Micron Gauge Versus Vacuum Gauge, Part 1

This will be a two part video series. In this video I'll be discussing pressure, vacuum, the different units of pressure, absolute and gauge pressure. Also I'll show how to convert between the different units of pressure. In the second video, I'll do a test to compare a micron gauge against an analog vacuum gauge and we'll compare the results. Enjoy the video and thanks to all for watching!

[@TheGibby3340]

Thank you Sir for taking the time to produce this material. It can be a challenge to find a channel willing to delve a little deeper. I don’t have the mathematics chops to follow university programs. Greatly appreciated 👍

[@stuzman52]

Hey Ian and welcome to the channel! I've always like to delve into a topic to get a better understanding of it. And don't worry about the math as even most of the electrical engineering stuff is just basic bath with maybe a little algebra. Even with several engineering degrees, I rarely find myself using calculus. Thanks for the comment and be sure to have a great weekend!

[@cristianpadilla8885]

Great video, as always. Good to see you again Terry.

[@stuzman52]

Thanks Cristian and good to see you!

[@Ed-o]

I viewed the entire playlist; Mini-Split Heat Pump Install, Pressure Test and Vacuum. I wanted to thank you for the very professional, educational, and enjoyable series of videos. The subject matter, camera work, and detailed information included in the videos is first rate. I can tell that you are passionate about the projects that you tackle and way you present the information makes it easy to follow and understand. I’m currently installing a mini-split in my garage. Your videos convinced me of the importance of pressure testing with nitrogen and using a micron gauge instead of relying on the compound gauge to determine when a sufficient vacuum level had been reached. I spent more money on tools than I had planned, but It’s like they say: “The cheap comes out expensive”. Better to do it right the first time than to have to do it over. Thank again and keep up the good work!!

[@stuzman52]

Thank you very much Edward for the comments on the videos and wish you all the success on your install of your mini-split for your garage.

[@bobbyz7736]

HI Ed, just read your comment. Im doing the exact same thing. 3 head unit mini split system for our garage/shop. It has cost me more in tools than if I could have had it done, but I like doing things myself.LOL

[@sraike]

Excellent video! You are a great teacher. Thanks so much. Looking forward to Part 2

[@stuzman52]

Thank you very much sraike!

[@IAmAnAiAndroid]

I have been watching a lot of youtube videos on installing mini splits and it all seems very diy friendly except when I got to the vacuum testing part. I am feeling a lot more confident after watching your videos and will likely rewatch them to vacuum up all that info. Thanks for taking the time to explain things for a pea brain like me. All the best to you my friend.

[@stuzman52]

Thank you Chris and glad that you found the videos helpful!

[@wyattoneable]

Wow Terry, you took me back to the beginning of my aviation training when we learned how altimeters worked. Everything is based on on the "Standard" of 29.92, 14.7, on a 15 degree celsius day. Very nicely done.

[@stuzman52]

wyattoneable Ypu are correct Wyatt about altimeters and forgot to mention that. Thanks for dropping in and sharing a comment! 😀

[@hassanissa9741]

great information ,love the way you did it .very smooth and easy to understand

[@stuzman52]

hassan issa Thank you Hassan and that you liked the format.

[@enduringpromise]

This video became fantastic after the introduction is finished. Extremely well done and very understandable.

[@stuzman52]

Glad the video helped out and that you found it useful!

[@KevinRoisin]

This video is fantastic. I learned so much by watching it. Thank you!

[@stuzman52]

Thank you Kevin for watching and for the comment! Have a great day!

[@moulaysaidien1907]

Thanks Terry , great video as always !

[@stuzman52]

Thank you moulay!

[@ozzstars_cars]

Good information Terry. I never knew there was so much to know. Well put together vid, impressive as always.

[@stuzman52]

Ozzstar's Cars Always new stuff to learn for sure Glen. Hope you’re having a great weekend! 😀

[@ozzstars_cars]

@@stuzman52 I did an oil change, worked on diagnosing a broken microwave (weak HV relay on the control board), stopped by and visited my Dad, took the old oil to a recycle center, ate lunch at ChikfilA with my daughter, took a nap, now watched your video. I'd say the weekend is good so far. 😁👍

[@stuzman52]

Good gracious Glen! You have been one busy man. I believe that you can rest for the rest of weekend as you've done enough work for a week. :) Have a good one!

[@chcou3125]

Thanks for the great explanation!very well done.

[@danielpopa3764]

Finally, another great video ...

[@stuzman52]

Thank you very much Daniel for watching the video and sharing a comment!

[@robertmorcate846]

Terry, I saw your 1and 2 videos on gauges vs micron. I strongly believe it's a very impressive and informative set of videos. I personally relate to subject because I am personally installing a split unit. I have a strong background in several trades. However, in my 55 years I have shy away from home and car HVAC. You so right about how sloppy the installers are installing a split units. I have turn away several installers because no nitrogen testing and the 500 micron limited reguirdment by the manufacturer. If you ever consider becoming online teacher on HVAC to get a certificate you could sign me up. Thank you again for your time and video. I immensely appreciate for sharing your knowledge. I share the same mamtra," share the wealth of knowledge with next generation. Your online apprentice.

[@stuzman52]

Thank you very much Robert for the kind comments! I always encourage people to do their own work and once they have the information, it's up to them at that point how they want to do their install. That's one of the reasons that I try to do my own repairs, installs, etc. because as you've mentioned, even the 'professionals' do it incorrectly. I have certifications in EPA 608 , (all three licenses) and EPA 609 although I don't do this type of work on a day to day basis. Thanks again Robert for watching the videos and for the time to comment! 😊

[@robertmorcate846]

@@stuzman52 Terry, here is a follow-up of the installation. After getting the nitrogen tank for $ 96.00 and a gauge from Amazon for $ 38.00 I found my first bubbles in my joints. I love Better Bubble in blue. Made the job easier. Second, my first test was 150 psi showing one bubble but then 300 psi I discover you need to make sure your connection from gauges and split unit are tight. Now after 1 hour 300 psi is holding. Thanks for all the information 👍😀 If send me an email I will send you some pictures 😊

[@stuzman52]

@@robertmorcate846 Great work Robert and glad to hear that it all worked out!

[@PhillyPianst]

Great video. You are an excellent teacher. Very clear!

[@stuzman52]

Thank you very much Joe!

[@jgm3796]

Great lecture professor Stuzman!

[@stuzman52]

Thank you very much!

[@225rip]

Really a great video on gauges. Thanks

[@stuzman52]

Thank you Cary for the comment and have a great day!

[@kennethlobo4420]

U have a great way of explaining things.Truly admire and thank u for the knowledge u share God Bless from india

[@stuzman52]

Thank you very much Kenneth and glad that you liked the video(s).

[@randymarion2466]

Excellent video Terry. Thank you so much for educating me in how all these things are related... Do have one question though... in your 36" mercury column and you tip it into the vat of Hg and the level of Hg in the column drops to 29.92", the vacuum created in the top of the column is my question. Is this not a perfect vacuum? TIA - Randy

[@stuzman52]

Thank you very much Randy and glad to hear that it all made sense! The vacuum at the top is called Torricelli's vacuum although he disputed that nature wouldn't allow such a thing. It's still not a perfect vacuum though. In this case, the vacuum is not where the atmosphere has been extracted because the mercury column is totally full when it is immersed in the dish of mercury. The vacuum consists of mercury vapor and its pressure is around 2 X 10E-5 psia or 0.00002 psia. But you've got to admit that it's pretty close to a true vacuum with a pressure that low. Great question Randy! :)

[@spelunkerd]

We boomers lived through the era of arcane units, no better illustrated than in measurement of pressure. I always wondered what people were referring to when they talked about microns in reference to pressure. Thanks for the careful review!

[@stuzman52]

spelunkerd Hi Dave and you’re right about all the crazy units out there. Thanks for watching and sharing a comment! 😃

[@DENicholsAutoBravado]

I never knew what Torr was, and now I even know who it's in honor of. I learned a lot watching this video today amongst running off to do other things. I really appreciate it. I'm doing very well my friend, how have you been?

[@stuzman52]

DE Nichols I have been doing well Dave and pretty busy. During Christmas, the wife and I were in Brazil for two weeks. Before that I renovated the garage. Take care my friend! 😀

[@DENicholsAutoBravado]

@@stuzman52 Brazil is an extra long distance away right now! I'm in Germany working on Eurospec cars on the side while I'm contracted at a hospital again. You took automotive classes! Lol! The best are always learning. Sometimes I feel like a turn coat studying for a new career in Network Administration, but the pay starts a lot higher and it goes up from there. Only way to compete in Automotive at that pay level is to be upper level management or own my own business (except ultra fast mechanics - I was always a good runner but be more like an all star athlete who works on cars... the top few percent of mechanics - they too can make a ton). I'm a people person. Many mechanics aren't. Not sure I'd want to employ most of them. Lol

[@stuzman52]

As for your career change, I always say that you've got to have three things to be happy with your job. 1) You've got to love what you're doing. 2) You have to be satisfied with the pay and 3) The location of the job is important as you don't want to drive 2 hours or more to get there. As time goes on David, you'll know what you want to do. In any event, I wish you and your family continued success and happiness in whatever endeavors that come your way. Keep up the good work!

[@billyr9840]

Nice ! Very Interesting !

[@stuzman52]

Billy R Thank you very much Billy for sharing a comment! 😀

[@SteveRobReviews]

Terry I had no idea there was a micron gauge or ever seen one :) Very impressive presentation bud well formatted and you have mastered public speaking as opposed to my jibberish👍 🤣🤣

[@stuzman52]

You do a great job Steve with your delivery and I wouldn't cut yourself short! I'll do a comparison between the micron gauge and vacuum gauge in the second video, so you'll be able to see it in action. Thanks for taking the time to watch the video as I know it was a little long and for leaving a comment! :) Oh, by the way, it looks like KZbin is up to it again as I left you a message on my phone and then it didn't get posted. I had to come to the computer to leave. Oh well! :(

[@SteveRobReviews]

@@stuzman52 Thanks bud and yes yesterday that was happening to me as well with comments.

[@piruzjassawalla6261]

Yes Sir.. You are just too good.

[@stuzman52]

Thank you very much Piruz!

[@jonnycsuperplumb765]

Great info.. proper school day 😎👍🏻

[@stuzman52]

Thank you Jonny! Have a great day!

[@MikaelS1977]

Are u making a misstake around 45min mark? 29,92"Hg = 0PSIA and 0"Hg = 14,7PSIA Shouldent it be the other way around. Eg: 0"Hg=0PSIA 14,7PSIA= 29,92"HG The mercury colum should drop in vaccum not increse? Greetings from Sweden

[@stuzman52]

Yes, you are correct! I was covering so much material, the numbers that you mention that I said was mistakenly covering gauge pressure. Good catch!

[@jgm3796]

glad someone else caught it, I was about to comment that the Hg values are flipped in that diagram from 44:36 to 46:00.

[@EXOVCDS]

The flat earth remark made me giggle... great informative video as always!

[@stuzman52]

Thank you Thomas for dropping in and sharing a comment! Hope the new job is working out great! And best wishes for you and your family for the New Year! :)

[@tv3387]

댓글따라 구경하러 왔다가 재미있게 잘보고가며 어깨에 1.93+1번째 손올리며 남은 선물(🤝💝🛎)도 살포시 내려놓고 갑니다^^ 자주소통하며 지내요🤗 소중한 선물 되돌려 주시면 아주~아주^^미버 할겁니다^^ 받아주실거죠?

[@stuzman52]

Thank you very much!

[@garysmith9772]

many refrigeration techs use the evacuation process as a leak test. this is not a good idea because it would equate to a 14.7 psi pressure test which is very low and would not show a small leak. under those conditions flux or scale could conceal a leak. that is why it is recommended that a 200 psi or greater is the proper procedure. nature hates a vacuum, thanks looking forward to your next installment. gary

[@stuzman52]

I couldn't have said it better Gary! And I will address this issue among other topics in the next video! Thanks for watching the video and sharing a comment as it's most appreciated! :)