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The Daily Insight

What happens when you fill a pressure gauge with liquid?

Author

Rachel Ross

Updated on April 28, 2026

What happens when you fill a pressure gauge with liquid?

Pressure build up inside a gauge can happen and is very natural for a liquid filled gauge. The pressure build up (usually very minimal) can sometimes cause the needle to move off of zero and/or cause the gauge to read inaccurately + or – 2-4%. To alleviate the pressure, burp the gauge by slightly lifting the fill plug.

Why do they put glycerin in pressure gauges?

Glycerin is used in around 95% of all liquid filling applications and is typically the “standard.” The reason these fluids are used is because they’re more viscous and their thickness helps keep the needle steady. Some gauges come dry but can be filled simply by filling the hermetically sealed gauge case…

How do you vent a liquid filled gauge?

To vent the gauge carefully push the side of the vent plug (the part under the plug lip) with your thumbnail to equalize the gauge case pressure with the atmosphere (reference pressure). Keep the fill plug vented for 2-3 seconds to ensure the case pressure is allowed to equalize with the outside pressure. Do not remove the plug.

How to calculate the volume of an object?

The formula used by this calculator to calculate the volume of a rectangular shaped object is: V = L · W · H. Symbols. V = Volume; L = Length; W = Width; H = Height; Volume Dimensions – Length, Width & Height. Enter the measurement of length, width and height for the rectangular shape.

Pressure build up inside a gauge can happen and is very natural for a liquid filled gauge. The pressure build up (usually very minimal) can sometimes cause the needle to move off of zero and/or cause the gauge to read inaccurately + or – 2-4%. To alleviate the pressure, burp the gauge by slightly lifting the fill plug.

Is there a theoretical limit to the size of a pressure gauge?

There is no theoretical limit to how large a gauge pressure can be. There are a host of devices for measuring pressure, ranging from tire gauges to blood pressure cuffs. Pascal’s principle is of major importance in these devices. The undiminished transmission of pressure through a fluid allows precise remote sensing of pressures.

Why are liquid gauges better than dry gauges?

This means the pressure gauges are less likely to give inaccurate readings due to wear and tear that mechanical vibration and pulsation tends to cause. The liquid in these pressure gauges does double duty when it comes to fighting those effects.

How is gauge pressure related to atmospheric pressure?

Gauge Pressure. Gauge pressure is the pressure relative to atmospheric pressure. Gauge pressure is positive for pressures above atmospheric pressure, and negative for pressures below it. In fact, atmospheric pressure does add to the pressure in any fluid not enclosed in a rigid container.