Thermocouple Sensors

Temperature Sensor Basics

Thermocouples have two dissimilar metal wires joined at the hot junction. As temperature changes, a millivolt signal is read at the cold junction. The most common types of temperature thermocouples are type j thermocouples and type k thermocouples. Advantages of thermocouple sensors include: low cost, small size, wider temperature ranges and faster response than RTDs. The disadvantages of using temperature thermocouples include: they are less linear and accurate than RTDs, a matching extension wire is needed, and thermocouples are sensitive to electrical noise.

Resistance Temperature Detectors (RTDs) have a linear increase in resistance as temperature rises. RTDs come in 2-,3- or 4-wire versions. A 2-wire RTD signal is affected by the distance to the controller. 3-wire or 4-wire RTDs can compensate for line losses.

AutomationDirect offers a variety of industrial thermocouple temperature sensors:

Thermocouple Probes (with Connection Head)
Thermocouple Probes (Spring-loaded with Connection Head)
Thermocouple Probes (with Hex Nipple)
Thermocouple Probes (Spring-loaded with Hex Nipple)
Thermocouple Probes (with Attached Plug)
Thermocouple Probes (with Lead Wire Transition)
Thermocouple Sensors (Adjustable Immersion)
Thermocouple Sensors (Bolt-on Ring)
Thermocouple Sensors (Ambient Air Room Temperature Sensors)

Whats New! ...

Inconel Alloy 600 sealed sheath probes for higher temperature measurements (Type K) up to 2100 �F
Bolt-on sensors with larger diameter ring
ProSense wall-mount room temperature sensors (Thermocouple and RTD types)
More thermocouple connectors, thermocouple panel jacks, adjustable pipe clamp adapters, other accessories and extension wire

For more thermocouple products, also see the Temperature Sensors & Transmitters section:

Temperature Transmitters (Thermocouple Input)
Programmable Temperature Transmitters (T/C or RTD Input)

Temperature Thermocouple Type K, Type J, Type T

Thermocouple Sensors: Type J, Type K, Type T

Thermocouple Sensors Selection Guide

	Probes (with Connection Head) Type K or Type J thermocouple elements 1/4" diameter, 316 SS or Inconel sealed sheath Magnesium Oxide (MgO) insulation 6", 12" or 18" probe lengths Bendable thermocouple probe for easy install Cast aluminum NEMA 4X screw cover head Ceramic terminal base - brass terminals with stainless steel screws		Probes (Spring-loaded with Connection Head) Spring-loaded for positive tip contact Type K or Type J thermocouple elements 1/4" diameter, 316 SS sheath Magnesium Oxide (MgO) insulation 6", 12" or 18" bendable thermocouple probe Cast aluminum NEMA 4X screw cover head Ceramic terminal base - brass terminals
	Probes (with Hex Nipple) 316SS, 1/2 x 1/2 NPT Hex Nipple Type K or Type J thermocouple elements 1/4" diameter, 316 SS or Inconel sealed sheath Magnesium Oxide (MgO) insulation 6", 12" or 18" probe length Bendable probe to adapt to installation		Probes (Spring-loaded with Hex Nipple) 316SS, 1/2 x 1/2 NPT Hex Nipple Spring-loaded for positive tip contact Type K or Type J thermocouple elements 1/4" diameter, 316 SS sheath Magnesium Oxide (MgO) insulation 6", 12" or 18" bendable probe
	Probes (with Attached Plug) Attached plug for quick and easy wiring connections Type K, J or T thermocouple elements 1/8" or 1/4" diameter, 316 SS sheath Magnesium Oxide (MgO) insulation 6", 12" or 18" bendable probe		Probes (with Lead Wire Transition) Heavy duty lead wire transition with relief spring 6-foot lead wires with SS overbraid Type K, J or T thermocouple elements 1/8" or 1/4" Diameter, 316 SS or Inconel sheath Magnesium Oxide (MgO) insulation 6", 12" or 18" bendable thermocouple probe
	Sensors (Adjustable Immersion Thermocouples) Ideal temperature thermocouple for the plastics processing industry. Spring adjustable and armor adjustable styles allow for variable immersion depths Integral bayonet cap makes installation and removal quick and easy when used with a bayonet adapter thermocouple Type K or type J thermocouple elements		Sensors (Bolt-on Ring Thermocouples) Ideal temperature thermocouple for nozzles, extruder barrels, die heads, molds and other surface temperature sensing applications. Type K or Type J thermocouple elements 316 SS or brass construction Grounded or ungrounded junctions 6 foot thermocouple lead wires with stainless steel overbraid
	*New! ...* Room Temperature Sensors Suitable as indoor ambient air temperature sensors. ABS Plastic ventilated cover Metal wall mounting subplate Available in thermocouple or RTD versions Internal terminal strip for wiring connections Can be mounted horizontally or vertically Temperature sensing range of -40 to 185°F

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