What is a Thermocouple?

What is a Thermocouple?
- a thermocouple consists of two dissimilar metals. These two different metals are welded together at one end creating junction between them. It is at the point where the temperature can actually be measured
- To protect the two different metal conductors, it is common to see this measurement end of a thermocouple housed in some sort of protective sheathing, commonly stainless
- The two types of metal used with the thermocouple can vary depending on the type of thermocouple that is purchased
How does a Thermocouple Work?
- Thermocouples measure temperature
- When the two conjoined metal types experience any kind of temperature change, there is a very specific voltage that is created. Based off the amount of voltage that is created, you can determine the temperature very accurately
- Thermocouple voltage reference tables can used to find out the temperature ranges based off the type of thermocouple being used, and the voltage that is being created
When do you Use a Thermocouple?
- Cost: The average thermocouple can cost about 2 to 3 time less than the average RTD
- Depending on the type of thermocouple that is being used, they can have a higher temper measurement range than RTD’s
- In general, they are considered more durable overall than RTD’s or other measurement devices
Disadvantages:
- they are not considered to be as accurate in temperature measurement as an RTD
- in many lower temperature scenarios, RTD’s can provide better resolution, giving the use a more accurate measurement

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