What does a manometer measure in a hydraulic system test?

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A manometer measures fluid pressure in a hydraulic system test. By balancing a column of liquid against the system pressure, it shows the pressure at a specific point or across a component, which you use to verify that the circuit is operating as designed and to detect leaks or abnormal restrictions. If the pressure is lower than expected or drops when the system should be steady, that indicates a leak, a worn seal, or another fault affecting pressure delivery. Temperature is read with a thermometer, flow rate with a flow meter, and viscosity with a viscometer, so those measurements aren’t what a manometer provides. In practice, you attach the manometer to the point you’re testing and read the height difference to determine the pressure and compare it to the design values.