A thermocouple is a sensor that measures temperature.

It consists of two different types of

metals, joined together at one end. When the junction of the two metals is heated or cooled, a
voltage is created that can be correlated back to the temperature. A thermocouple is a simple,
robust and cost-effective temperature sensor used in a wide range of temperature measurement
processes.

Thermocouples are manufactured in a variety of styles, such as thermocouple probes,

thermocouple probes with connectors, transition joint thermocouple probes, infrared
thermocouples, bare wire thermocouple or even just thermocouple wire.

Working Principle
When two wires composed of dissimilar metals are joined at both ends and one of the ends is
heated, there is a continuous current which flows in the thermoelectric circuit. If this circuit is
broken at the center, the net open circuit voltage (the Seebeck voltage) is a function of the
junction temperature and the composition of the two metals. Which means that when the junction
of the two metals is heated, or cooled, a voltage is produced that can be correlated back to the
temperature.

Thermocouple Types
Thermocouples are available in different combinations of metals or calibrations. The most
common are the "Base Metal" thermocouples known as Types J, K, T, E and N. There are also
high temperature calibrations - also known as Noble Metal thermocouples - Types R, S, C and
GB.

Each calibration has a different temperature range and environment, although the maximum
temperature varies with the diameter of the wire used in the thermocouple.
Although thermocouple calibration dictates the temperature range, the maximum range is also
limited by the diameter of the thermocouple wire. That is, a very thin thermocouple may not
reach the full temperature range.

K Type Thermocouples are known as general purpose thermocouple due to its low cost and
temperature range.

Common Thermocouple Types Temperature Ranges

Calibration Temperature Standard Special

J 0° to 750°C (32° to 1382°F) Greater of 2.2°C or Greater of 1.1°C or

0.75% 0.4%

K -200° to 1250°C (-328° to Greater of 2.2°C or Greater of 1.1°C or

2282°F) 0.75% 0.4%

E -200° to 900°C (-328° to Greater of 1.7°C or Greater of 1.0°C or

1652°F) 0.5% 0.4%

T -250° to 350°C (-418° to Greater of 1.0°C or Greater of 0.5°C or

662°F) 0.75% 0.4