What are pressure gauges used for in industrial installations?
Pressure gauges - also known as manometers - are simple, reliable instruments used throughout industrial automation to give a direct visual reading of the pressure inside a pneumatic circuit. Unlike electronic pressure sensors and switches, a pressure gauge displays the pressure value directly on a dial, letting operators check and adjust compressed air systems immediately, without requiring a power supply or separate display unit.
In automated systems, pressure gauges help technicians set regulators correctly, confirm that a circuit is running within its intended range, and spot abnormal pressure drops that can point to leaks or wear, supporting day-to-day industrial maintenance. As part of an air treatment set up, they are commonly installed on filters, regulators and FRL units to provide immediate pressure indication at the point of use.
SMC’s pressure gauges are engineered for durability and clear readability, with options for general-purpose use, clean or oil-free environments, vacuum measurement and models that combine a visual dial with an integrated switch output. The range includes solutions for different pneumatic applications, including standard pressure monitoring, vacuum measurement and differential pressure monitoring. Explore our digital catalogue to find the pressure gauge that best fits your application and helps keep your compressed air system running safely and efficiently.
Why choose SMC pressure gauges?
SMC offers a wide range of robust, easy-to-read pressure gauges designed to give reliable at-a-glance pressure monitoring across a variety of industrial applications. These mechanical pressure indicators provide a simple way to verify operating conditions directly on pneumatic equipment.
Our pressure gauges combine:
- Clear, accurate dials with multiple scale options (MPa, bar, psi)
- Compact, space-saving designs for direct mounting on FRL units, regulators and manifolds
- Optional colour-zone limit indicators to flag when pressure moves outside a set range
- Versions for standard, clean/oil-free, and vacuum applications
- Models with built-in electrical switch output for basic on/off monitoring.
Whether you need a simple general-purpose manometer, a gauge with a colour-zone limit indicator, or a pressure gauge with an integrated switch, SMC provides a flexible range of mechanical pressure indicators for modern automation.
SMC pressure gauge range
SMC’s pressure gauges are designed to give a fast, dependable visual reading of pressure directly at the point of use, without relying on external power or wiring.
The range covers different pressure monitoring requirements, allowing users to select a suitable solution according to the application, installation environment and required functionality.
Our range covers:
General-purpose pressure gauges for standard compressed air lines
Designed for everyday pneumatic applications, these pressure gauges provide clear and reliable pressure indication for standard compressed air systems, including filters, regulators and FRL units.
Available in ultra-compact, compact and larger dial sizes, with rear or bottom connections, they suit a wide range of installation requirements, while selected versions include a limit indicator for quick visual pressure checks.
Designed for applications requiring cleaner operation, these pressure gauges support pneumatic systems where oil-free operation and material compatibility are important considerations.
Featuring a visual limit indicator, these pressure gauges help operators quickly identify whether pressure is within the expected operating range during operation and maintenance.
Designed for vacuum systems, these pressure gauges provide clear monitoring of negative pressure levels in applications such as suction and handling circuits.
These pressure gauges monitor pressure differences between two points, helping users check pressure variations across components and support maintenance activities.
Combining a visual dial with switch output, these pressure gauges provide local pressure indication together with basic electrical feedback for monitoring applications.
Typical applications for SMC pressure gauges
SMC pressure gauges are used in a variety of industrial automation applications where quick and reliable pressure verification is required.
Typical applications include:
- Monitoring outlet pressure on filters, regulators and filter-regulators
- Setting and verifying pressure on FRL (Filter-Regulator-Lubricator) units
- Local pressure checks on machine panels and control cabinets
- Vacuum level checks on suction and handling circuits
- Differential pressure monitoring across filters
- Quick visual verification during maintenance and commissioning
By providing direct pressure indication at the installation point, these gauges help operators quickly confirm system conditions and support efficient troubleshooting during machine operation.
Key features of SMC pressure gauges
Key features of SMC pressure gauges include:
- Multiple dial diameters and pressure ranges to suit different installations
- Back-side or vertical-side thread mounting options
- Indication precision from ±3% to ±5% F.S. depending on the series
- Optional colour-zone limit indicator and cover ring assembly
- Oil-free, external-parts-copper-free construction for clean applications
- Optional built-in switch output (GP46 series) for basic electrical feedback
With different sizes, mounting options and additional functions available, SMC pressure gauges can be selected according to the requirements of each pneumatic application.
How SMC pressure gauges improve your industrial process
Reliable pressure indication helps operators maintain stable pneumatic system performance and identify issues quickly. SMC pressure gauges support daily operation by providing clear information directly where it is needed.
Faster diagnostics
A direct visual reading lets operators spot pressure issues immediately, with no display unit or power supply needed.
This allows technicians to quickly check operating conditions and identify abnormal pressure variations during troubleshooting.
Simpler commissioning
Setting up regulators and FRL units is quicker when the gauge gives immediate feedback.
Pressure indication helps technicians adjust equipment correctly and verify that the pneumatic circuit is operating within the required range.
Reduced downtime
Early visual warning of pressure drops, or overpressure helps prevent unplanned stoppages.
By making pressure changes easier to identify, gauges support preventive maintenance and faster fault detection.
Lower energy costs
Correctly regulated pressure, verified with an accurate gauge, helps avoid running a system above the pressure it actually needs, supporting your energy efficiency goals.
Monitoring pressure levels helps users maintain appropriate settings and optimise compressed air system operation.
Improved safety
Gauges with limit indicators make it easy to confirm that a circuit is operating within a safe range, supporting machinery safety.
The clear visual indication provided by these solutions helps operators identify when pressure conditions move outside expected limits.
Robust, low-maintenance operation
A fully mechanical design means no power supply, wiring or configuration is required.
This makes pressure gauges a simple and dependable solution for applications where reliable local pressure monitoring is required.
How to select the right pressure gauge
Choosing the correct pressure gauge depends on several key factors:
- Pressure range: the maximum pressure and resolution you need to read
- Fluid/application type: standard compressed air, clean/oil-free air or vacuum
- Dial diameter: space available for mounting and required readability
- Mounting & connection: back-side or vertical-side thread, port size
- Additional functions: limit indicator, differential measurement or an integrated switch output
- Environment: panel mounting, vibration and general operating conditions
Considering these factors helps ensure the selected gauge provides the required level of readability, compatibility and functionality for the application.
To simplify selection when specifying a full air-preparation line, use our Airline Equipment Configurator, where pressure gauges can be selected alongside filters, regulators and other components, available in the Engineering Tools section of our website.
Do you need support selecting the correct pressure gauge?
If you’re unsure which pressure gauge best fits your application, contact our technical specialists to help you evaluate your requirements and recommend the ideal solution.
Whether you need support selecting a general-purpose gauge, a vacuum gauge, a differential pressure gauge or a solution with additional monitoring functions, SMC can help identify the most suitable option for your pneumatic system.
Frequently Asked Questions about pressure gauges
What’s the difference between a pressure gauge and a pressure switch or sensor?
A pressure gauge is a mechanical instrument that gives a direct visual reading of pressure on a dial, with no power supply required. A pressure switch or sensor converts pressure into an electrical signal for remote monitoring, control, or integration with a PLC.
A pressure gauge is typically used for local pressure indication, while sensors and switches are generally selected when electronic monitoring or automated control is required.
Some SMC gauges, such as the GP46 series, combine both: a visual dial plus a basic switch output.
How do I choose the right pressure gauge for my application?
It depends on the pressure range you need to read, whether the application requires a clean/oil-free or vacuum-rated gauge, the dial size and mounting thread available, and whether you need extra functions such as a limit indicator or an integrated switch.
Other factors to consider include the installation environment, required readability and whether pressure differences need to be monitored using a differential pressure gauge.
Can SMC pressure gauges be used to measure vacuum?
Yes. The GZ46 series is specifically designed for vacuum applications, with a pressure range from -100 to 200 kPa.
These vacuum gauges provide clear indication of negative pressure conditions and are suitable for applications where vacuum levels need to be monitored directly at the point of use.
Are SMC pressure gauges suitable for clean or oil-free applications?
Yes. Models such as the G46E (oil-free, external-parts-copper-free) and the clean-series gauges (G46, G49) are designed for environments where residue-free operation is required.
These pressure indication solutions are suitable for applications where clean operation and material considerations are important.
Can a pressure gauge also switch an electrical circuit?
Yes. The GP46 series combines a visual pressure display with a built-in switch, giving local pressure indication and a basic electrical output from a single component.
This allows operators to monitor pressure locally while also providing a simple signal for integration into equipment monitoring systems.
What is the difference between a pressure gauge and a pressure meter?
The terms pressure gauge and pressure meter may both refer to devices used for pressure measurement. In industrial pneumatic applications, however, the term pressure gauge or manometer is commonly used for mechanical instruments that provide a direct reading through a dial.
SMC pressure gauges are designed specifically for monitoring pressure conditions in pneumatic circuits and air preparation systems.
When should a differential pressure gauge be used?
A differential pressure gauge is used when the difference between two pressure points needs to be monitored. This can help operators identify pressure changes across components such as filters and support maintenance activities.
