When you work with industrial equipment in oilfield, marine, irrigation, construction, municipal water, or trucking industries, you quickly encounter a sea of technical terms. At MurCal, we understand that knowing this jargon isn’t just helpful—it’s essential for selecting the right products, installing with confidence, and maintaining systems that keep your operations running smoothly.

Here’s a comprehensive, easy-to-understand glossary of key industry jargon to empower you:

1. Swichgage®

A patented instrument that combines a pressure gauge and electrical limit switches. It shows real-time pressure readings while automatically triggering alarms or equipment shutdown when preset pressure limits are exceeded—protecting your machinery from damage. Popular for engine lube oil, hydraulic, and water pump monitoring.

2. Diaphragm-Actuated

A method using a thin, flexible membrane (diaphragm) that responds to pressure changes by moving. This mechanical movement translates into accurate readings or electrical signals. Many MurCal gauges feature a sealed diaphragm chamber enhancing durability and precision, even in tough environments.

3. Pulsation Dampener

An internal component that smooths rapid pressure fluctuations causing needle flutter on analog gauges. This keeps readings stable and reduces wear on sensitive parts. MurCal Swichgage® models often include a removable dampener for easy cleaning.

4. NPT (National Pipe Thread)

The U.S. standard tapered thread type commonly used for pipe connections. MurCal gauges and sensors use 1/8-27 NPT threads to guarantee secure, leak-proof installations in industrial pipe systems.

5. SAE Standards

Set by the Society of Automotive Engineers, these standards ensure safety, quality, and performance of components. MurCal products meet or exceed SAE specs, giving you reliable instrumentation for demanding industrial applications.

6. High/Low Adjustable Contacts

Switches inside Swichgage® gauges you can set to trip alarms or shutdown signals if pressure gets too high or too low. Dual adjustable contacts allow precise control to protect engines and equipment.

7. Corrosion-Resistant Coating

Protective coatings applied to steel gauge cases and bezels to prevent rust and oxidation. Vital for long-lasting performance in harsh marine, irrigation, or oilfield environments.

8. Illuminated Dial

Backlit gauge faces designed for easy reading in low light or night operations, commonly found on MurCal’s rugged instrumentation.

9. Diaphragm Chamber

A sealed compartment that houses the sensing diaphragm, providing a clean, accurate environment to detect pressure changes while protecting internal parts and resisting overpressure.

10. OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer)

Companies that produce parts bearing their own brand or for integration into other branded equipment. MurCal supplies many OEM-level quality instruments trusted by industry leaders.

Additional Key Terms to Know

11. Transducer

Converts physical parameters like pressure or temperature into electrical signals for monitoring or automated control in complex systems.

12. Setpoint

The target measurement value (e.g., pressure) at which alarms or control actions are triggered to maintain safe operation.

13. Hysteresis

A buffer zone between when a switch turns on and off to prevent rapid toggling, which prolongs equipment life and avoids false alarms.

14. PID Controller

An advanced control system that uses proportional, integral, and derivative calculations to maintain precise control of pressure or temperature.

15. Calibration

Process of adjusting instruments for accuracy by comparing readings to known standards, critical for reliable monitoring.

Why Understanding These Jargon Terms Matters

Whether you’re an engineer designing equipment, a technician maintaining pumps, or an OEM specifying parts, knowing these terms lets you:

• Identify the best products for your industrial application

• Read and understand datasheets and manuals with confidence

• Communicate clearly with suppliers and technical support

• Prevent costly downtime or equipment damage with correct installation and use

Where MurCal Customers Encounter These Terms

You’ll find these words throughout MurCal’s online catalog, product info pages on our website, detailed manuals, blog posts, and during direct technical support consultations.

MurCal’s mission is to provide rugged, reliable instrumentation backed by expert guidance to keep your equipment running at peak performance.

Need help with selecting or understanding industrial instrumentation?

Contact MurCal’s support team — knowledgeable experts are available to assist you Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 4:30 PM at 661-272-4700 or email us at sales@murcal.com