TC Knowledge Base for Thermocouples and RTD Pt100 Sensors
General Thermocouple Information
What is a Thermocouple and How does it Work?
Thermocouples are made from two wires of different metals joined (welded) together to form a measuring junction...
Learn more about how thermocouples workCold Junction Compensation Techniques
Throughout thermocouple thermometry it is necessary to reference sensor voltage output to 0ºC...
Find out more about CJC techniquesThermocouple Colour Codes for Cables and Connectors
To help identify the thermocouple type and conductor polarity, various colour codes have been developed...
Explore thermocouple colour codesThermocouple EMF Output Tables
Thermocouple EMF tables for all thermocouple types are available for reference....
View EMF output tables for thermocouplesDo I need a Thermocouple or a Pt100 RTD?
Practical advice on choosing which type of sensor is the most suitable for your application...
Take a closer look at thermocouples vs RTDsGuide to Thermocouple Cable Insulation Materials
Choosing the right insulation material for thermocouple wire is a crucial decision that hinges on various factors...
Read about thermocouple cable insulation materialsThermocouple Tolerances
Thermocouple output tolerances for both noble and base metal thermocouples are published as IEC 60584-1...
Explore thermocouple tolerancesWhat is a Hot Junction?
A hot junction usually refers to the meauring point of a thermocouple temperature sensor. This is the point at which...
Understand the different thermocouple hot junctionsThermocouples by Type
Type K Thermocouples Explained
Thermocouple type K, also referred to as Chromel-Alumel, is the most common thermocouple in use today mainly because...
Learn about type K thermocouplesType T Thermocouples Explained
Originally named Copper-Constantan, it is ideal for temperature measurement over the range -250°C to 400°C...
Learn about Type T thermocouplesType J Thermocouples Explained
Type J thermocouples, commonly referred to as Iron/Constantan can be used safely in reducing atmospheres...
Learn about type J thermocouplesType N Thermocouples Explained
Type N exhibits a much greater resistance to oxidation-related drift at high temperatures than its rivals...
Learn about type N thermocouplesType E Thermocouples Explained
Type E, also known as Chromel-Constantan, this thermocouple is known for its high output...
Learn about type N thermocouplesType S Thermocouples Explained
Type S thermocouples can be used in oxidising or inert atmospheres continuously at temperatures up to 1600°C and for brief periods up to 1700°C...
Learn about type S thermocouplesType R Thermocouples Explained
Type R, whilst similar to Type S, has the advantage of slightly higher output and improved stability...
Learn about type R thermocouplesGeneral RTD Pt100 Information
What is an RTD / Pt100?
RTD Sensors, PRT Sensors or Pt100 Sensors are a type of resistance temperature sensor used for temperature measurement applications...
Read about how an RTD Pt100 worksWhat is the difference between a 2, 3 and 4-wire RTD?
In a 2 wire system the resistance of the 2 wires connecting the RTD sensor to the instrument will be included in any measurement...
Learn about RTD wiring configurationsRTD Colour Codes
A guide to RTD colour codes in 2, 3 and 4-wire systems...
Read more about RTD colour codingRTD Wiring Diagrams
A guide to connecting 2, 3 and 4-wire RTD's to instrumentation...
Learn how to connect up an RTD sensorRTD Resistance vs Temperature Tables
Resistance to temperature tables for Pt100 sensors available for reference...
View RTD output tablesTypes of RTD Element
An article exploring the various constructions of resistance elements used in the manufacture of RTD sensors...
Discover the different types of RTD elementDo I need an RTD or a Thermocouple?
Comparing the advantages and disadvantages of using RTD's compared to thermocouples for various applications...
Compare RTD's to thermocouples