The material selected for the
thermocouple will be determined by
the particular conditions under which
it must perform.
Suggested in this catalog are a series
of element sizes and types of protections
desirable under broad, general
conditions. For maximum efficiency,
however, the customer should carefully
consider his particular needs and uses
in terms of how long the element must be in service, the temperatures to
which it will be exposed, the
atmosphere, and the desired speed of
response.
Ranges of temperatures for the most
commonly used thermocouple elements
are shown in the Thermocouple
Selection Data table. Where sensitivity
for speed of response is important,
select smaller gauge wires. Where
longer life is a primary consideration,
especially at elevated temperatures,
select a heavier gauge wire.
When ordering replacement thermocouple
wire or elements be certain that
the type (K, S, R, etc.) corresponds to
the instrument calibration for which it
is intended. This information can
usually be found on the face of the
instrument.
| Type of Thermocouple or Wire & Material |
Wire Gauge (AWG) |
Recommended Upon Temperature Limits ° F |
Rommended Conditions For Use |
| ° F |
° C |
Type E
Chromel - Constantan |
8 gauge
14 gauge
20 gauge
24 gauge |
1600
1200
1005
805 |
870
650
540
430 |
Chromel-Constantan thermocouple suitable for use at temperatures
up to 1600° F in vacuum, inert, mildly oxidizing or reducing
atmospheres. Not subject to corrosion at cryogenic temperatures.
Has highest EMF output per degree of all commonly used thermocouples. |
Type J
Iron - Constantan |
8 gauge
14 gauge
20 gauge
24 gauge |
1400
1100
900
700 |
760
590
480
370 |
Used with or without protective tubing where deficiency of free oxygen
exists. Protective tube recommended but not essential, desirable
for cleanliness and longer service. Since JP wire oxidizes rapidly
above 1000° F, compensate by using larger gauge wires.
Maximum recommended operating temperature: 1400° F. |
Type K
Chromel - Alumel |
8 gauge
14 gauge
20 gauge
24 gauge |
2300
2000
1800
1600 |
1260
1080
980
820 |
Used extensively at temperatures up to 2300° F. Use of metal or
ceramic protective tube always recommended, especially in reducing
atmospheres. In oxidizing atmospheres protective tubing not
essential, but desirable for longer service. |
Type N Nicrosil - Nisil |
8 gauge
14 gauge
20 gauge
24 gauge |
2300
2000
1800
1600 |
1260
1080
980
820 |
Type R
Platinum - Platinum
13% Rhodium |
24 gauge |
to 2700 |
For high temperature applications in oxidizing atmospheres, Type
B reduces effects of chemical contamination and rhodium migration.
It has greater mechanical strength than types S and R. Use
a ceramic protection tube to obtain maximum reliability above
1830° F in a neutral atmosphere, or air above 2190° F. |
Type S
Platinum - Platinum
10% Rhodium |
24 gauge |
to 2700 |
Type B
Platinum 6%
Rhodium - Platinum
30% Rhodium |
24 gauge |
to 3150 |
Type T
Copper - Constantan |
14 gauge
20 gauge
24 gauge |
700
500
400 |
370
260
204 |
Use in either oxidizing or reducing atmospheres. Protection tube
not essential but recommended for cleanliness and longer service.
Stable at lower temperatures. Superior for a wide variety of use in
low cryogenic temperatures. Operating range: - 300° F to 700° F,
but can be used to - 425° F (boiling helium). |
Thermocouple Calibration |
Temperature Range |
Limits of Error |
Standard (Whichever is greater) |
Special (Whichever is greater) |
| T |
-200 to 350° C
-328 to 662° F |
± 1° C
± 2° F |
or 0.75% above O° C
or 1.5° below O° C |
± .5° C
± 1° F |
or ± .4% |
| J |
0 to 750° C
32 to 1382° F |
± 2.2° C
± 4° F |
or ± .75% |
± 1.1° C
± 2° F |
or ± .4% |
| E |
-200 to 900° C
-328 to 1652° F |
± 1.7° C
± 3° F |
or 0.5% above O° C
or 1.0% below O° C |
± 1° C
± 2° F |
or ± .4% |
| K |
-200 to 1250° C
-328 to 2282° F |
± 2.2° C
± 4° F |
or 0.75% above O° C
or 2.0% below O° C |
± 1.1° C
± 2° F |
or ± .4% |
| R, S |
400 to 1400° C
752 to 2550° C |
± 1.5° C
± 3° F |
or ± .25% |
or ± .1% |
| B |
800 to 1800° C
1475 to 3270° F |
± 0.5%
over 800° C (1470° F) |
or ± .50% |
or ± .25% |
| N |
0 to 1250° C
32 to 2282° F |
± 2.2° C
± 4.0° F |
or ± 0.75% above O° C
or ± 2.0% below O° C |
± 1.1° C
± 2° F |
or ± .4% |
Note: EMF values for other calibrations available on request.
| T/C Material Types |
E = CR/CN
J = I/C
K = C/A
T = CU/CN |
R = Pt/Pt 13% Rh
S = Pt/Pt 10% Rh
B = Pt 30% Rh/Pt 6% Rh |