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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 work

Cold Junction Compensation Techniques

Throughout thermocouple thermometry it is necessary to reference sensor voltage output to 0ºC...

Find out more about CJC techniques

Thermocouple Colour Codes for Cables and Connectors

To help identify the thermocouple type and conductor polarity, various colour codes have been developed...

Explore thermocouple colour codes

Thermocouple EMF Output Tables

Thermocouple EMF tables for all thermocouple types are available for reference....

View EMF output tables for thermocouples

Do 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 RTDs

Guide 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 materials

Thermocouple Tolerances

Thermocouple output tolerances for both noble and base metal thermocouples are published as IEC 60584-1...

Explore thermocouple tolerances

What 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 junctions

Thermocouples 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 thermocouples

Type 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 thermocouples

Type J Thermocouples Explained

Type J thermocouples, commonly referred to as Iron/Constantan can be used safely in reducing atmospheres...

Learn about type J thermocouples

Type N Thermocouples Explained

Type N exhibits a much greater resistance to oxidation-related drift at high temperatures than its rivals...

Learn about type N thermocouples

Type E Thermocouples Explained

Type E, also known as Chromel-Constantan, this thermocouple is known for its high output...

Learn about type N thermocouples

Type 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 thermocouples

Type R Thermocouples Explained

Type R, whilst similar to Type S, has the advantage of slightly higher output and improved stability...

Learn about type R thermocouples

General 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 works

What 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 configurations

RTD Colour Codes

A guide to RTD colour codes in 2, 3 and 4-wire systems...

Read more about RTD colour coding

RTD Wiring Diagrams

A guide to connecting 2, 3 and 4-wire RTD's to instrumentation...

Learn how to connect up an RTD sensor

RTD Resistance vs Temperature Tables

Resistance to temperature tables for Pt100 sensors available for reference...

View RTD output tables

Types 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 element

Do 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