com/webtools/calculatorwf/) - [FAQs](https://www.ashcroft.com/faq/) Keep your critical equipment and processes running with reliable pressure and temperature measurements. 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Subscribe now and get the latest blog posts delivered straight to your inbox. # What is Low Pressure in Pressure Instrumentation? Print/Save as PDF ![John Girard, Business Development Leader's headshot](https://blog.ashcroft.com/hs-fs/hubfs/john-girard.jpg?width=50&height=50&name=john-girard.jpg) **By:** [John Girard](https://blog.ashcroft.com/author/john-girard) Business Development Leader **Published on:** February 9th, 2026 **Topics:** [pressure transducer](https://blog.ashcroft.com/topic/pressure-transducer) [pressure switch](https://blog.ashcroft.com/topic/pressure-switch) [low pressure](https://blog.ashcroft.com/topic/low-pressure) [analog pressure gauge](https://blog.ashcroft.com/topic/analog-pressure-gauge) [bellows gauge](https://blog.ashcroft.com/topic/bellows-gauge) **Share:** [mailto:?subject=What+is+Low+Pressure+in+Pressure+Instrumentation%3F&body=https://blog.ashcroft.com/what-is-low-pressure-in-pressure-instrumentation](mailto:?subject=What+is+Low+Pressure+in+Pressure+Instrumentation%3F&body=https://blog.ashcroft.com/what-is-low-pressure-in-pressure-instrumentation) ![Low Pressure Instruments](https://blog.ashcroft.com/hs-fs/hubfs/LowPressure_BLOG.jpg?width=1600&height=534&name=LowPressure_BLOG.jpg) What many experts define as “low pressure” is driven by the design and capability of an instrument’s sensing element. Because every instrument relies on a specific sensing element or system, low-pressure gauges, switches, transducers and differential pressure instruments must be able to respond to very small changes in force to deliver accurate and repeatable measurements. While the term low pressure is somewhat subjective, it represents an important classification that helps define instrument capabilities and guide proper selection for the application. Ashcroft has been supplying low-pressure measurement instrumentation across industrial and HVAC applications for decades. Read this article to learn how low pressure is defined for each of these instruments and why the sensing element design is what ultimately drives instrument selection. ## What is considered low pressure for pressure gauges? For [pressure gauges](https://www.ashcroft.com/products/pressure/pressure-gauges/?pageNumber=1&postTypes=product&postsPerPage=12&search=1188%20Low%20pressure%20bellows%22&sortType=menu_order&sortOrder=ASC), low pressure typically refers to pressure spans below what a traditional Bourdon tube can accurately measure, which is *generally under 15 psi (1 Bar)*. Bourdon tubes are commonly used for pressure spans of 15 psi (1 bar) or higher. They begin as C-shaped tubes that straighten as pressure increases, driving a mechanical movement that converts pressure element motion into rotary pointer motion. As pressure ranges increase above approximately 600 psi (40 bar), helical Bourdon tubes are used to handle these elevated pressures. Read [Bourdon Tube Construction Types](https://blog.ashcroft.com/bourdon-tube-construction) to learn more.  Pressure spans lower than 15 psi typically have a different type of sensing element and are often classified as low-pressure applications. ##### Which gauge designs are used for low-pressure measurement? Two mechanical gauge designs are commonly used for low-pressure measurement, down to ranges as small as 0–10 inches of water: - [Bellows](https://www.ashcroft.com/products/pressure/pressure-gauges/1188-low-pressure-bellows-gauge/), which are more robust and versatile, and are typically used in process applications - [Capsules](https://www.ashcroft.com/products/pressure/pressure-gauges/n5500-low-pressure-capsule-gauge/), which are generally limited to clean, dry air applications Both of these low-pressure gauges are highly sensitive by design, allowing them to measure small pressure changes. This makes them much more susceptible to the impacts of harsh conditions such as pulsation or vibration. Also, if the installation of the pressure gauge is not in the same orientation as when it was calibrated (e.g., installing it upside down), the position error that results is amplified as pressure spans get smaller. *Figure 1. Ashcroft® 1188 Bellows Gauge* ![1188 Bellows Gauge](https://blog.ashcroft.com/hs-fs/hubfs/1188%20Bellows%20Gauge.jpg?width=213&height=253&name=1188%20Bellows%20Gauge.jpg) *Figure 2. Ashcroft® N5500 Low-Pressure Capsule Gauge* *![N5500 Capsule Gauge](https://blog.ashcroft.com/hs-fs/hubfs/N5500%20Capsule%20Gauge.jpg?width=219&height=209&name=N5500%20Capsule%20Gauge.jpg)* *Figure 3. Ashcroft®1490 Low-Pressure Capsule Gauge * *![1490-covid-image](https://blog.ashcroft.com/hs-fs/hubfs/1490-covid-image.jpg?width=197&height=200&name=1490-covid-image.jpg)* ## How differential pressure gauges measure low pressure [Differential pressure (DP) gauges](https://www.ashcroft.com/products/pressure/pressure-gauges/?pageNumber=1&postTypes=product&postsPerPage=12&sortType=menu_order&sortOrder=ASC&tax-pa_measurement-mode=2253) read low differential pressure spans using various designs. Although there is a distinct difference between DP and gauge pressure, the instruments used for DP could be used for both. DP gauges have two ports, a high and a low. Differential pressure readings indicate the difference between the high port and the low port.  Filtration monitoring example A common DP application is filtration monitoring. As a filter becomes more clogged, the upstream pressure remains the same while the downstream pressure decreases. In this setup, the high port is installed on the upstream side and the low port on the downstream side. As the pressure difference between upstream and downstream grows, the DP reading increases accordingly. How DP instruments measure gauge pressure. For this type of installation, the DP gauge’s high port is connected to the process and the low port is left open to the atmosphere. The difference between the process pressure and atmospheric pressure effectively represents gauge pressure (with an atmospheric reference). With this in mind, DP gauges designed to read in inches of water can be used to indicate low gauge pressure. In some designs, such as the [Ashcroft® F5504 Differential Pressure Gauge](https://www.ashcroft.com/products/pressure/pressure-gauges/f5504-differential-pressure-gauge/), the high-pressure port can withstand the full static pressure, allowing very low-pressure spans to be measured while also tolerating significantly higher overpressure. *Figure 2. Ashcroft® F5504 Differential Pressure Gauge* ## ![5504dp\_Pressure\_Gauge\_D](https://blog.ashcroft.com/hs-fs/hubfs/5504dp_Pressure_Gauge_D.jpg?width=258&height=258&name=5504dp_Pressure_Gauge_D.jpg) ## How low pressure is measured in switches [Pressure switches](https://www.ashcroft.com/products/pressure/pressure-switches/) use a different sensing element design for low pressure. In a typical pressure switch, an actuator drives a pushrod and spring assembly that operates a microswitch by opening or closing an electrical circuit. A low-pressure switch has a significantly larger diaphragm with much less resistance, allowing it to respond repeatably to very small changes in pressure. This is what enables a pressure switch to control pressure with resolution in inches of water instead of pounds per square inch. Differential pressure switches can also be used to measure inches of water by leaving the low port open to the atmosphere. ## What does low pressure mean for pressure transducers? The landscape for pressure transducers is somewhat different. In this context, the term “low pressure” typically refers to transducers designed to measure differential pressure in inches of water. This technology is mainly used in air handling systems for HVAC or cleanroom applications. The sensing element in [Ashcroft’s low-pressure differential transducers](https://www.ashcroft.com/products/pressure/pressure-sensors/?pageNumber=1&postTypes=product&postsPerPage=12&sortType=menu_order&sortOrder=ASC&tax-pa_measurement=1532) uses a patented Si-Glass® sensor that combines an ultra-responsive pressure element with a robust housing capable of withstanding overpressure. ![CXLdp\_GXLdp](https://blog.ashcroft.com/hs-fs/hubfs/CXLdp_GXLdp.jpg?width=403&height=233&name=CXLdp_GXLdp.jpg) The Ashcroft® general-purpose [E2 Pressure Transducers](https://www.ashcroft.com/products/pressure/pressure-sensors/e2g-pressure-transducer/) offer ranges as low as 1.5 psi (0.1 bar) and as high as 20,000 psi (1379 bar).  ## Key Takeaways - “Low pressure” is not defined by a single fixed value. Instead, it depends on the design of the sensing element and how effectively the instrument can detect and respond to very small changes in force. - Traditional Bourdon tube gauges are generally limited to measuring pressures of 15 psi and higher. For lower pressure spans, a different type of sensing element is required. - Bellows gauges provide accurate low-pressure measurement in inches of water for demanding process applications, while capsule gauges are best suited for clean, dry air only. - Low-pressure instruments are more sensitive to installation effects, including vibration, pulsation and mounting orientation. - Differential pressure gauges and switches can also indicate low gauge pressure by venting the low port to the atmosphere. - For pressure transducers, low-pressure differential instruments are most commonly applied in HVAC and air-handling systems. ## Ready to learn more? Understanding what qualifies as low pressure is only the first step in selecting the right instrument. Media compatibility, environmental conditions, accuracy requirements and overpressure protection all play a role in long-term performance. Explore Ashcroft’s educational resources below to learn more about pressure gauges, differential pressure instruments, pressure switches, and transducers, and how sensing element design impacts instrument selection across applications. If you still have questions, [contact us](https://www.ashcroft.com/contact/) to speak to a product expert.  In the meantime, [download our guide](https://sales.ashcroft.com/hvacr-systems-eb-lp?_ga=2.30942266.420603002.1662467447-1727663658.1617109357) to learn about pressure and temperature instruments for HVAC/R systems.[![HVAC/R Instrumentation Guide](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/4021582/3a2b077b-fbd3-44ce-b402-4a22685726e0.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4021582/3a2b077b-fbd3-44ce-b402-4a22685726e0) [John Girard, Business Development Leader](https://blog.ashcroft.com/author/john-girard) John Girard is currently the Business Marketing Leader for Diaphragm seals, Process Gauges and Accessories at Ashcroft. Formerly, he was the Territory Sales Manager responsible for supporting the distribution network in the Northeast. He began with Ashcroft as a Product Specialist for mechanical pressure gauges and accessories. He transitioned to a Sales Engineer role working with engineering firms on specifications. John achieved an M.B.A from Johnson & Wales University and has 10+ years of experience working with Sales and Marketing. Connect: [mailto:John.Girard@ashcroft.com](mailto:John.Girard@ashcroft.com) Topics: [pressure transducer](https://blog.ashcroft.com/topic/pressure-transducer) [pressure switch](https://blog.ashcroft.com/topic/pressure-switch) [low pressure](https://blog.ashcroft.com/topic/low-pressure) [analog pressure gauge](https://blog.ashcroft.com/topic/analog-pressure-gauge) [bellows gauge](https://blog.ashcroft.com/topic/bellows-gauge) Don't forget to share this post: ## Related Articles ### [![Pressure and Temperature Switches in Chemical Plants](https://blog.ashcroft.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Pressure%20and%20Temp%20Switches%20Chemical%20Apps_BLOG.png?width=1600&height=534&name=Pressure%20and%20Temp%20Switches%20Chemical%20Apps_BLOG.png) How Are Pressure and Temperature Switches used in Chemical Plants? 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