The Ultimate Guide to Winters Pressure and Temperature Solutions
Everything Canadian industry professionals need to know about Winters Instruments pressure gauges, thermometers, and accessories, backed by Davis Controls technical expertise and local support.
What You’ll Find in This Guide
- Why Pressure and Temperature Measurement Still Matters
- Winters Instruments: Canadian Manufacturing Excellence
- Pressure Gauge Solutions
- Temperature Measurement Solutions
- Accessories and Protection
- Key Industries and Applications
- The Canadian Advantage: Why Source Domestically
- Selecting the Right Gauge or Thermometer
- Davis Controls: Your Winters Partner in Canada
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why Pressure and Temperature Measurement Still Matters
In an era of digital transformation and smart sensors, it may seem like traditional analog pressure gauges and thermometers are relics of the past. The reality is quite different. Mechanical instruments remain the backbone of process monitoring across Canadian industry, providing reliable, real-time visual indication that requires no power supply, no network connection, and no software updates.
Pressure and temperature are the two most frequently measured variables in industrial processes. Whether you are monitoring steam pressure in a boiler room, tracking coolant temperature in a heat exchanger, or verifying line pressure in a natural gas distribution system, accurate and reliable instrumentation is essential for safety, efficiency, and regulatory compliance.
For Canadian facilities operating in oil and gas, chemical processing, mining, pulp and paper, HVAC, food and beverage, or water treatment, the right pressure gauge or thermometer is not just a nice-to-have. It is a critical safety device that protects personnel, equipment, and the environment. Choosing a reliable, domestically manufactured instrument from a proven brand like Winters provides peace of mind that imported alternatives often cannot match.
Winters Instruments: Canadian Manufacturing Excellence
Winters Instruments is a proudly Canadian manufacturer headquartered in the Greater Toronto Area, with manufacturing and distribution facilities that serve customers across North America and beyond. Founded over 50 years ago, the company has built its reputation on producing high-quality pressure and temperature instrumentation that meets the rigorous demands of Canadian industry.
Why Winters? As a Canadian manufacturer, Winters Instruments offers shorter lead times, local technical support, and products designed specifically for the conditions and standards that Canadian facilities operate under. When you choose Winters through Davis Controls, you are supporting domestic manufacturing while getting instrumentation that performs in our climate and our applications.
Heritage and Capability
From their Ontario-based operations, Winters produces a comprehensive range of pressure gauges, thermometers, diaphragm seals, thermowells, and related accessories. Their product line covers everything from general-purpose utility gauges to high-accuracy process instruments rated for demanding environments.
Quality and Certification: Winters products are manufactured to ASME B40.100 (pressure gauges) and ASME B40.200 (thermometers) standards. Many products carry CSA and UL certifications, and the company maintains ISO 9001 quality management certification across its manufacturing operations.
Breadth of Product Line: With over 1,000 standard catalogue configurations and the ability to produce custom instruments for specialized applications, Winters offers one of the most comprehensive pressure and temperature product ranges available from a single Canadian manufacturer. This breadth simplifies procurement, reduces the number of vendors to manage, and ensures consistent quality across your instrument inventory.
Technical Support: Because Winters operates locally, their engineering and technical support teams are accessible in your time zone, speak your language, and understand Canadian codes and standards. This is a practical advantage that becomes especially valuable during specification, troubleshooting, or warranty situations.
Pressure Gauge Solutions
Winters offers a complete portfolio of pressure measurement instruments, from economical utility gauges for HVAC and plumbing applications to high-accuracy process gauges for critical industrial monitoring. Every gauge is built to deliver accurate, reliable readings under the conditions it was designed for.
Bourdon Tube Pressure Gauges
The bourdon tube is the most widely used pressure sensing element in mechanical gauges, and Winters manufactures a full range of C-type, spiral, and helical bourdon tube instruments. These gauges are available in dial sizes from 1.5″ to 6″, with pressure ranges from vacuum through 15,000 PSI. Stainless steel cases, bezels, and wetted parts are standard on process-grade models, providing excellent corrosion resistance for harsh environments.
Available Series
- PFQ series: Stainless steel, liquid-fillable, process grade
- PPC series: Premium stainless steel with accuracy to 0.5% full scale
- PEM series: Economy steel case for general-purpose applications
- PFP series: Premium stainless steel with safety pattern case
- PCT series: Digital test gauges with 0.05% accuracy
Diaphragm Pressure Gauges
For low-pressure applications and media that would clog or corrode a bourdon tube, Winters diaphragm gauges use a flexible sensing element that provides accurate measurement of pressures as low as a few inches of water column. These instruments are commonly used in HVAC filter monitoring, cleanroom pressure verification, and gas distribution systems where pressure ranges are too low for bourdon tube technology.
Key Capabilities
- Low-pressure measurement from 0-10″ water column and up
- Ideal for filter monitoring and differential pressure applications
- Corrosion-resistant construction for chemical compatibility
- Available with front flange mounting for panel installation
Digital Pressure Gauges
For applications requiring higher accuracy, data logging, or electronic output, Winters digital pressure gauges combine precision silicon sensors with clear LCD displays. These instruments offer accuracies down to 0.05% of full scale and include features like min/max recording, auto-shutoff for battery conservation, and multiple engineering unit display. They are ideal for calibration, test bench work, and critical process monitoring.
Key Capabilities
- Accuracy to 0.05% full scale on test gauge models
- Large, backlit LCD display with multiple engineering units
- Min/max recording and peak hold functions
- Battery-powered with extended battery life
- 4-20 mA output available for process integration
Process and Test Gauges
Winters process gauges are designed for continuous duty in demanding industrial environments. Built with all-stainless-steel construction, these instruments feature solid front safety cases that direct pressure release away from the operator in the event of a bourdon tube failure. Test gauges provide the high accuracy (0.25% to 0.5% full scale) needed for calibration checks and precision monitoring in laboratories, testing facilities, and quality control applications.
Key Capabilities
- Solid front safety case design per ASME B40.100
- All stainless steel wetted parts for chemical compatibility
- 0.25% to 0.5% full scale accuracy on test grade models
- Glycerin or silicone fill for vibration and pulsation dampening
- Available with restrictor plugs, snubbers, and diaphragm seals
Temperature Measurement Solutions
Accurate temperature measurement is critical for process control, safety, and efficiency. Winters manufactures a complete range of industrial thermometers that cover virtually every temperature measurement need in Canadian industry, from bimetal dial thermometers to precision digital instruments.
Bimetal Dial Thermometers
Bimetal thermometers are the workhorse of industrial temperature measurement. Winters bimetal instruments use a precision-wound helical element that provides accurate, repeatable temperature indication without any external power source. Available in dial sizes from 2″ to 5″ and stem lengths from 2.5″ to 24″, these thermometers cover temperature ranges from -100°F to +1000°F. Every Winters bimetal thermometer is individually calibrated and can be field-recalibrated using the external adjustment feature.
Available Series
- TBM series: General-purpose bimetal with 1% accuracy
- TBR series: Resettable bimetal for field recalibration
- TNR series: Every-angle adjustable with silicone dampening
- Various stem lengths and connection sizes to fit your application
Gas-Actuated Thermometers
For applications requiring remote reading or longer sensing distances, Winters gas-actuated thermometers use a sealed capillary system filled with inert gas. As temperature changes, the gas pressure drives a bourdon tube in the indicator head, allowing the dial to be mounted up to 25 feet from the sensing point. This makes them ideal for situations where direct reading is impractical due to access, vibration, or safety considerations.
Key Capabilities
- Remote reading capability with capillary lengths up to 25 feet
- No electrical power required
- Suitable for high-vibration environments
- Temperature ranges from -328°F to +1200°F depending on fill
- Stainless steel construction available for corrosive environments
Digital Temperature Instruments
Winters digital thermometers offer high-precision temperature measurement with electronic convenience. These instruments combine RTD or thermocouple sensors with clear digital displays, providing accuracy levels significantly beyond what mechanical thermometers can achieve. Features like programmable alarm setpoints, 4-20 mA retransmission, and data logging make them suitable for critical process applications where analog indication alone is not sufficient.
Key Capabilities
- RTD and thermocouple sensor options for wide temperature coverage
- High-visibility LCD or LED display with backlight
- Programmable high/low alarm setpoints
- 4-20 mA output for process control integration
- Battery or loop-powered options available
Accessories and Protection
The right accessories extend the life and performance of your pressure gauges and thermometers. Winters manufactures a full line of instrument protection devices, process connections, and mounting accessories designed to work seamlessly with their gauges and thermometers.
Diaphragm Seals
When process media is viscous, corrosive, crystallizing, or contains solids, a diaphragm seal isolates the gauge from direct contact with the process. Winters diaphragm seals are available in a wide range of materials, including 316L stainless steel, Hastelloy C-276, tantalum, and PTFE-lined options. They can be factory-assembled with the gauge for a calibrated, leak-tested unit ready for installation.
Thermowells
A thermowell protects the thermometer sensing element from direct exposure to the process while still allowing accurate temperature measurement. Winters thermowells are manufactured from bar stock or forged materials and are available in threaded, flanged, socket weld, and Van Stone connection styles. They are designed and manufactured to ASME standards and can be provided with wake frequency calculations per ASME PTC 19.3 TW-2016 for high-velocity applications.
Siphons and Pigtails
For steam applications, siphons (also called pigtails) create a water seal between the process steam and the gauge, protecting the bourdon tube from direct steam exposure and thermal shock. Winters offers both U-tube and coil-type siphons in carbon steel and stainless steel to match your piping material and pressure rating.
Snubbers and Needle Valves
Pressure pulsation and hydraulic shock can damage gauges and produce unreadable, fluctuating indications. Winters snubbers (also called pulsation dampeners or restrictors) throttle the flow of media into the gauge, smoothing out rapid pressure fluctuations. Needle valves provide both isolation and flow restriction, allowing the gauge to be isolated for maintenance or replacement without shutting down the process line.
Gauge Valves and Manifolds
For process installations where gauges need to be isolated, vented, or calibrated in place, Winters offers a range of gauge valves, block and bleed valves, and manifold assemblies. These accessories simplify maintenance procedures and improve safety by allowing controlled depressurization before gauge removal.
Key Industries and Applications
Winters instruments are trusted across virtually every industrial sector in Canada. The combination of a broad product range, Canadian manufacturing, and competitive pricing makes Winters a practical choice for facilities that need reliable instrumentation across multiple applications.
| Industry | Common Applications | Recommended Products | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oil & Gas | Wellhead monitoring, pipeline pressure, separator vessels, compressor stations | PFQ/PFP process gauges, diaphragm seals, thermowells | All-SS construction, safety case, CSA certification |
| Chemical Processing | Reactor vessels, distillation columns, heat exchangers, storage tanks | Diaphragm seal assemblies, Hastelloy/tantalum options | Corrosion resistance, material compatibility |
| Pulp & Paper | Digesters, boilers, bleach plants, recovery systems | PFQ liquid-filled gauges, bimetal thermometers | Vibration resistance, wide temperature range |
| Mining & Minerals | Slurry systems, hydraulic presses, ventilation, water treatment | PEM economy gauges, diaphragm seals, snubbers | Rugged construction, high-pressure capability |
| HVAC & Building | Boiler rooms, chiller plants, air handling, hydronic systems | Bimetal thermometers, utility pressure gauges | Cost-effective, easy installation, readable dials |
| Food & Beverage | Pasteurization, CIP systems, steam sterilization, refrigeration | Sanitary gauges, tri-clamp connections, food-grade fills | 3-A sanitary compliance, cleanable connections |
| Water Treatment | Filter monitoring, pump discharge, chemical feed, distribution | PFQ process gauges, diaphragm gauges, digital gauges | Chemical resistance, low-pressure capability |
The Canadian Advantage: Why Source Domestically
Choosing a Canadian-manufactured instrument brand like Winters is about more than patriotism. There are tangible, practical advantages that directly impact your bottom line and operational reliability.
Shorter Lead Times
Domestic manufacturing means shorter supply chains and faster delivery. While imported instruments may take 8 to 16 weeks from overseas factories, Winters standard products are typically available from stock or within days. For facilities that cannot afford to wait weeks for a replacement gauge or thermometer, this is a significant advantage.
No Import Duties or Currency Risk
Products manufactured in Canada are not subject to import tariffs, and procurement in Canadian dollars eliminates foreign exchange risk. This provides more predictable budgeting and often results in a lower total cost of ownership compared to imported alternatives that appear cheaper at first glance but carry hidden costs in duties, brokerage fees, and exchange rate fluctuations.
Local Technical Support
When you have a specification question, need help selecting the right diaphragm seal material, or require a warranty claim processed, Winters’ Canadian-based technical team is accessible during your business hours. There is no overseas call centre, no 12-hour time zone difference, and no language barrier. Davis Controls further extends this support with local application engineering expertise across Ontario and beyond.
CSA and Canadian Code Compliance
Winters products are designed and tested to meet Canadian standards from the outset, not adapted after the fact. CSA certification, ASME compliance, and CRN (Canadian Registration Number) availability mean you can specify Winters instruments with confidence that they meet the regulatory requirements of Canadian jurisdictions.
Reduced Supply Chain Risk
Recent years have demonstrated the vulnerability of global supply chains to disruption. Sourcing instrumentation from a Canadian manufacturer significantly reduces exposure to international shipping delays, port congestion, geopolitical disruptions, and the other risks that have repeatedly impacted facilities relying on overseas suppliers. Having your instrument manufacturer in the same country provides resilience that distant suppliers simply cannot match.
Supply Chain Resilience: During recent global supply chain disruptions, Canadian facilities sourcing from domestic manufacturers like Winters maintained access to critical instrumentation while competitors waiting on overseas shipments experienced months of delays. The lesson is clear: proximity matters.
Selecting the Right Gauge or Thermometer
Choosing the correct instrument for your application involves more than matching a pressure range or temperature span to a catalogue number. Here are the key factors to consider when specifying Winters instruments:
1. Process Media Compatibility
The fluid or gas being measured determines the wetted materials required. For benign media like air, water, or oil, brass or 316 stainless steel wetted parts are suitable. For corrosive chemicals, you may need Monel, Hastelloy, tantalum, or PTFE-lined diaphragm seals. Winters’ technical team can help match materials to your specific process chemistry.
2. Pressure or Temperature Range
Select an instrument whose range places normal operating conditions in the middle third of the scale. A gauge operating continuously at or near full scale will fatigue prematurely, while one that operates in the bottom third of its range will sacrifice resolution. For applications with pressure spikes or thermal excursions, select a range that accommodates the maximum expected value with adequate margin.
3. Accuracy Requirements
General-purpose gauges typically offer 2% full scale accuracy. Process gauges provide 1% to 1.5% accuracy. Test and calibration gauges achieve 0.25% to 0.5% accuracy. Digital instruments can reach 0.05% accuracy. Match the accuracy grade to the criticality of the measurement and the tolerance requirements of your process.
4. Environmental Conditions
Consider ambient temperature, vibration, humidity, and exposure to weather or washdown. Liquid-filled gauges (glycerin or silicone fill) dampen pointer vibration and protect internal components from moisture. Stainless steel cases resist corrosion in outdoor or chemical environments. Hermetically sealed cases prevent internal fogging in humid conditions.
5. Mounting and Connection
Specify the correct connection size (typically 1/4″ or 1/2″ NPT for North American applications), orientation (lower mount, back mount, or center back mount), and any panel or surface mounting requirements. For thermometers, determine the required stem length based on the insulation thickness and pipe diameter of your installation.
6. Safety and Compliance
For pressure-containing equipment in Canadian jurisdictions, verify CRN requirements. For applications involving hazardous materials or high pressures, specify solid front safety case gauges that comply with ASME B40.100 safety pattern requirements. Davis Controls can assist with regulatory compliance questions specific to your province and application.
Davis Controls: Your Winters Partner in Canada
Davis Controls is an authorized distributor for Winters Instruments, providing Canadian industry with access to the full Winters product line along with the technical support needed to select, specify, and maintain pressure and temperature instrumentation across your facility.
One Source, Complete Solutions: Davis Controls stocks a broad range of Winters gauges, thermometers, and accessories for fast delivery across Canada. For non-stock or custom configurations, our close relationship with Winters’ manufacturing team means faster turnarounds and access to application engineering support that goes beyond what a catalogue can provide.
What Davis Controls Brings to Your Project
- Application engineering support to select and specify the right instrument, materials, and accessories for your process
- Inventory of popular Winters products with fast shipping across Canada for reduced lead times
- Custom instrument assemblies including pre-assembled gauge and diaphragm seal combinations, calibrated and tested
- Calibration services for new and existing instruments to maintain measurement accuracy
- Warranty support facilitated directly with Winters’ Canadian operations
- Multi-brand integration across Davis Controls’ full product portfolio, so your instrumentation works with your valves, transmitters, and control systems
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are Winters Instruments products manufactured?
Winters Instruments is a Canadian company with manufacturing and distribution facilities in the Greater Toronto Area, Ontario. Their products are designed and manufactured in Canada, providing domestic customers with shorter lead times, local support, and CSA-compliant instrumentation.
What is the advantage of a liquid-filled pressure gauge?
Liquid-filled gauges (typically filled with glycerin or silicone oil) dampen pointer vibration caused by pressure pulsation or mechanical vibration, making the gauge easier to read. The fill also lubricates internal components, reducing wear, and protects against moisture ingress and internal corrosion. They are recommended for applications with pumps, compressors, or other pulsating pressure sources.
When should I use a diaphragm seal with my pressure gauge?
Diaphragm seals are recommended when the process media is viscous, crystallizing, corrosive, contains suspended solids, or operates at temperatures that exceed the gauge’s direct operating range. They isolate the gauge from the process while transmitting pressure through a fill fluid. Winters can factory-assemble gauge and diaphragm seal combinations that are calibrated as a complete system.
How do I determine the right thermowell length for my application?
Thermowell insertion length should be sufficient to fully immerse the thermometer sensing element in the process fluid. As a general rule, the thermowell should extend to the center third of the pipe or vessel. For insulated pipes, the total thermowell length includes the insulation extension plus the insertion length. Winters and Davis Controls can help calculate the correct length for your specific installation.
Do Winters products carry CRN (Canadian Registration Numbers)?
Many Winters pressure-containing products are available with CRN registration for Canadian provinces that require it. CRN requirements vary by province and by the pressure and temperature conditions of the application. Contact Davis Controls to verify CRN availability for your specific product and jurisdiction.
Can Davis Controls provide calibrated instrument assemblies?
Yes. Davis Controls can supply Winters instruments with calibration certificates, and can arrange factory-assembled and calibrated gauge/diaphragm seal combinations. For ongoing calibration needs, Davis Controls offers calibration services to help maintain your instruments’ accuracy throughout their service life.
What is the typical lead time for Winters products through Davis Controls?
Standard Winters catalogue products are often available from Davis Controls stock or within a few business days. Custom configurations and specialty materials typically require 2 to 4 weeks depending on complexity. This is significantly faster than overseas alternatives, which can take 8 to 16 weeks or longer.
How do I choose between a bimetal thermometer and a gas-actuated thermometer?
Bimetal thermometers are the standard choice for direct-reading applications where the dial is mounted at the point of measurement. Gas-actuated thermometers are preferred when the dial needs to be located away from the sensing point (remote reading up to 25 feet) or when the measurement point is in a location that is difficult to access or read directly. Both types operate without electrical power.
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