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Full sweep verses short sweep electrical gauges

Electrical automotive gauges are available in short sweep and full sweep versions. Here's how to select the right one for you:

Short sweep gauge example

Short sweep gauge

Some manufacturers produce only the short sweep version. In a short sweep electrical gauge, the gauge needle has approximately 90° of total movement. This limited range of needle movement is due to the type of mechanism used in the meter. The short sweep gauges utilize a standard panel meter with an armature and a winding. As current passes through the winding it causes the needle to deflect. The amount of deflection is dependent on the amount of current passing through the winding. The circuitry inside the gauge translates the signal from the sender into the amount of deflection. The faceplate on the gauge is then spanned accordingly.

Full sweep gauge example

Full sweep electrical gauge

Enough falsely electrical gauge a different type of mechanism is used to drive the gauge needle. Typically a stepper motor is used in full sweep electrical gauges. The stepper motor allows for a much wider range of movement of the needle. Typically the range of needle movement available in a full sweep gauge is about 270°, which is nearly 3 times the sweep of a short sweep electrical gauge. However, the circuitry and stepper motor is more expensive and intricate fan in the short sweep gauge. Therefore full sweep electrical gauges tend to cost more than short sweep electrical gauges.

Advantages of full sweep electrical gauges over short sweep electrical gauges

Some people simply prefer the visual appearance of the full sweep electrical gauge over that of the short sweep electrical gauge. Additionally, the full sweep electrical gauge's additional range of needle indication provides for a more precise reading on the gauge. Depending on the circuitry in the full sweep electrical gauge, it may also be more accurate than the short sweep version. However, the gauge accuracy is typically more dependent on the tolerance in the manufacture of the sending unit.

Full sweep mechanical gauge

Full sweep electrical gauge comparison to mechanical gauge

Typically mechanical gauges are already full sweep by their nature. If gauge cost is a primary consideration in the selection of the gauge, and a full sweep gauge is desired, it often makes the mechanical gauge more attractive.