Manifold, AC & Refrigerant Gauges for Aussie HVAC Techs
When you’re pulling down, charging or diagnosing a system, your manifold and refrigerant gauges are the tools you trust most. This range brings together analogue and digital manifold gauge sets, replacement AC gauges, vacuum gauge accessories and service kits from brands tradies actually use on site — Testo, Imperial, Mastercool, Fieldpiece, AccuTools, Robinair and more.
Every set is built for real Australian conditions, from humid coastal installs in Brisbane through to frosty winter starts in Melbourne. Pair the right manifold gauge set with a solid vacuum pump and refrigerant scale and you’ll cut call-backs, speed up commissioning and hit targets the first time.
What You’ll Use These Gauges For
Manifold and refrigeration gauges in this collection are designed to help with:
- Charging and commissioning split systems, ducted units, VRF/VRV and commercial refrigeration.
- Recovery and fault finding, including checking suction/head pressures alongside temperature readings.
- Verifying superheat and subcooling on new installs and warranty call-outs.
- Automotive A/C charging and diagnostics, using compatible manifolds and couplers.
- Service and maintenance checks, confirming system health before you leave site.
Types of Gauges in This Range
Within this collection you’ll find:
- Digital refrigeration manifolds – multi-probe, app-connected AC gauges that calculate superheat/subcooling, log data and generate reports.
- Analogue manifold gauge sets – rugged 2-valve and 4-valve sets for everyday service work and as reliable backups in the van.
- Individual replacement gauges – high-side and low-side replacement AC gauges for common refrigerants such as R32, R410A, R134a and R404A.
- Gauge protectors, cases and small parts – boots, lenses, O-rings and hardware to keep your existing gear earning its keep.
- Micron/vacuum gauge couplers and accessories – to team with your dedicated vacuum gauges when you’re proving a deep, stable vacuum.
If you need a full evacuation and charging setup, you can also match these gauges with a refrigerant vacuum pump from our vacuum pumps range and a dedicated refrigerant scale for precise charging.
How to Choose the Right Manifold Gauge Set
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System type & refrigerant
For R32 and R410A high-pressure work, choose manifolds and hoses rated for those refrigerants and pressures. For low-temp refrigeration (e.g. freezer rooms) make sure the scale and pressure ranges match your application. -
2-valve vs 4-valve manifold
2-valve: ideal for day-to-day split-system service, smaller commercial jobs and automotive A/C.
4-valve: handy when you’re frequently pulling deep vacuum, recovering, and charging via a separate hose without constant re-rigging. -
Digital vs analogue
Digital AC gauges give fast, accurate readings, calculated SH/SC, logging and app connectivity — excellent for commissioning reports and warranty documentation.
Analogue gauges are simple, tough and easy to read at a glance; great for apprentices, backup sets and dirty environments. -
Connection sizes & hoses
Check your preferred hose size (¼", 5/16", 3/8") and make sure the manifold ports and couplers match your typical systems. Large-bore hoses simplify evacuation when paired with a good vacuum pump and micron gauge. -
Durability & support
Look for solid metal bodies, rubber boots and replaceable lenses. Buying from an Australian supplier like HVAC Shop means parts, service and local warranty support are easy to access.
If you’re not sure which gauges best match your workflow, you can contact our team for a quick, trade-friendly recommendation.
Building a Complete Charging & Evacuation Setup
For a reliable, repeatable process on site, many techs combine:
- A quality refrigerant manifold gauge set (digital or analogue) from this collection.
- A dedicated vacuum pump, correctly sized in CFM for the job, from our refrigerant vacuum pump range.
- A micron gauge to prove deep vacuum and system dryness.
- A refrigerant scale for accurate charging, especially on larger ducted, VRF and commercial refrigeration systems.
Safety, Licensing & Compliance in Australia
Refrigerant is not a DIY product. In Australia, you must hold a valid Refrigerant Handling Licence to carry out work that could involve the charging, decanting or recovery of regulated refrigerants, including installation, commissioning, service and decommissioning of RAC equipment.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your gauges, hoses, vacuum pumps and accessories, comply with Australian Standards and any site-specific WHS requirements, and observe current rules around charging equipment with the correct design refrigerant and GWP level for that system.
The information on this page is general in nature and intended for trained and appropriately licensed HVAC/R professionals. It does not replace formal training, product manuals or regulatory guidance from Australian authorities.
FAQs – Manifold & Refrigerant Gauges
1. What’s the difference between a manifold gauge set and standalone refrigerant gauges?
A manifold gauge set includes the body, valves, hoses and gauges so you can connect to a system, pull down, recover and charge. Standalone refrigerant gauges are replacement high-side or low-side gauges that mount on an existing manifold or piece of equipment. They’re ideal when you’ve damaged a gauge but the rest of the manifold is still in good condition.
2. Do I need a 2-valve or 4-valve manifold for R32 and R410A systems?
Most techs are fine with a 2-valve manifold for everyday R32/R410A split-system work, especially when paired with quality hoses and a good vacuum pump. A 4-valve manifold becomes helpful if you’re regularly doing larger systems, recovery work or want separate connections for evacuation, charging and testing without constantly swapping hoses.
3. Are digital AC gauges worth it compared with analogue gauges?
Digital AC gauges often pay for themselves if you’re doing a lot of commissioning, detailed diagnostics or compliance reporting. They can log readings, calculate superheat/subcooling automatically and export data to apps or PDFs. Analogue manifolds still make sense as a tough daily driver or backup – many tradies run both and choose depending on the job.
4. Can these gauges be used with flammable refrigerants like R32?
Some manifolds and hoses in this range are designed and rated for use with R32 and other A2L refrigerants, but you must always check the product specs and the manufacturer’s documentation. Follow all safety guidance, ventilation requirements and ignition-source controls when working with flammable or mildly flammable refrigerants, and ensure you’re appropriately licensed and trained.
5. How often should I calibrate or check my refrigeration gauges?
Digital manifolds should be checked and calibrated in line with the manufacturer’s recommendations or your company QA schedule. Analogue gauges should be inspected regularly for mechanical damage, zero error and pointer alignment. If your readings don’t line up with known references or other calibrated instruments, arrange recalibration or replacement.
Author: HVAC Shop Content Team – HVAC Content Specialist (Australia)
Reviewed by: Licensed HVAC/R Technician
Business Details
HVAC Shop – hvacshop.com.au
ABN: 98 351 143 900
Email: hvacshop.com.au@gmail.com
Phone: 0412 333 115
Address: Australia (servicing Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Newcastle & nationwide)
For independent information on HVAC energy efficiency and responsible refrigerant use in Australia, visit energy.gov.au.
Last updated: 2025-11-29 (AEST)