Fieldpiece Easy View Vacuum Gauge

How to Use Normal Mode

Measure deep vacuums to monitor system evacuations. Deep vacuums help remove non-condensable gases that can cause problems in a system.

Fieldpiece recommends using a Schrader Core Removal Tool (SCRT) and the shortest vacuum-rated hoses possible to minimize leaks by reducing connections.

1. Connect to the system, typically to the Schrader Core Removal Tool or an unused service port.
2. Hold the power button for 1 second to turn on the SVG3.
3. The top display shows the pressure/vacuum in microns of mercury.
4. The bottom display shows the rate of change in microns of mercury per minute.

Description

Proper evacuation of any system exposed to atmosphere is critical for proper operation. The SVG3 helps HVACR Professionals verify proper vacuum levels. Its easy-view hook and backlight make the display visible in low-light conditions, and the ruggedized case is built to withstand field use.

The SVG3 features a Schrader depressor, allowing direct connection to a service port or valve core removal tool to minimize leaks. Built-in Hi and Lo Alarm functions, along with the Rate Indication on the bottom display, provide confidence to HVACR professionals.

Display

Top Line: Live Vacuum Measurement in Microns of Mercury (µHg)

Bottom Line: Rate of micron change (microns per minute) or Alarm stopwatch

Indicators: Auto Power Off Enabled, Battery Life, Low Alarm Mode, High Alarm Mode, Rate of Micron Change.

Low and High Alarms

Use low and high alarms to monitor the SVG3 while working on other tasks. The low alarm (default 500 microns) alerts you when the system reaches your desired micron level. The high alarm (default 1000 microns) indicates how long it takes the system to stabilize after the vacuum pump is isolated. If the system does not stabilize, a leak may be present in the system or connections.

The stopwatch starts when an alarm is activated. It restarts when the low alarm is reached, showing how long a vacuum has been pulled. It stops when the high alarm is reached, showing the time taken to rise to that value.

When an alarm is activated, use the up or down arrow keys to toggle between the stopwatch and the rate of change (microns per minute).

How to Activate the Alarms

1. Press ALARM to activate the low alarm.
2. Press ALARM again to deactivate the low alarm and activate the high alarm.
3. Press ALARM again to deactivate the high alarm and return to normal mode.

How to Set the Alarms

The default low (500 microns) and high (1000 microns) alarm values can be set to desired levels.

1. Hold ALARM for 1 second to enter alarm set mode. The first digit of the LO alarm will blink.
2. Use the arrow buttons to change the value. Press ENTER to lock in a digit and move to the next. Repeat for all LO alarm digits.
3. When the LO alarm is set, the first digit of the HI alarm will blink. Use the arrow buttons to change the value. Press ENTER to lock in a digit and move to the next. Repeat for all HI alarm digits.
4. Once all HI alarm digits are set, you will exit alarm set mode, and your customized alarm values will be saved.

Note: While in alarm set mode, pressing ALARM toggles between HI and LO alarm set. Holding ALARM exits set mode and saves changes.

Specifications

General

• Operating temperature: 32°F (0°C) to 122°F (50°C) at <75% RH
• Storage temperature: -4°F to 140°F (-20°C to 60°C), 0 to 80% RH (with battery removed)
• Temperature coefficient: 0.1 x (specified accuracy)/°C (<10°C or >28°C)
• Over range: "OL" is displayed
• Power: 4 x AAA batteries, NEDA 24A, JIS UM4, IEC R03
• Auto power off: After 15 minutes of readings over 10,000 microns if APO is active.
• Battery life: 40 hours standard use (alkaline) without backlight.
• Low battery indication: ? is displayed when battery voltage drops below operating level.

Vacuum Pressure

• Units of measure: microns (µm) of mercury
• Connector type: Standard 1/4" female flare fitting. "T" fitting included (3 male flare ports).
• Range: 0 to 9999 microns of mercury
• Accuracy: ±5% of reading + 5 microns, 50 to 1000 microns
• Resolution: 1 micron (50 to 2000 microns), 250 microns (2001 to 5000 microns), 500 microns (5001 to 8000 microns), 1000 microns (8001 to 9999 microns)
• Rate: Microns per minute
• Refresh rate: 0.5 seconds
• Atmospheric pressure: "OL" is displayed
• Maximum overload pressure: 500 psig

Vacuum Tips

Follow manufacturer's evacuation procedures. Fieldpiece recommends these practices for efficient deep vacuum achievement:

1. Remove Schrader cores and core depressors using a valve core removal tool (purchased separately).
2. Use the shortest vacuum-rated hoses with the largest diameter available.
3. Inspect rubber seals at hose ends for damage that may cause leaks.
4. Avoid using hoses with low-loss fittings when evacuating a system.

Maintenance

Clean the exterior with a dry cloth. Do not use liquid.

Battery Replacement

Power off the SVG3. Unscrew the battery cover and replace the 4 AAA batteries.

Cleaning the Sensor

1. Turn off the SVG3.
2. Remove the core depressor and O-ring by hooking under the core depressor and pulling both out. Be careful not to puncture or tear the O-ring.
3. Fill the cavity halfway with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol.
4. Cover the hose fitting with your index finger and gently swirl and shake the alcohol within the cavity for about 15 seconds.
5. Pour out the alcohol and let the vacuum sensor dry with the hose fitting facing down.
6. Re-insert the core depressor and O-ring. Screw in the T-fitting (included) tightly to lock the O-ring.

Note: Do not use objects like cotton swabs to clean the sensor, as this may damage it.

Replacing the O-ring

If the O-ring becomes severely worn and cannot hold a seal, it can be easily replaced.

1. Remove the Schrader depressor and O-ring from the flare fitting. Dispose of the worn O-ring.
2. Re-insert and center the Schrader depressor into the flare fitting.
3. Position the new O-ring (standard O-ring hose replacement part) around the Schrader depressor and push it in with your finger.
4. Secure the O-ring by screwing in the included 3-male brass T-fitting.

For Service

In the USA, contact Fieldpiece Instruments for out-of-warranty service pricing. Send a check or money order for the quoted amount, along with the meter, freight prepaid, to Fieldpiece Instruments. For in-warranty service, send proof of date and location of purchase. Fieldpiece will repair or replace the meter, at its option, and return it via least-cost transportation.

Outside of the USA, please visit www.fieldpiece.com for service contact information.

A/C Basics

The four basic components of an air conditioner are the Evaporator, Condenser, Restrictor (Throttling valve), and Compressor. Following refrigerant through the system illustrates their functions.

Subcooled liquid refrigerant at high pressure enters the restrictor and is throttled to a lower pressure. The restrictor can be fixed or TXV/EXV. Fixed types require charging to a target superheat that varies with conditions, while TXV/EXV systems are charged to subcooling.

Evaporator capacity varies with indoor heat load in fixed restrictor systems. TXV/EXV systems regulate the restriction to maintain constant superheat, adjusting evaporator capacity to the indoor heat load.

After the restrictor, refrigerant enters the evaporator at low temperature and pressure, absorbing heat from indoor air and boiling (evaporating) into a gas. It remains at constant temperature and pressure until fully evaporated, then becomes superheated. Superheat measurement indicates refrigerant charge level in fixed restrictor systems; TXV/EXV systems maintain constant superheat. Superheat ensures liquid does not flood the compressor. Superheat is measured on the suction line between the evaporator and compressor.

The compressor increases the temperature and pressure of the low-temperature, low-pressure, slightly superheated refrigerant.

The highly superheated gas enters the condenser, rejecting heat to the outside air and condensing into a liquid. Further heat removal causes subcooling. TXV/EXV systems are charged to subcooling because the throttle valve controls superheat. Subcooling is measured on the liquid line between the condenser and TXV/EXV. The subcooled liquid then enters the restrictor, restarting the cycle.

Diagram Description: A diamond-shaped diagram illustrates the refrigerant cycle. Arrows show airflow: return air enters the evaporator, and supply air exits. Hot air exits the condenser, and outdoor air enters. Refrigerant flows from the throttle valve to the evaporator, then to the compressor, and finally to the condenser, completing the loop. The diagram is divided into a "Low Pressure Side" and a "High Pressure Side" indicating the refrigerant's state.

Limited Warranty

This meter is warranted against defects in material or workmanship for one year from the date of purchase. Fieldpiece will replace or repair the defective unit at its option, subject to verification of the defect.

This warranty does not cover defects resulting from abuse, neglect, accident, unauthorized repair, alteration, or unreasonable use.

Implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose are limited to one year. Fieldpiece is not liable for loss of use, or incidental or consequential damages.

State laws vary, and these limitations may not apply to you.