Analog Manifold Gauge Sets

Analog manifold gauge sets are designed and built to either charge an air conditioning system or to remove contaminated refrigerant from the system.  Both functions are important as refrigerants deteriorate with time as ingress of air, moisture, and other contaminants negatively affect an AC system.  AC systems are designed to be tight but may sustain damage or develop worn-out seals, leading to leaks over time.

Analog manifolds are an important diagnostic tool, allowing a technician to measure pressure within an AC system to find potential leaks in it.  The AC system is divided into two parts, as far as pressure is concerned.  The section of an AC system between the compressor and condenser has a higher pressure, whereas the part between expansion valve and evaporator has a lower pressure.  HVAC service technicians check both pressures, which is why all manifolds have two gauges, one for low pressure (blue color) and another one for high pressure (red color).

First, they are divided by application – automotive vs HVAC gauge sets.

Second, by number of outlets or connectors on them – 2-way manifold, 3-way manifolds and 4-way manifolds. Basic 2-way ac manifolds are used for checking pressure.  The 3-way manifolds, in addition to checking low and high side pressure, can also be used for evacuation or charging of refrigerant.  Finally, 4-way manifolds also handle creating vacuum in AC systems, when all refrigerant has been removed.

Third, they come in groups divided by the type of refrigerant being measured.  They may handle checking the pressure of a single refrigerant or multiple. However, they cannot work with more than 4 types of refrigerants due to the physical limitations of the analog gauge.

Fourth, is the material used.  Here we have inexpensive brass manifolds, as well as higher quality aluminum block manifolds.

The sets may come with or without hoses. Thus, there are quite a few manifolds to choose from depending on material, number of valves, refrigerants, and hoses.  We strongly advise you to talk to a distributor or a manufacturer to make sure you purchase the right instrument for your job.

The top 3 Brands would be: Yellow Jacket, JB Industries and CPS products, as they manufacture sets in the US.  Other quality products come from Robinair, Mastercool and other US manufacturers, who outsource their production off-shore but have stringent quality control.