Compressor Gauges and What You Need to Know

Depending on the air compressor unit you own, will depend on what type and how many gauges are on it.

Most modern air compressors use electronic controllers to monitor pressure and report readings with a digital gauge. Atlas Copco uses our Elektronikon controller to report readings.

But on piston compressors and other simpler machines you may find one or two gauges. One gauge will be related to the regulator, that controls the air, to show what pressure is leaving the compression chamber. Another gauge will monitor the pressure in the tank.

If you find yourself looking at an analog gauge, it is almost always a dial gauge that is read in PSI, measuring what the pressure of the air is in that specific space.

When reading gauges, it is important to know the difference between PSIA and PSIG:

• PSIA: pounds per square inch absolute or atmospheric
• PSIG: pounds per square inch gauge

Absolute pressure is 14.7 psi. Obtaining absolute pressure is basically starting from complete zero in a perfect vacuum. This means, when a gauge pressure is reading “zero” it equals our atmospheric pressure at that elevation (14.7 psi is typical value for sea level). So, what you’re really reading is (atmospheric pressure) – 14.7 = (gauge pressure).

A gauge is used to show you what your operating pressure is and let you know how much adjustment is needed. The adjustment is made via the pressure switch or a digital controller, for example a microprocessor controller, within Atlas Copco we call this the Elektronikon range, which has many models.

The pressure switch is designed to measure the pressure of the outlet of the piston pump. On select (CR) piston compressors there is a 175/135 psi stop/start mechanism. When activated, this means that when the tank gauge reads 175 psi, a signal is sent, and it turns off the motor. When the air is being used and the tank gauge drops below 135 psi, a signal is sent and turns the motor back on. The delta refers to the change in pressure, so in this case 175-135 = a delta of 40 psi. If you set your delta to 40 you can change your stop pressure and it will change what pressure the motor starts at while keeping the delta at 40 psi.