Pressure gauge

Shay backhead showing the syphon protecting the pressure gauge.

Question: I have a pressure gauge designed for air compressors. Can I use this same gauge with steam?

Answer: The gauge will work OK, but you need to be sure to have a loop, aka "syphon", in the tubing going to the gauge, to keep the hot steam from entering the gauge directly. The syphon will fill with condensed water, so steam does does not enter the gauge directly from the boiler.