How can you use a differential pressure measurement device to measure a negative pressure if it has been factory configured to measure a positive pressure range without making any adjustments to the electronics or the signal output?
Finding a pressure sensor to read negative pressure can be difficult since the vast majority of pressure measurement devices are only available with positive ranges as standard, since most applications require a positive pressure range, and therefore manufacturers understandably focus on the most popular pressure ranges for their product range.
Although manufacturers will often consider a custom configuration for measuring negative pressure, this could cause a delay to delivery and an extra cost compared to the standard pressure range configuration.
Featured differential pressure measurement products
Intrinsically Safe DP Sensors - Intrinsically safe differential pressure sensors are essential for accurate pressure measurement in hazardous environments where explosive atmospheres may be present.
Monitoring vacuum depression in food powder drying towers with a low range dp transmitter - DP transmitter for precise vacuum measurement and control for coconut powder drying towers to ensure consistent product quality.
There is a much simpler and convenient solution to measuring negative pressures. A differential pressure measurement device has two separate pressure connections so that the difference in pressure between the two connections can be measured. One connection will be marked as High (Hi) or Positive (+), and the other as Low (Lo) or Negative (-).
Typically when measuring positive pressures, the Low side connection would be open to ambient air pressure, and the High side connection would be connected to the positive pressure to be measured.
If you want to measure negative or suction pressure instead, you can reverse the connection, so that the High side connection is open to ambient air pressure, and the Low side connection is connected to the vacuum pressure. As the vacuum increases, the greater will be the difference in pressure between the Low and High side.
As an example, a 0 to +100 mbar differential pressure range will become a 0 to -100 mbar differential pressure range simply by reversing the connections.
Featured differential pressure measurement products
10 mmWC draft fan differential pressure transmitter - Low range dp transmitter for measuring 0... -10mmWC to maintain constant negative pressure across an induced draft fan fitted with a variable frequency drive.
Monitoring data center positive pressure with a low-range differential transducer - Low-range differential pressure transducer for verifying and monitoring critical positive air pressure between a data center equipment room and adjacent areas, ensuring compliance with required ≥5 Pa and ≥10 Pa thresholds.

Featured differential pressure measurement products
DPS300 User Switchable Pressure Range, Volts or Current Output Low DP Sensor - The DPS 300 is a low range HVAC differential pressure sensor. The lowest possible pressure range is 0...100 pascals. 2 or 3 switchable pressure ranges, plus volts or current output are included with most standard configurations.
901 Prescal Pressure Switch Specification and Data Sheet - Adjustable pressure switch for monitoring overpressure (5 mbar up to 12 bar), vacuum (-5 down to -700 mbar) or differential pressure (5 to 50 mbar) of liquid, gas and aggressive media. The pressure switch uses a scaled adjustment knob to enable the adjustment of trip and reset pressure without the use of a screwdriver. Page Contents Temperature Range […]
Related Help Guides
- Measuring vacuum with negative gauge or absolute ranges
- Measuring the difference in air pressure between rooms
- Measuring liquid level in a sealed tank with a hydrostatic pressure sensor
- What is the difference between vacuum and absolute pressure
- What does negative and positive gauge pressure mean
- Measuring vacuum as a negative gauge pressure using a dp sensor
- Measuring liquid level in a tank using a dp sensor
- Measuring density of a liquid using a dp sensor
Related Technical Terms
Related Online Tools
- DP Flow Transmitter Output Calculator
- High and Low Side Pressure to Differential Pressure Calculator
- Suction Pressure to Vacuum Calculator
Related Product and Application Guides
Related Application Questions and Answers
- Air Replacement Plant (ARP) 100 mm H2O differential pressure transmitter
- Vacuum drying pressure data logger
- Low range vacuum pressure logger for 0 to -60 inH2O g
- High reading rate for measuring dynamic pressures to -200psf
- Using 25 mbar DP sensor on vacuum below 0.2 bar absolute
- Low range ATEX approved 100 Pascal range DP transmitter
- Biogas HDPE cover PD blower pressure sensor
- Engine test cell fuel filter 2.5 bar differential pressure sensor with ATEX approval
- USB pressure sensors for detecting water leaks & restrictions
- Leak testing set for checking 1mb/min drop at negative 10 mbar vacuum
- Vacuum suction sensor & wall mount digital readout with switched contacts
- Solvent compatible +/-100mWG dp transmitter with PTFE seals
Contact us about this Measuring negative pressure using a positive differential pressure range page to request more information, or to discuss your application requirements.


