Multiple gauges?

**Musick94** · 05-13-2013, 10:17 AM

I'm pretty new to the field. I have about 1 year of experience and I'm in school. I've heard a lot about oils getting mixed up in gauges. I have one pair of gauges so far, but I'm thinking about getting another set for 410a. I do mostly residential work. Who here uses multiple sets or one set?

**VTP99** · 05-13-2013, 10:56 AM

If your up for a second gauge, make it digital.

**dandyme** · 05-13-2013, 10:59 AM

I have & use multiple sets of gauges, It's NOT because of a concern for oil in the hoses; if you have more than one compressor in a machine-you had better have gauges on EVERY one of them.
Once again-if you are getting extrodinary amounts of oil, you have bigger concerns than contaminating the next piece of equipment.

**Musick94** · 05-13-2013, 02:15 PM

That's a good point. Had not thought of that one.

**Sicofthis** · 05-13-2013, 02:28 PM

Two sets of manifolds will probably be all you will need doing residential. Plus you have a backup on hand if you break a gauge.

**Musick94** · 05-13-2013, 03:16 PM

That's what I thought, I do some commercial. But not enough to get more than 2 sets. Saw an older set at a flea market for $35 the other day so I'll probably get that and eventually some low loss fittings.

**jtrammel** · 05-13-2013, 04:08 PM

Originally Posted by Musick94

That's what I thought, I do some commercial. But not enough to get more than 2 sets. Saw an older set at a flea market for $35 the other day so I'll probably get that and eventually some low loss fittings.

I like the ball valve hoses rather than low loss.

**Musick94** · 05-13-2013, 05:11 PM

What are the ball valve hoses used for exactly?

**qwerty hvac** · 05-13-2013, 05:17 PM

Originally Posted by Musick94

What are the ball valve hoses used for exactly?

So when you disconnect your hoses refrigerant doesn't blow in your face. Also they are great for closing off the hoses so you can draw the refrigerant back into to the unit before you disconnect the gauges.

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**jtrammel** · 05-13-2013, 05:19 PM

Originally Posted by qwerty hvac

So when you disconnect your hoses refrigerant doesn't blow in your face. Also they are great for closing off the hoses so you can draw the refrigerant back into to the unit before you disconnect the gauges.

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^^^ what he said. Keeps you from freeze burning your finger too bad.