What does a compound gauge measure?

A compound gauge measures pressures both above and below atmospheric pressure. This capability is crucial in various applications, including HVAC, refrigeration, and other systems where monitoring a wide range of pressure conditions is necessary.

The gauge can indicate positive pressures, which are the pressures above atmospheric levels, as well as vacuum pressures, which are pressures below atmospheric levels. This dual functionality allows operators to assess conditions in systems that experience both types of pressure changes, making the compound gauge a versatile tool in engineering and mechanical fields.

In contrast, other options limit the measurement capabilities. Some describe conditions that do not account for both pressures. For example, measuring only above atmospheric pressure would neglect vacuum scenarios, while solely measuring vacuum pressures would ignore the essential information provided by positive pressures. Absolute pressure measurement, which refers specifically to pressure relative to a perfect vacuum, would also not apply, as it does not capture the dual nature of pressures the compound gauge is designed to measure.