- Cables
- Circuit Protection / Fuses / Disconnects
- Communications
- Drives & Soft Starters
- Enclosures / Subpanels / Thermal Management / Lighting
- Field I/O
- HMI (Human Machine Interface)
- Identification
- Motion Control
- Motor Controls
- Motors
- Pneumatic Components
- Power Products (Electrical)
- Power Transmission (Mechanical)
- Process Control & Measurement
- Programmable Controllers
- Pushbuttons / Switches / Indicators
- Relays / Timers
- Safety
- Sensors / Encoders
- Software Products
- Stacklights
- Structural Frames / Rails
- Terminal Blocks
- Tools & Test Equipment
- Water (Potable) Components
- Wiring Solutions
- Remanufactured Products
- Retired Products
- What's New
- E-newsletter
- Online PDF Catalog
- Order Catalog On USB
- Download Price List
- Video Tutorials
- Company Reviews
- Job Opportunities
- Product Application Stories
- Learning Library
- Affordable Training
- Free Online PLC training
- Find an authorized integrator
- Track Your Order
- Pay Open Invoices
- Product Comparison Feature - How To Video
Configuration Utilities
- PLC Family Selector
- P1000 PLC Systems
- P2000 PLC Systems
- P3000 PLC Systems
- CLICK PLC Systems
- Do-more BRX PLC Systems
- ProductivityOpen Systems
- AC Motors
- SureServo2® System Selector
- LS-Electric L7C Servo Systems
- Stepper System Selector
- SureStep® Linear Actuators
- Timing Belts & Pulleys
- SureGear Gearboxes
- Protos X I/O
- Datalogic Safety Light Curtains
- Stellar® Soft Starters
- Nitra® Pneumatic Grippers
- Werma® Stacklights
- ZIPLinks
- SureMotion® XYZ Gantry
- PAL Controller Configurator
- Quadritalia Modular Enclosures
Threaded bolt thermocouple sensors are typically used to measure the temperature of the nozzle of an injection molding machine without being in direct contact with the molten plastic. The small size suits other applications such as mounting in bearing housings, sealing bars, heat plates, and other limited spaces. Type J and K thermocouples offer a measuring range from 0 to 900 degrees F.
Thermocouple Sensors
Category Selection
- Probes (with Connection Head)
- Probes (Spring-loaded with Connection Head)
- Probes (Heat Trace with Connection Head)
- Probes (with Hex Nipple)
- Probes (Spring-loaded with Hex Nipple)
- Probes (with Attached Plug)
- Probes (with Lead Wire Transition)
- Probes (Flange Mount)
- Probes (Cuttable Length)
- Probes (Melt Bolt)
- Sensors (Adjustable Immersion Thermocouples)
- Sensors (Bolt-on Ring Thermocouples)
- Sensors (Threaded Bolt)
- Room Temperature Sensors
- Sensors (Spade)
- Sensors (Magnet Mount)
Proudly Made in the USA
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:
Probes
- with Connection Head
- Spring-loaded with Connection Head
- with Hex Nipple
- Spring-loaded with Hex Nipple
- with Attached Plug
- with Lead Wire Transition
- Heat trace with connection head
- Flange mount
- Cuttable length
- Melt bolt
Sensors
- Adjustable Immersion
- Bolt-on Ring
- Ambient Air Room Temperature Sensors
- Threaded bolt
- Spade
- Magnet mount
For more thermocouple products, see the Temperature Sensors & Transmitters Category:
- Temperature Transmitters (Thermocouple Input)
- Programmable Temperature Transmitters (T/C or RTD Input)
For part listings and specifications, go to Shop Now
Thermocouple Sensors Selection Guide
Probes (with Connection Head)
Thermocouple probes with IP66 NEMA 4X connection heads offer measuring ranges from 32 to 2100 degrees F.
- 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 probes ensure tip contact in thermowells for highly accurate temperature readings with measuring ranges from 32 to 1700 degrees F.
- 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 (Heat Trace with Connection Head)
Heat Trace probes measure the surface temperature of process pipes to detect freeze-up or help maintain a viscosity level to ensure proper flow of the medium inside.
- Type J thermocouple element
- 1/4" diameter, 316 SS sheath for protection in harsh environments
- Flexible mounting weld pad can be formed around pipe sizes from 1" to 12"
- 4" cold leg allows for electrical connections outside of pipe insulation
- Cast aluminum, NEMA 4X/IP66 connection head with 3/4" NP conduit opening
Probes (with Hex Nipple)
Thermocouple probes with hex nipples allow easy probe replacement and connection to a junction box.
- 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)
Spring-loaded thermocouple probes with hex nipples ensure tip contact in thermowells and allow easy probe replacement and connection to a junction box.
- 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)
Probes with an attached plug allow for quick and easy plug-in connections and provide measurements down to -328 degrees F
- 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)
Probes with heavy-duty 6 ft. lead wire transitions allow easy connection to thermocouple extension wire and feature a wide measuring range from -328 to 2100 degrees F.
- 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
Probes (Flange Mount)
Flange mount probes are ideal for use with ovens, freezers, ducts, or any application where through-the-wall temperature sensing is required.
- 1/4" diameter, 316 SS sheath for protection in harsh environments
- Available with type J or K thermocouple elements
- 6", 12", or 18" probe lengths
Probes (Cuttable Length)
Probes with cuttable lengths provide utmost flexibility and can be trimmed to the required length of a specific application.
- Type J or K thermocouple elements
- 1/4" diameter, 316 SS sheath for protection in harsh environments
- 24" probe length can be cut using a basic tube cutter to fit the needs of the application
Probes (Melt Bolt)
Melt-bolt probes measure the melt temperature of plastic as it moves down the barrel of an extruder or injection molding machine.
- Type J thermocouple element
- 3" or 6" bolt lengths are available
- Flush, 1/8", 1/4" or adjustable tip lengths available
- Grounded or ungrounded junctions
Sensors (Adjustable Immersion Thermocouples)
Immersion thermocouples are designed to be inserted into the medium being measured. Used throughout all industries but ideal 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)
Bolt-on thermocouples feature a ring terminal or washer and are bolt or screw mounted for surface temperature measurements.
- 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
Sensors (Threaded Bolt)
Threaded bolt sensors are thread-mounted and feature a 1/4-28 UNF threaded stainless steel rotating bolt for easy installation.
- Type J or K thermocouple elements
- Typically used to measure the temperature of the nozzle on an injection molding machine
- Ideal for tight installations such as bearing housings and heat plates
- Grounded or ungrounded junctions
- 1/4-28 UNF threaded stainless steel rotating bolt eases installation
Room Temperature Sensors
Wall-mount room temperature sensors (indoor ambient air temperature sensor) are appropriate for indoor use in offices, warehouses, manufacturing plant floor space, and walk-in freezers
- 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
Sensors (Spade)
Sensors with a spade tip have a thermocouple sandwiched between two thin shims of stainless steel or sealed in epoxy between two layers of polyimide tape. Tip can be formed and secured to the outside of various size tubes, pipes, or nozzles.
- Type J or K thermocouple elements
- Ideal for surface temperature measurement
- Stainless steel spade or or epoxy sealed polyimide tape spade
- Grounded or ungrounded junctions
Check out our job openings
Free Online PLC Training
FREE Video Tutorials
Safe &
Secure
We accept VISA, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, PayPal or company purchase orders.
Updating...