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Type S Thermocouple - Technical Information

Type S - Platinum-10% Rhodium vs Platinum, IEC 60584-1

Thermocouple Type S can be used in oxidising or inert atmospheres continuously at temperatures up to 1600°C and for brief periods up to 1700°C. For high temperature work, insulators and sheaths made from high purity recrystallised alumina are used. In fact, in all but the cleanest of applications, the device needs protection in the form of an impervious sheath since small quantities of metallic vapour can cause deterioration and a reduction in the EMF generated.

Continuous use at high temperatures also causes degradation, and there is the possibility of diffusion of rhodium into the pure platinum conductor - leading to a reduction in output.

Type S Thermocouples - Typical Constructions and Styles

Type S Mineral Insulated
Thermocouples
Type S Thermocouples with Mineral InsulationRugged sensors, ideal for most applications. Vast choice of terminations e.g. pot seals, cables, connectors, heads etc.
Type S Thermocouples for use in Vacuum Applications Type S Thermocouples for use in Vacuums Ceramic sheathed calibrated thermocouples designed specifically in vacuum furnace applications with very low leak rates Type S Miniature
Thermocouples
Miniature Type S ThermocouplesIdeal for precision temperature measurements where minimal displacement and a fast response is required.
Type S Heavy Duty
Thermocouples
Heavy Duty Type S ThermocouplesFor industrial applications such as furnaces, kilns, ovens, boliers, flues etc. Many types of sheath material available.
ATEX/IECEx Approved
Type S Thermocouples
Type S Thermocouples with ATEX ApprovalA large range of thermocouples with a variety of terminations such as pot seal, terminal heads etc.

Type S - Technical Data

Conductor Combination Approximate generated
EMF change in µV
per ºC change
(referenced to 0ºC) at:
Approximate Working
Temperature Range
Thermocouple Output Tolerances
to IEC 60584-1
+ Leg - Leg 100ºC 500ºC 1000ºC Continuous Short Term Type Class 1 Class 2 Class 3
PLATINUM - 10% RHODIUM
PLATINUM
8 9 11 0 to +1550ºC -50 to +1750ºC Temperature Range
Tolerance Value
Temperature Range
Tolerance Value
0°C to +1100°C
±1.0°C
1100°C to 1600°C
±(1 +0.003 (t ⋅ 1100)°C
0°C to +600°C
±1.5°C
600°C to 1600°C
±0.0025 ⋅ |t|



1. The tolerance is expressed either as a deviation in degrees Celsius or as a function of the actual temperature.
2. Thermocouple materials are normally supplied to meet the tolerances specified in the table for temperatures above –40 deg C. These materials however, may not fall within the tolerances for low temperatures given under Class 3 for Types T, E and K thermocouples. If thermocouples are required to meet limits of Class 3, as well as those of Class 1 and/or Class 2, the purchaser should state this, as selection of materials is usually required.
3. The maximum temperature rating is dependant upon construction, size and atmospheric conditions. A more detailed guide for the maximum temperature ratings of mineral insulated thermocouples can be found here.

Cable Colour Codes S Type Thermocouple

International Colour Code to IEC 60584-3 ANSI MC96.1 Redundant national colour coding for thermocouple cables
BS 1843DIN 43714 NFC 42324
IEC60584-3 Type S Thermocouple ANSI MC96.1 Type S Thermocouple BS1843 Type S Thermocouple DIN43714 Type S Thermocouple NFC 42324 Type S Thermocouple
Free Guide to Thermocouple and Resistance Thermometry