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
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Sealed Gauge Reference Pressure Range
Not vented to atmospheric pressure, but instead the reference is fixed to 1 bar.
- sg
- SG
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Absolute Reference Pressure Range
Referenced to absolute zero pressure or a perfect vacuum
- a
- A
- abs
- ABS
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Differential Pressure Range
The difference in pressure at point B compared to the pressure at point A.
- d
- D
- diff
- DIFF
- dp
- DP
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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.
Related Help Guides
- Simulating 8000 foot altitude with a pressure gauge
- Measuring vacuum with negative gauge or absolute ranges
- What is the difference between gauge and absolute pressure measurement
- What does negative and positive gauge pressure mean
- Measuring negative pressure using a positive differential pressure range
- Not reading zero when pressure is vented to atmosphere
Related Technical Terms
- Absolute Pressure
- Compound Pressure Ranges
- Differential Pressure
- Gauge Reference Pressure
- MSL – Mean Sea Level
- Negative Gauge Pressure
- Reference Pressure
- SG – Sealed Gauge
- Suction Pressure
- Vacuum
- Vented Cable
- Vented Gauge
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