Which pressure should the oil pressure gauge typically be set above?

The oil pressure gauge should typically be set above the suction pressure. In a lubrication system, maintaining oil pressure above the suction pressure is crucial for ensuring that oil flows properly to the pump and other components. This is to prevent cavitation, which occurs when the pressure in the system drops below the vapor pressure of the oil, leading to the formation of vapor pockets. If oil pressure cannot be maintained above the suction pressure, it could result in inefficient lubrication, increased wear and tear on machinery, and overall system failure.

Understanding this relationship is essential for safe and efficient operation in contexts like fire prevention systems, where proper hydraulic function is critical to maintaining firefighting equipment. The other pressures, such as discharge pressure or atmospheric pressure, do not dictate the necessary oil pressure directly in the same manner as suction pressure, making the latter the correct point of reference for setting the oil pressure gauge.