Edwards Vacuum Gauges

Accurate pressure measurement is what turns a vacuum system from guesswork into a controlled process. Gauges tell you when a chamber is ready, when a pump is wearing, and when a leak has appeared. Edwards has supplied vacuum gauges and gauge controllers for decades, and many Edwards pumping systems are designed to work with Edwards active gauges and TIC instrument controllers. At Provac Sales, we list Edwards measurement and power equipment and help customers source the Edwards gauges and controllers their systems need.

What We Currently List

Our Edwards vacuum gauge collection currently includes:

• Edwards iPS-240 power supply, new, rated for 100-240V at 50/60Hz

The iPS-240 is also listed in our turbo pump controller category. Confirm the device you need to power before ordering, and send us your system details if you are unsure whether it suits your setup.

Our online catalog does not show every Edwards gauge we can supply. If you need a specific Edwards gauge head, controller or cable, send us the model or part number and we will check inventory and sourcing options.

Edwards Gauge Families We Can Help You Source

Edwards gauges cover the full pressure range, from atmosphere down to high vacuum. Common Edwards measurement products include:

• Active Pirani gauges, such as the APG series, for rough and medium vacuum measurement
• Wide range gauges, such as the WRG series, which combine Pirani and inverted magnetron sensing to read from atmosphere down to high vacuum in one head
• Active inverted magnetron gauges, such as the AIM series, for high vacuum measurement
• Active strain gauges, such as the ASG series, for pressure-independent readings near atmosphere
• Barocel capacitance manometers, for gas-independent, high-accuracy measurement
• Gauge controllers and displays, including TIC instrument controllers and single-channel active gauge displays

Availability varies by model, condition and part number. Contact us before ordering to confirm what we can supply.

Choosing the Right Gauge Technology

Each gauge technology works best in a particular pressure range. Choosing the wrong type is one of the most common causes of misleading readings.

Pirani Gauges

Pirani gauges measure pressure by sensing how quickly gas carries heat away from a heated wire. They are inexpensive, robust and well suited to rough vacuum, roughing lines and foreline monitoring. Their readings depend on gas type, so they are usually calibrated for nitrogen or air.

Inverted Magnetron Gauges

Inverted magnetron gauges ionize gas in a magnetic field and measure the resulting current. They suit high vacuum measurement and have no hot filament to burn out. Like Pirani gauges, their readings depend on gas type.

Wide Range Gauges

Wide range gauges combine two sensors in one head and switch between them automatically. One gauge can cover a whole pump-down cycle, which saves ports on small chambers and simplifies wiring.

Capacitance Manometers

Capacitance manometers measure the deflection of a thin diaphragm under pressure. They are gas-independent and highly accurate, which makes them the preferred choice for process control where gas composition changes, such as deposition and etch.

Strain Gauges

Strain gauges measure pressure near atmosphere independently of gas type. They are useful for venting control, backfill and load lock monitoring.

How to Select an Edwards Gauge

Before choosing a gauge, consider:

• The pressure range you need to measure, from atmosphere to your lowest working pressure
• Whether readings must be independent of gas type
• Required accuracy and repeatability for process control
• Flange type and size, such as KF16, KF25 or CF
• Controller or display compatibility, including the cable and connector
• Output signals needed for your control system, such as analog voltage or setpoint relays
• Environmental factors, such as contamination, vibration or bake-out temperature

If you are replacing a gauge, the model number on the gauge head and the controller it connects to are usually all we need.

Gauges and Controllers Work as a System

An active gauge contains its own electronics and sends a signal to a controller or display. The controller supplies power, converts the signal to a pressure reading and may provide setpoint outputs for interlocks. Edwards TIC instrument controllers can read several active gauges and also control a turbo pump, which keeps a small system tidy.

When ordering, confirm that the controller supports your gauge type and that you have the correct cable. A gauge that reads incorrectly is often connected to the wrong controller input or set to the wrong gas calibration rather than faulty. Browse our Edwards turbo pump controllers for TIC models.

Applications for Edwards Vacuum Gauges

Edwards gauges are used in:

• Turbo pumping stations and research chambers
• Foreline and roughing line monitoring on Edwards dry pumps and rotary vane pumps
• Thin film deposition, sputtering and evaporation
• Freeze drying and vacuum drying
• Semiconductor process and load lock control
• Leak testing and vacuum test systems
• Vacuum furnaces and heat treating

Gauge Care and Maintenance

Gauges are sensitive instruments, and a little care keeps readings reliable:

• Mount gauges where they are protected from direct deposition, particles and pump oil
• Avoid exposing hot filament or inverted magnetron gauges to atmosphere while switched on
• Check zero and atmosphere calibration periodically on Pirani and wide range gauges
• Clean or replace inverted magnetron gauge internals when readings drift due to contamination
• Keep connectors clean and cables away from heat and sharp bends
• Record readings at known conditions, such as base pressure, to spot drift early

Contaminated gauges often read higher or lower than the true pressure. If a gauge suddenly disagrees with others on the same system, check it before assuming the system has a leak.

New and Rebuilt Options

Depending on the item, Edwards gauges and controllers may be available new, surplus-new or rebuilt. Each listing and quotation confirms the condition and warranty. For older systems where the original gauge is no longer in production, we can help you identify a compatible replacement.

Service and Support

If an Edwards gauge controller fails, it may be repairable. Our published repair capabilities include Edwards TIC series controllers. Contact us with the model, symptoms and any error messages before shipping. Submit an RMA request and complete the contamination data sheet. See our pump repair page for more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Edwards gauge should I use for rough vacuum?

An active Pirani gauge is the usual choice for rough vacuum and foreline monitoring. For a single gauge covering atmosphere to high vacuum, consider a wide range gauge.

Why does my gauge reading change with different gases?

Pirani and inverted magnetron gauges respond differently to different gases. Their readings are usually calibrated for nitrogen. For gas-independent readings, use a capacitance manometer.

Can an Edwards TIC controller read non-Edwards gauges?

TIC controllers are designed for Edwards active gauges. Other gauges may not be compatible. Confirm the gauge model before connecting it.

Do you stock Edwards gauge heads?

Our online listings change regularly and do not show every item. Send us the model or part number and we will check inventory and sourcing.

Request a Quote on Edwards Vacuum Gauges

Send us the gauge or controller model, part number, flange size, pressure range and controller details. We will confirm compatibility and availability. Contact us or call 831-462-8900.