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Type T Thermocouple - Technical Information

Type T - Copper vs Copper-Nickel, IEC 60584-1

Thermocouple Type T, whose original name was Copper-Constantan, has found quite a niche for itself in laboratory temperature measurement over the range -250°C to 400°C - although above this the copper arm rapidly oxidises. Repeatability is excellent in the range -200°C to 200°C (±0.1°C). Points to watch out for include the high thermal conductivity of the copper arm, and the fact that the copper/nickel alloy used in the negative arm is not the same as that in Type J - so they’re not interchangeable.

Type T Thermocouples - Typical Constructions and Styles

Type T Mineral Insulated
Thermocouples
Type T Thermocouples with Mineral InsulationRugged sensors, ideal for most applications. Vast choice of terminations e.g. pot seals, cables, connectors, heads etc.
Type T Swaged Tip
Thermocouples
Swaged Tip Type T ThermocouplesFast response thermocouples ideal for industrial and other applications.
Type T Miniature
Thermocouples
Miniature Type T ThermocouplesIdeal for precision temperature measurements where minimal displacement and a fast response is required.
Type T Heavy Duty
Thermocouples
Heavy Duty Type T ThermocouplesFor industrial applications such as furnaces, kilns, ovens, boliers, flues etc. Many types of sheath material available.
General Purpose
Type T Thermocouples
Type T Thermocouples for General UseA wide range of thermocouples to suit many applications. Hand held, surface, bayonet, bolt, patch styles etc.
ATEX/IECEx Approved
Type T Thermocouples
ATEX approved Type T ThermocouplesA large range of thermocouples with a variety of terminations such as pot seal, terminal heads etc.

Type T - 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
COPPER
COPPER - NICKEL
Also known as: Constantan,
Advance™, Cupron™
46 –185 to +300°C –250 to +400°C Temperature Range
Tolerance Value
Temperature Range
Tolerance Value
–40°C to +125°C
±0.5°C
125°C to 350°C
±0.004⋅ |t|
–40°C to +133°C
±1.0°C
133°C to 350°C
±0.0075 ⋅ |t|
–67°C to +40°C
±1.0°C
–200°C to –67°C
±0.015⋅ |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 for T Type Thermocouples

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 T Thermocouple ANSI MC96.1 Type T Thermocouple BS1843 Type T ThermocoupleDIN 43714 Type T Thermocouple NFC 42324 Type T Thermocouple
Free Guide to Thermocouple and Resistance Thermometry