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Hand Held Thermocouple Probes (Type 5)
General Purpose Thermocouples
Need advice on choosing the right thermocouple probe for your application?
Contact one of our experienced engineers on
01895 252222 or use the Live Chat button.
What is a Thermocouple Probe?
A thermocouple probe is a type of sensor used to measure temperature based on the principle of thermoelectricity. It consists of two different metal wires welded together at one end - the hot junction. When this junction encounters a temperature change, it generates a voltage, allowing for precise temperature measurement Find out more about how a thermocouple works
The Purpose of Handheld Thermocouple Probes
Handheld thermocouples are designed for easy measurement of on-site temperatures. They consist of a handle for easy gripping, a probe sheath to protect the thermocouple wires, and a junction (sensor) at the tip for temperature detection. They usually have a miniature thermocouple connector fitted at the end of a flexible cable for quick connection to hand held instruments.
Ideal for applications requiring on-the-spot measurements and temperature checks, these portable probes find applications across various industries:
- Food Industry: Handheld thermocouples are used extensively in kitchens and food processing areas to ensure food safety and maintain optimal cooking temperatures.
- HVAC and Refrigeration: Technicians rely on them to diagnose issues and regulate temperatures in heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems.
- Laboratory and Scientific Research: These probes play a pivotal role in scientific experiments where precise temperature measuring is required.
- Industrial Applications: From manufacturing processes to quality control, handheld thermocouples are essential in ensuring optimal operating temperatures for machinery and processes.
Handheld thermocouple probes come in various styles, each catering to specific applications and environments. Here are some common styles:
Penetration ProbesThese have a straight, pointed tip for easy insertion into solid or semi-solid materials, ideal for checking internal temperatures of food or monitoring machinery.
Needle ProbesFeaturing a very fine, sharp point, they are used for delicate or small samples, such as in laboratory experiments (style GG). They are also availble in a robust style that allows them to be hammered in to hard surfaces like frozen food (style HH).
Surface ProbesThese have a flat sensor (ribbon) that makes direct contact with surfaces for temperature measurement, often used in industrial settings for monitoring machinery or flat surfaces.
Air/Gas Probes - What is the thermocouple air probe used for?These measure the temperature of air or gases and are commonly used in HVAC systems, ovens and environmental monitoring. They have a perforated tip to allow the air or gas to circulate around the sensing tip.
Immersion ProbesSubmerged directly into liquids, these probes measure temperatures in solutions or liquids and are commonly used in laboratory applications, brewing and chemical processing.
General Purpose ProbesThese rugged semi-rigid sensors are well suited to general pupose applications. The mineral insulated construction enables them to be bent or twisted to achieve access in difficult to reach areas. They can be used for immersion in liquids or for air temperatures albeit with a slower response than a specific air/gas thermocouple.
| Industry | Applications |
|---|---|
| Food Industry | - Monitoring cooking temperatures |
| - Checking food safety standards | |
| - Quality control in food processing | |
| HVAC and Refrigeration | - Diagnosing HVAC system issues |
| - Monitoring refrigeration temperatures | |
| - Ensuring proper functioning of cooling systems | |
| Laboratory and Research | - Scientific experiments requiring temperature data |
| - Research and development in various fields | |
| - Quality control in laboratories | |
| Industrial Applications | - Machinery temperature monitoring |
| - Process control and optimization | |
| - Quality assurance in manufacturing | |
| - Ensuring optimal operating temperatures |
Handheld thermocouple probes are used for diverse applications across industries, ensuring precise temperature measurement and control for safety, quality, and efficiency in various processes and environments.
We specialise in the manufacture of thermocouple and RTD Pt100 probes designed to meet your specific application needs. From surface RTDs or robust mineral insulated thermocouple probes to high temperature ceramic sheathed sensors, our engineers are available on 01895 252222 or via the Live Chat to assist you with design advice.
Popular Hand-Held Thermocouple Probes
| Style | Description and Tip Image |
|---|
| AA | General Purpose Thermocouple Probe
Mineral insulated thermocouple with a stainless steel sheath. Insulated hot junction. The tip and sheath may be operated up to 800°C and the sheath may be bent. Can be made to any length and in a choice of 3.0, 4.5 and 6.0mm diameters. |
| BB | Spring Loaded Surface Probe
This sensor has a ribbon style butt welded sensing tip which allows a fast response when placed upon a solid surface. The tip is rated to 400°C and the handle to 135°C. Sheath: 6.35mm dia x 165mm long (from handle to tip) |
| CC | Heavy Duty Spring Loaded Surface Probe
A robust version of style 5BB with a larger butt welded ribbon junction. Whilst stronger, the response time is slightly slower; however, in most applications it is perfectly acceptable. The tip is rated to 400°C and the handle to 135°C. |
| DD | Spring Loaded Surface Probe with 90º Bend
As style 5BB, but the sensing tip is positioned at a right angle for difficult to reach applications. The tip is rated to 400°C and the handle to 135°C. Sheath: 6.35mm dia x 195mm long (140mm to start
of bend). |
| EE | Heavy Duty Spring Loaded Surface Probe with 90º Bend
A robust version of style 5CC with a larger butt welded ribbon junction. Whilst stronger, the response time is slightly slower; however, in most applications it is perfectly acceptable. The tip is rated to 400°C and the handle to 135°C. |
| FF | Fast Response Air/Gas Probe
This style is ideal for measuring air or gas flows as it has a perforated sheath to allow for fast sensing. The stem is rated to 800°C and the handle to 135°C. Sheath: 4.85mm dia x 155mm long (from handle to tip). |
| GG | Needle Penetration Probe
This sensor can be used for penetrating semi solid materials (food, plastics, rubber etc.) as it has a sharp sensing tip. The stem is rated to 800°C and the handle to 135°C. Can be made in either a 2.0mm or 5.0mm diameter, up to 90mm or 290mm in length respectively. |
| HH | Heavy Duty Needle Penetration Probe
All stainless steel construction, this sensor is similar to the standard
Needle Penetration Sensor, however due to the 90° angle cable exit,
the sensor can be hammered into hard surfaces such as frozen food.
Can be made to any length up to 150mm, 6.35mm diameter. |
Hand Held Digital Indicators
MultiThermocouple Indicator
Hand held digital thermocouple indicator accepts K, T, J, N, E, R and S thermocouple types
Type KThermocouple Indicator
14mm high digits within a LCD display. Rugged ABS case with rubber holster
Type K Thermocouple Indicator with 2 inputs
2 channel indicator with large display. Differential measurements. Rugged ABS case with rubber holster
Printing Thermocouple Indicator - Dual Channel
Dual input. Suitable for thermocouple types K, T, J or E. Dot matrix inkless printing onto thermal paper
4 Channel Thermocouple Datalogger With Bluetooth 
Accepts most thermocouple types. Four channel measurement or logging. Optional Bluetooth connectivity using an adaptor.
RTD Pt100Indicator
Suitable for use with RTD Pt100 sensors.ºC, ºF or ºK display. High accuracy. Peak and data hold functions
Other Styles of Thermocouple Probe
Mineral InsulatedThermocouples
Rugged sensors, ideal for most applications. Vast choice of terminations e.g. pot seals, cables, connectors, heads etc.Swaged TipThermocouples
Fast response thermocouples ideal for industrial and other applications.
MiniatureThermocouples
Ideal for precision temperature measurements where minimal displacement and a fast response is required.
Heavy DutyThermocouples
For industrial applications such as furnaces, kilns, ovens, boliers, flues etc. Many types of sheath material available.
High Temperature Thermocouples
Various thermocouples specifically for high temperature applications. Wide choice of sheath materials and terminations.
General PurposeThermocouples
A wide range of thermocouples to suit many applications. Hand held, surface, bayonet, bolt, patch styles etc.
AMS2750 ApprovedThermocouples
Calibrated thermocouples designed to meet the high quality and accuracies demanded for heat treatment and vacuum furnace applications
Industrial VacuumThermocouples
Ceramic sheathed calibrated thermocouples designed specifically in vacuum furnace applications with very low leak rates
ATEX/IECEx ApprovedThermocouples
A large range of thermocouples with a variety of terminations such as pot seal, terminal heads etc.
More Information about Thermocouples
Thermocouple Styles Thermocouple Colour Codes Thermocouple Types Thermocouple TolerancesFrequently Asked Questions
- What is a thermocouple and how does it work?
A thermocouple is a type of temperature sensor that generates a voltage when two different metals are joined at one end and exposed to a temperature difference between the "hot" junction (where the temperature is measured) and the "cold" junction (the reference point). This voltage is then measured to determine the temperature at the hot junction. - How do I choose the right thermocouple for my application?
The ideal thermocouple depends on factors such as temperature range, accuracy, termination type, mounting requirements and environmental conditions. We offer a variety of thermocouples with different sheath materials, constructions, terminations, and temperature ratings to meet your needs. If you need specific advice, our engineers are happy to assist! - What is the maximum temperature rating of your thermocouples?
Our thermocouples are designed to handle a wide range of temperatures with some mineral insulated thermocouples able to withstand temperatures up to 1400ºC and ceramic sheathed thermocouples going even higher to 1600ºC. Each product listing includes the maximum temperature rating, so you can choose the best thermocouple for your application.