In a gauge manifold, the red hose is connected to which side?

In a gauge manifold, the red hose is characteristically associated with the high-pressure side of the system, which is commonly referred to as the high side. This is where refrigerant is under high pressure, typically measured at the outlet of the compressor or in the condenser.

Understanding the functions of the manifold gauges is essential for any refrigeration operating engineer. The red hose provides connection for pressure readings that reflect the high side pressures necessary for diagnosing system performance or conducting service operations. These pressures help in understanding whether the refrigeration system is functioning within its designed parameters, as high side pressures can indicate issues like overcharging or restrictions.

The other options relate to different aspects of the refrigeration process. The low side, for instance, would be connected to the blue hose, which indicates lower pressure areas like the evaporator. The recovery and evacuation sides, while important in service operations, are typically not associated with the red hose. The recovery side is meant for extracting refrigerant from the system, while the evacuation side is related to removing air and moisture before adding refrigerant. Hence, the correct association of the red hose with the high side is integral to effective refrigeration system management.