How long should the gas supply be briefly turned on to check for leaks using a manometer?

The recommended duration for turning on the gas supply while checking for leaks using a manometer is typically around three minutes. This timeframe is deemed sufficient to allow for the manometer to stabilize, ensuring an accurate reading of gas pressure that can indicate the presence of any leaks.

During this period, the gas is supplied to the system while the manometer measures the pressure within the lines. If there is a leak, the pressure drop will be noticeable over this duration, allowing the technician to identify potential issues.

A shorter duration might not provide enough time for the pressure readings to stabilize, leading to misleading results. Conversely, extending the time beyond three minutes does not generally yield more useful information and may unnecessarily prolong the testing process. Therefore, three minutes strikes an effective balance between accuracy and efficiency in leak detection using a manometer.