WIKA Pressure Gauge Guide: Models, EN 837-1 and Alternatives

WIKA is one of the best-known names in pressure measurement. The German company supplies mechanical gauges, electronic pressure sensors and transmitters, and thermometers to industry worldwide, and its products are specified on plant from refineries to food factories. This guide explains what WIKA pressure gauges are, how to read the model numbers and standards, what accuracy classes mean, and how to choose between WIKA and other quality brands for your Australian application. It also covers the WIKA pressure sensor we supply and the alternative gauge brands available from Load Cell Solutions.

About WIKA

WIKA, whose full name is Alexander Wiegand SE & Co. KG, is a family-owned instrumentation manufacturer founded in 1946 and headquartered in Klingenberg, Germany. It has a long record in pressure and temperature measurement and operates through subsidiaries in many countries, including Australia. In search results the WIKA Australia site and large industrial distributors dominate queries such as “wika pressure gauge”.

Because the brand is so established, buyers often search for WIKA by model number or by standard. Understanding what those references mean helps you match a gauge to a job, whichever brand you finally buy.

Understanding WIKA gauge model numbers

WIKA identifies its gauges by a model number, usually three digits, a dot and two more digits, for example 233.50. Search interest for terms such as “wika pressure gauge 233.50” shows that buyers use these codes to find specific designs. The commonly encountered 232.50 and 233.50 are stainless steel process gauges with a Bourdon tube. Always confirm details on the manufacturer’s current datasheet, because the specifications of a model can differ by version, size and option code.

A WIKA model number does not tell you everything about a gauge, so check:

• Nominal size (dial diameter in millimetres)
• Pressure range and units
• Process connection and its position, such as lower mount or back mount
• Case and wetted material
• Accuracy class
• Whether the case is dry or filled
• Any approvals, such as ATEX for explosive atmospheres

What does EN 837-1 mean?

EN 837-1 is a European standard for Bourdon tube pressure gauges. It sets requirements for dimensions, metrology, testing and marking. When a datasheet says a gauge conforms to EN 837-1, it means the gauge meets those common requirements for design and accuracy. Many manufacturers beyond WIKA build to the same standard, which is one reason the gauges can be interchangeable on a site.

Under EN 837-1, gauges are assigned accuracy classes, including 0.6, 1.0, 1.6, 2.5 and 4.0. The number is the permitted error as a percentage of the span. So a class 1.0 gauge reading 0 to 1,000 kPa may be out by up to 10 kPa anywhere on the scale. A related standard, EN 837-2, offers selection and installation recommendations. In Australia, AS 1349 covers Bourdon tube gauges, so check which standard your site requires.

Accuracy class: 1.0 or 2.5?

People often search for “wika pressure gauge accuracy class 1.0” or “class 2.5”. A lower number means a tighter tolerance and generally a higher price.

• Class 2.5: suitable for general indication where a rough value is enough, such as monitoring a compressed air line.
• Class 1.6: a middle option for general plant monitoring.
• Class 1.0: the usual choice for process control and anywhere the reading drives a decision.
• Class 0.6 or better: test and reference duty, and critical measurements.

The right answer depends on the cost of an error. If a wrong reading could cause a safety or quality problem, choose a tighter class or use a digital gauge. See our digital pressure gauge buying guide for options at 0.5% FS and better.

Common WIKA-related questions from buyers

Where are WIKA pressure gauges made?

WIKA manufactures in Germany and in plants in several other countries. The country of origin can vary by model, so check the label and datasheet.

Can I get a calibration certificate for a WIKA gauge?

Calibration certificates are generally an optional extra, and they are ordered at the time of purchase. See our article on pressure gauge calibration.

Are WIKA gauges liquid filled?

Some designs are available dry or liquid filled, and the choice affects vibration performance. Our guide to liquid filled vs dry pressure gauges explains the difference.

Do WIKA gauges suit oxygen service?

Oxygen service requires gauges that are specifically cleaned and labelled for it. Never assume a standard gauge is suitable.

WIKA pressure sensors: the Model A-10

Beyond gauges, WIKA makes electronic pressure sensors. We supply the WIKA Model A-10 pressure sensor, a compact sensor for general industrial applications. Its features include:

• Compact design for easy integration into machines and systems
• 316L stainless steel case and wetted parts
• A wide range of measuring ranges
• Gauge, absolute and compound pressure types
• 4 to 20 mA and 0 to 10 V output signals

A sensor like this sends a signal to a PLC or controller rather than showing a local reading. A transmitter with a 4 to 20 mA output is a standard way to carry pressure data over long cable runs with good noise immunity. If you also need a local reading, pair the sensor with a gauge on the same line.

Pressure gauge vs pressure transmitter

Alternatives to WIKA available from us

Many applications do not need a specific brand. They need a gauge built to a recognised standard, with the right range, connection and accuracy. Alongside the WIKA sensor, we offer several other options:

• PDK digital gauges: the PDR100, PDR250, PDR500 and PDR1000, with accuracy from 0.5% down to 0.025% FS.
• Baroli BD Series: a battery-powered digital gauge with IP65 protection and 0.125% FS accuracy options.
• Ross Brown analogue gauges: stainless steel and liquid filled gauges including the L100, AL-F-2 and the Solfrunt 1981.

We do not suggest these products are equivalent to a specific WIKA model unless the datasheets confirm it. If you are replacing an existing gauge, send us the model number, range and connection so we can compare specifications honestly.

How to replace a WIKA gauge with a different brand

1. Record the model number, dial size, range and units from the existing gauge.
2. Note the connection thread and position. A lower mount and a back mount are not interchangeable without a change to the pipework.
3. Check the wetted material against the process media.
4. Match the accuracy class or choose a better one.
5. Confirm any approvals your site needs.
6. Compare overpressure protection, case filling and ingress protection.
7. Update your asset register and calibration schedule.

Tips for buying any industrial pressure gauge

• Buy from a supplier who publishes full specifications, not just a headline accuracy figure.
• Ask for the datasheet and check that it matches the model you receive.
• Check the warranty and how returns are handled.
• Consider total cost, including calibration and spare parts, not just purchase price.
• Keep a spare gauge for critical lines.

How to read a WIKA datasheet

When you open a WIKA datasheet, work through it in a fixed order. Start with the application and special features, which tell you what the designer intended. Then read the specifications table for nominal size, accuracy class, scale ranges, permissible pressure load, temperature limits and ingress protection. Next, check the materials list for the wetted parts and the case. Finally, look at the ordering information, which explains how the option codes build up the full order description. Reading the sheet in this order reduces the risk of ordering a gauge that fits the port but is wrong for the media.

Brands you will see on Australian sites

WIKA is one of several established names. Ashcroft, Dwyer, Stauff and others also supply gauges, switches and transmitters in Australia, and each has its own model numbering. If you are cross-referencing, avoid matching by model code alone. Match by size, range, connection, accuracy and materials, and then confirm against both datasheets. This protects you from small differences, such as a back mount versus a lower mount, that cause installation delays.

Why accuracy class is only part of the story

Two gauges with the same accuracy class can behave very differently in service. A well-built gauge keeps its accuracy over years, resists vibration and returns cleanly to zero. Look for solid construction, a stainless steel case where the environment is harsh, and overpressure protection suited to your duty. Where a reading drives a process decision, specify a higher accuracy class and schedule regular calibration rather than relying on the gauge staying perfect.

Frequently asked questions

Is WIKA the same as an Australian brand?

No. WIKA is a German manufacturer with an Australian subsidiary. Other brands you may see on site include Ashcroft, Dwyer and Stauff.

What is the difference between a gauge and a sensor?

A gauge shows the pressure locally. A sensor converts pressure into an electrical signal for a controller.

What does a bourdon tube gauge cost?

Prices vary widely with size, material and accuracy. Contact us for current pricing on the model you need.

Talk to us about your gauge

If you need a WIKA sensor, or an alternative gauge for a specific range or connection, contact our team, or browse the pressure gauges, digital pressure gauges and pressure sensor categories.