Information Zone Why Choosing the Right Tank Gauge Really (Really) Matter Share This Article: Copy to clipboard Copied It’s tempting to think that the cheapest tank gauge is the best option for your customer, but does it truly save them money in the long run? While offering the lowest-cost gauge may seem like a winning strategy for closing a sale, it's important to consider when choosing the right tank gauge for the job. Why do tank gauges matter… Choosing the right tank gauge is really important. Have you made your customer aware of the different tank gauge options available and why one might be worth the investment over another? Because, while some gauges may have a higher upfront cost, they can ultimately save your customer money through improved accuracy. Helping you become a trusted adviser By educating your customers about these options, you can differentiate yourself from competitors. In addition, you also position yourself as a knowledgeable and trusted advisor. Even if they opt for the lowest-cost option, they’ll remember your expertise and the fact that you provided valuable insights, helping to build long-term relationships. The larger the tank, the more crucial it becomes to have an accurate gauge. This is where our UK-made O.L.E. electronic tank gauges come in. While they may not be the lowest-cost option, they offer cost-efficiency and precision that cheaper alternatives can’t match. Here’s why: The Real Cost of Inaccuracy Consider a standard 40,000-litre fuel storage tank. A tank gauge with an accuracy of +/-2% could lead to an error of up to 800 litres when the tank is full. With fuel priced at £1.50 per litre, that’s a potential loss of £1,200. By comparison: A gauge with +/-1% accuracy could reduce the error to 400 litres, saving £600. A gauge with +/-0.5% accuracy could limit the error to 200 litres, costing £300. A gauge with +/-0.25% accuracy could bring the error down to just 100 litres, costing only £150. As the size of the tank or the amount of fuel usage increases, the margin for error grows, making accuracy even more important. That’s why investing in a more accurate gauge is not just about precision—it’s about reducing losses and saving money over time. O.L.E. Tank Gauges: Accuracy You Can Trust Our O.L.E. tank gauges are available in two main versions: +/-1% accuracy +/-0.25% accuracy Both models offer consistent precision, but why is that so crucial? Here’s a rundown of the different types of gauges and the accuracy they typically provide: Types of Tank Gauges Float Gauge (Cat & Mouse Gauge): Basic gauges that give an approximate reading—empty, quarter, half, three-quarters, or full. Sight Gauge: Press a button to see the liquid level in a tube, providing a rough visual indication of tank content. Ultrasonic Gauge: Offers a digital display of approximate levels in increments, using a plug-in setup. Hydrostatic Gauge: Comes in both analogue (with +/-2% accuracy) and digital versions (with +/-1% accuracy), displaying tank contents as litres or a percentage. Pressure Sensor Gauges: These are the most accurate gauges, offering alarms, data capability, and fuel control with accuracies of +/-1%, +/-0.5%, or even +/-0.25%, depending on the model. Why Accuracy Makes a Difference Returning to our example of a 40,000-litre fuel tank, the potential loss due to inaccurate gauges can be significant. With a gauge that has +/-2% accuracy, you’re looking at a possible error of up to 800 litres, costing £1,200. With more accurate options—like those offering +/-0.5% or +/-0.25% accuracy—the potential losses decrease dramatically, potentially saving hundreds of pounds. In short, the larger the tank, the greater the need for precision. Our O.L.E. tank gauges provide the accuracy and reliability that your customers need to avoid unnecessary costs and manage their fuel more effectively. Hopefully you can now see why choosing the right tank gauge is important. If you’d like to find out more or place an order, please just get in touch.
