There is a loose convention across manufacturers for designating the type of reference that a pressure sensing device has, which can be confusing if you are unfamiliar with specifying this often overlooked but critical specification parameter.
To help identify the reference of a particular pressure range found on a product label or technical data sheet a list of abbreviated suffixes is provided below.
Vented Gauge Reference Pressure Range
Measuring pressure with reference to atmospheric pressure, also referred to as Relative and Vented Gauge:
- g
- G
- rel
- REL
- vg
- VG
Vacuum gauge to measure both absolute & negative gauge pressure
Recordable indicator and sensor up to 30000 psi for pressure test rig
KL1 Cable Junction Box for Submersible Level Transmitters
+/- 30 inches of water compound range pressure transmitter
Sealed Gauge Reference Pressure Range
Not vented to atmospheric pressure, but instead the reference is fixed to 1 bar.
- sg
- SG
5000 psi hydraulic pressure transmitter with M12 electrical connector
Submersible sensor for measuring sludge pressure in pipe
15000 psi combined pressure gauge and logger with USB interface
OEM water depth sensor for integrating inside a Sonde
Absolute Reference Pressure Range
Referenced to absolute zero pressure or a perfect vacuum
- a
- A
- abs
- ABS
400 bar high range 0-10Vdc output engine oil pressure sensor with snubber for hydraulic control use
Baroli 02P Low Range Flush Diaphragm Digital Pressure Gauge
30 psi absolute vacuum pressure transmitter for process plant installations
20 kg/cm² range 5Vdc output pressure transducer for potable water
Differential Pressure Range
The difference in pressure at point B compared to the pressure at point A.
- d
- D
- diff
- DIFF
- dp
- DP
PD39X High Differential Pressure Transmitter
250″wc Orifice plate flow measurement dp transmitter
4 x clean rooms pressure, humidity & temperature measurement system
200 bar gradient pressure sensor with RS232 for use on oil
On product marking labels or any document that includes a description of the pressure range, the reference type is included after the pressure unit type e.g. 15 psi abs or 15 psia.