LAST UPDATED: January 13th, 2021
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Gone are the days when you simply have to guess how A/C systems work!
Today, you can measure dehydration and degassing levels in a system using micron gauges.
Perhaps, the main reason for choosing only the top-rated micron gauge is to promote the longevity of electronic equipment at home and work.
In case you are not familiar with a micron gauge, it is mainly designed to measure the exact vacuum levels in an air conditioning system.
It is also perfect for system maintenance as it can determine the cleanliness and potential leaks, just to name a few.
A micron gauge is useful, especially to air conditioning experts and DIY people.
10 Micron Gauge Comparison in 2021
Last update on 2021-04-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best Micron Gauge Review in 2021
We chose the ten most popular micron gauges in the market for review. Let us compare the unique features of every item so you can eventually choose which one suits your preference.
CPS VG200: Vacuum Gauge
Featuring accuracy, smart design, simple cleaning, and easy reading, just to name a few, this is the best digital micron gauge in the market.
The CPG VG200 ensures accuracy since it passed through a stringent NIST standard.
In fact, it was dubbed as best-in-class not only in terms of accuracy but also reliability.
Its smart design includes automatic temperature compensation and self-heated Thermistor Bridge.
Not to mention, it has an advanced sensor too.
This vacuum gauge is easy to clean since it is also designed with a field cleanable sensor. It can resist a positive pressure of up to 400 Psi.
Reading the measurement is also not a problem with its 5-digit LCD. Thanks to the large font and easy to read feature of the CPG VG200.
The VG200 ensures reliable, standardized, and accurate outcomes with its continual digital readout of the evacuation process.
It also comes with various selectable units, which means that you can have it set in/hg, microns, torr, or mBar, depending on your choice.
The micron tolerance ranges from 0 to 100,000 Microns. You can also use it up to 25 hours with its 9 Volts Alkaline battery.
This can be used within the range of 40 to 185 degrees Fahrenheit as its operating temperature.
Given all the features, plus the fact that it is made in the USA, this vacuum gauge is definitely a must-have!
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Testo 0563 1550 Digital Manifold Kit
Being able to stand the market since 1957, Testo ensures that the 0563 1550 micron gauge is made only of the highest quality.
Having the whole kit means that you have a service case and temperature clamp probes, aside from the micron gauge.
This micron gauge can make you perform your servicing and testing with accuracy.
It manifests instant superheat and subcooling, no wonder it is an ideal device for every job! The Testo 0563 is versatile enough to cover up to 60 refrigerants.
Yes, it can store refrigerant profiles! Testo has a Bluetooth linked app that can be accessed for free.
If you have it installed, you can receive updates with the Testo Refrigeration app.
The good thing about this is that it can adapt to your needs as it is open to new possibilities, such as for efficient documentation and analysis.
The integration of Bluetooth and app is mainly to monitor data, generate reports, and send invoices and reports through email.
It can measure temperatures and pressures. This micron gauge can also determine evaporation and saturation temperature.
Moreover, the Testo 0563 comes with a suspension hook so you can use it for hands-free and care-free analysis.
Anyway, its main purpose is to have a secure attachment while in use. The external tool includes a metal frame and rugged housing to protect it from impact as well as to ensure that it can withstand years of service.
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Fieldpiece SM480V SMAN
This digital manifold is known to be one of the toughest micron gauges due to its impact and water resistance external casing.
The Fieldpiece SM480V is designed to perform better while fairly-priced.
Its heavy-duty casing ensures durability, not to mention, the reinforced hook makes it even sturdier to stand the test of time.
The inclusion of thermocouple ports serves as an effective temperature sensor while the sight glass is sealed mainly for viewing.
This tool has an ideal data logging capabilities as it has an internal storage of up to 9 jobs.
You can easily download data using a USB port — no need to worry about the available storage space since it is displayed before you log in.
The most amazing thing about this device is that you can use it for up to 7 days continuously.
So after you install or repair an air conditioning system, you can use this to check for leaks.
It comes with a timer too, so you will be able to track the duration of the tightness test.
Anyway, you can customize its features, including the automatic power-off, backlight duration, vacuum alarms, and unit of measurement.
What’s more, is its wireless capabilities. Using the Fieldpiece SM480V allows you to monitor refrigerant usage, pipe temperatures, and indoor air temperatures.
These features are helpful for recovery and documentation — not to mention, make adjustments while you calculate and measure the air on your SMAN.
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TPI 605 Single Input Digital Vacuum Gauge
This single input digital vacuum gauge is not only affordable, but it is also easy to use, plus it is made to last for years.
The TPI 605 vacuum gauge boasts accuracy when it comes to the evacuation of various refrigeration systems.
Its thermistor sensor allows proper regulation of temperature and voltage levels.
It also comes with different units of measure, including torr, mTorr, Pascals, mBar, InHg, PSI, and microns.
This device can stand overpressure of up to 500 PSI and operating temperatures within 32 and 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
A 9 Volt alkaline battery as a power supply allows you to use it for around 600 hours. Its accuracy range is up to 12000, with 500 microns resolution as the maximum.
All you need to do is to attach the device to the system and choose the unit of measure you want. After this, you can proceed with the system evacuation.
It is worth mentioning that it will start showing the reading only when 12000 microns is reached. But if it exceeds 12000 microns, the device shuts down automatically.
You also don’t have to worry about its maintenance. The instrument is easy to clean, and you can use a damp cloth to do so.
Battery replacement can also be done when the LCD shows the low battery indicator. These functionalities are undoubtedly worth the price with battery and pouch inclusions.
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Testo 0549 Digital Manifold
If you don’t want to incur a lot for the Testo Kit, you can always buy the individual digital manifold — the Testo 0549.
This can still serve as the best digital micron vacuum gauge both for neophytes and pros.
Moreover, if you only want the micron gauge, this option is good for you! This unit is designed to replace analog gauges to increase performance and speed at the same time.
As always, Testo ensures accuracy, which means that you will expect reliable readings when using this product.
The Testo 0549 is affordable yet made with the highest quality. You can store up to 60 refrigerant profiles in the instrument as well as display their evaporation or saturation temperatures.
Unlike other versions, refrigerants are stored through Testo service, without the benefit of an app. Anyway, you saved a lot of money!
The availability of temperature probes can allow you to calculate sub-cooling and superheat instantly.
Take note that they are not included, so you still have to purchase the probes.
But then, just like the others, the micron gauge also comes with a suspension hook, so it is securely attached during measurement.
It is made of rugged housing too. The metal frame is capable of protecting the device from impacts so you can use this for years.
You can easily read the measurement with its two-line backlit display. Purchasing Testo 0549 comes with batteries and a user’s detailed manual in case you have some concerns.
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Testo 552 Digital Vacuum/Micron Gauge
Featuring the Pirani sensor, this device can take precise evacuation measurements of heat pump, refrigeration, and air conditioning systems using single-digit resolutions.
The Testo 552 can determine the levels of a micron by measuring the saturation temperature of the water.
You can easily assess the pressure of the refrigeration system and check if it has reached your target.
This will help you save time as well as guarantee that there are no longer contaminants and moisture in the system.
In case the system has reached the target values, the Testo 552 has alarm points that can be personally customized.
Another great feature of this device is its wireless Bluetooth communication. This means that you can use this with your tablet or smartphones.
This micron gauge allows you to make reports, manifest data, and send through SMS or email.
You can download the Testo Smart Probes app to maximize the functionality of your device.
This app is made to give accurate measurements using both your smartphones and the Testo 552.
All the measurement results can be viewed and operated on your phones through the Smart Probes app.
Through the app, you can already make custom reports by utilizing previously recorded measurements.
You can include comments and photos too. The Testo app is available in Android and iOS.
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Fieldpiece SMAN360 3-Port Digital Manifold
The Fieldpiece SMAN360 is a better version of the SMAN3 featuring a rugged exterior and interior with an outstanding interface display.
If you have a target superheat, you can automatically calculate it using this tool.
This means that even if you are a neophyte or a pro, you no longer need to think about manual calculations or guesswork.
All you need to do is to rely on this device. Don’t worry; Fieldpiece has reliability in mind when making this product!
It comes with a built-in micron gauge with an exceptional resolution of up to 9,999.
Not to mention, the digital manifold has an alarm indicating when the vacuum reaches the level you personally customized.
All you need to do is to select the micron level and pull the vacuum without many considerations. The most amazing feature of the SMAN series is its flexibility.
It is the only manifold that can make pressure sensors have linear adjustments according to different aspects such as temperature, refrigerant type, and pressure.
Using the SMAN360 can help improve the efficiency of your refrigeration unit. Fieldpiece is one of the leading HVACR industries.
This only means that all the features you want in a micron gauge are in the device with reliability as the utmost consideration.
Anyway, if ever there are new features added for SMAN, you can always update the micron gauge by merely plugging it in your device.
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Uniweld UVG Digital Vacuum Gauge & Adaptor
Although the Uniweld UVG digital vacuum gauge is small enough, it has a large LCD screen just perfect for those who want to be on the go.
Its size is just 4.25” x 1.5” x 1”, so it can fit in your pocket. And unlike other products, this can measure vacuum in different units, including mmHg, Millibar, Pascals, and Microns.
It has a resolution from 1 micron up to 1,000 microns with operating temperatures from -10 to 112 degrees Fahrenheit.
You no longer need other equipment as it features self-calibration. It can give accurate measurements through the oil sensor that gets rid of false readings and indicates if you need to clean the system.
No extra cleaning required. You only need isopropyl alcohol to clean the sensor.
This is enclosed with a rubber gauge boot, thereby protecting you from damage.
It only shows that the UVG digital vacuum gauge is durable enough to operate for long periods.
The product already includes batteries that are capable of supplying power for up to 100 hours.
No worries with overpressure, the vacuum sensor feature is designed to tolerate up to 500 PSI.
It is also made of the hi-visibility backlit display, so it will be easy for you to see the resulting measurements.
This device is ideal not only for HVAC but also for scientific and industrial purposes.
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Fieldpiece SVG3 Digital Vacuum Gauge with Alarm
The SVG3 is small and affordable, but it is loaded with features needed to make things done.
With its large LCD, you can easily and quickly read the measurements in no time.
It also comes with an alarm that triggers when it reaches the adjusted points.
At the same time, the stopwatch restarts, and the backlight flashes so you will be able to know how long a deep vacuum is maintained in the system.
You have the discretion to set the alarms, whether high or low.
The timer is designed to let you know how long it took you to turn off the alarm as well as the period of vacuum maintenance.
Furthermore, the SVG3 also comes with a rugged rubberized case making it impact resistance.
Moreover, the hook is placed in a strap, so you are able to hang it at any angle.
The SVG3 makes it quicker and easier for evacuations of refrigeration, air conditioning, and pump systems.
It comes with a built-in micron gauge with an exceptional resolution of up to 9,999 and uses different units of measure.
The LCD has a high visibility backlight just perfect for any situation.
It has a Schrader depressor that can be connected either to the service port or core removal tool, thereby minimizing leaks.
This can also promote the reduction of connections not related to the system so as to avoid or lessen leaks.
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Supco VG64 Vacuum Gauge
Quality and quantity — you don’t need to struggle in finding leaks or eliminating moisture in HVAC systems using the Supco VG64 vacuum gauge.
It has an ultra-fine resolution of up to 1000 microns. The Supco VG64 also comes with an audible, programmable, and visual alarm that serves as an indication when the level is reached.
Anyway, it automatically turns off 8 in hours after the alarm is activated as well as when it is disabled.
This can measure vacuum pressure in wide arrays of measurement applications, inspections, and tests in various industries, including chemical, pharmaceutical, petrochemical, automotive, food, and beverage.
You can also use different units, including torr, milliTorr, psi, Pascal, milliBar, InHg, and micron.
The built-in hanging apparatus makes it more mobile than any other micron gauges.
It has a thermistor sensor, thereby ensuring accuracy, just worthy of the price.
The Supco VG64 is made of an accessible cleaning port so you can easily clean and dry the sensor. Using a 9 Volts battery, you can use this for 600 hours.
Another good feature of this tool is that it can handle overpressure for up to 500 PSI, which is just the same with others though they are more pricey.
It can operate within a temperature range from 35 to 123 degrees Fahrenheit. What more can you ask for? It is cheaper among all the options but with similar features.
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Factors to Consider Before Buying Micron Gauge
There are many choices of micron gauges in the market according to style, color, functionality, and features.
That is why before you should decide to buy the item, you need to consider various factors to ensure you only get the best micron vacuum gauge in the market. Why? You only deserve the best!
Indeed, the reliability of measurement is a must, but you still need to know a few things. Here are the following:
Durability
No one wants a defective item or one that can be used only for a short time. An ideal micron gauge is one that features durability.
This is a very crucial factor in ensuring that you will benefit from the product for the long-term without a replacement. At the same time, you can save a great value of money.
Having a durable item in hand avoids constant repairs and maintenance.
It doesn’t matter how much the product costs for as long as it guarantees durability and you will know it mainly from reviews of customers having first-hand experiences in using the same.
Ease of Use
No one wants to use something that is hard to operate. The same is true when you are using a micron gauge.
Try to check the manual if the instructions can be understood easily. Not only that, but you should also see to it that it can really be applied in real life.
Make sure that it can be connected quickly and easily. Micron gauges can be connected via wireless connections or gauge connections.
Try to understand what suits your working environment. Of course, you don’t need a bulky tool, especially if you need to travel long distances.
Well, anyway, even if you use it at home, it is still difficult to use heavy ones.
Maintenance
The most common problem when using micron gauges is dirt. That means that whatever is the model of your micron gauge, it is inevitable for you to keep it clean unless you are not using it (obviously).
It is important to maintain the cleanliness of your micron gauge as dirt can cause various problems.
Also, dirt is capable of affecting the performance and effectiveness of your device.
Some micron gauges need periodical maintenance, especially those with complex designs, while others can easily be cleaned using alcohol.
Choose something that is easy to clean so that you won’t have to spend any extra just for its maintenance.
How to Use a Micron Gauge?
The first thing that you should do is to set-up the micron gauge. This can be done by removing the core values and connecting them at the system using vacuum rated hoses.
The hoses should also be connected to the vacuum pump through your micron gauge.
If the valves are all open, it is time for you to pull a vacuum. It is imperative for you to isolate the gauge from the pump to lessen the risk of gas permeation.
If the measurement results are between 300 and 400 microns, you have to close the valves of the system while keeping the micron gauge open.
Check if your pump reaches 1,500 vacuum levels by either using a brass connector or a copper line. Wait for around 5 to 20 minutes to equalize the system pressure.
After you have installed your micron gauge, you should already know the amount of moisture in the system.
The last thing to bear in mind is to change the oil though it is dependent on the moisture level.
You should make sure that the oil is still warm; otherwise, there is a possibility that the moisture will be attached to the metal pump.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you easily clean your micron gauge?
It mainly depends on the kind of micron gauge you bought.
Why do you need to maintain its cleanliness?
Dirt is the main reason why micron gauges are broken. The smallest particle can also enter into the device, destroying the system.
However, the simplest thing to do is to clean it regularly using isopropyl alcohol.
Can you connect a micron gauge easily?
Depending upon the feature of your device, you can either make wireless connections or gauge connections.
The best option is to have a device offering wireless connections. Some products can give you up-to-date features through wireless connection and app.
How durable is your device?
We have different definitions of durability, but when it comes to a micron gauge, choose something that is impact resistant and water-resistant.
In this way, you can maintain your data even if the micron gauge falls accidentally.
When is a vacuum gauge best used?
A mechanical gauge cannot measure 1000 microns. Just come to imagine that it is only equivalent to 0.039 inches of mercury.
Micron gauges, from the name itself, are used to measure evacuation levels less than 1000 microns.
Final Words
In choosing a micron gauge, you need to settle to quality above cost. Yes, there may be a lot of options to choose from, but you need to select the micron gauge in the market.
After having a quick overview of various micron gauges, we are sure you already have one in mind. We hope our lists give you inspiration!
