What are thermocouple cables used for?

Thermcouple cables connect specialist temperature sensors to devices, instrumentation & control, temperature measurement and chemical measurement. Applications range from non-contact temperature measurement and infrared industrial thermometers to human temperature measurement and thermal imaging.

What type of Thermocouple Cable do I need?

We stock a core range of Thermocouple cables that are all designed and manufactured in our own factory in the UK. Explore our selected products on this page. We can also build a bespoke solution if you require something very specific, which is not specified on the page. Click on the cable types on this page to see the full product range for each.

Thermocouple Cables

Q: What is a Thermocouple Cable?

Thermocouple cables and extension wires allow the accurate and electronic measurement of temperature and have numerous industrial applications in specialist and extreme environments. They generally comprise two strands of conductor made of different metals, one being the positive conductor and the other the negative conductor. The two dissimilar metals in the thermocouple cable are electrically joined at the sensing point. When heated the metals produces a thermoelectric charge (Electro Motive Force, or EMF), which changes as the temperature increases or decreases. The EMF (measured in millivolts) that arises is proportional to the temperature difference between the two conductors at the sensing point. Different temperature applications require different metal conductors, different jacketing/sheathing materials and different calibration. Thermocouple cables are therefore available in a broad range of combinations of conductor, jacketing and calibration. Each pair calibrated to suit a different temperature range and environment. The most common types are manufactured to IEC Specifications J, K, T, N and IEC colour Codes. They are also available in many other local colour codes.

Q: Why buy Thermcouple Cables from Heatsense Cables?

Heatsense Cables are a UK-based specialist cable manufacture who can produce a broad range of Thermocouple Cables for use in the most challenging and extreme environments. With clients from the Oil and Gas to the Steel and Nuclear industries, we are confident we have a cable to suit your requirements. If we haven't listed exactly what you need in our product list below, please get in touch with our team of expert cable designers who may be able to design and create one to meet your requirements. All of our cables are made to order so you can rest assured we have a solution for you. Our thermocouple cables have now been certified Fit For Nuclear and we have supplied cables into a new built Nuclear site at very short notice to a completely custom and bespoke design and specification.

Q: What are thermocouple cables, and how do they function in extreme environments?

Thermocouple cables are designed for temperature measurement and control. They utilize two different metal wires that generate a voltage difference proportional to temperature variations. These cables are engineered to withstand extreme temperatures, making them ideal for use in harsh environments.

Q: What are the different types of thermocouple cables available?

Thermocouple cables are available in various types, such as Type K, Type J, and Type T, each with its own temperature range and characteristics. The selection of the appropriate type depends on the specific temperature range and requirements of the application.

Q: Can thermocouple cables be customized for specific applications?

Yes, thermocouple cables can be customized for specific applications. Working with a cable manufacturer specializing in extreme environment cables ensures the cable is tailored to meet the unique requirements of your application, including conductor material, insulation type, and overall construction.

Heatsense manufacture and stock a core range of Thermocouple cables that are all designed in our own factory in the UK. Explore our selected products below. We can also build a bespoke solution if you require something very specific, which is not specified below. Click on the cable links below to see our full product range for each:

Please take a look at our Thermocouple Cable colour chart below for standards and regional variations in colours:

Thermocouple Cables Colour Chart

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Type K Thermocouple Cables

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Type J Thermocouple Cables

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Type T Thermocouple Cables

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Type N Thermocouple Cables

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What are Thermocouple Cables?

Thermocouple cables and extension wires allow the accurate and electronic measurement of temperature and have numerous industrial applications in specialist and extreme environments.

They generally comprise two strands of conductor made of different metals, one being the positive conductor and the other the negative conductor. The two dissimilar metals in the thermocouple cable are electrically joined at the sensing point. When heated the metals produces a thermoelectric charge (Electro Motive Force, or EMF), which changes as the temperature increases or decreases. The EMF (measured in millivolts) that arises is proportional to the temperature difference between the two conductors at the sensing point.

Different temperature applications require different metal conductors, different jacketing/sheathing materials and different calibration. Thermocouple cables are therefore available in a broad range of combinations of conductor, jacketing and calibration. Each pair calibrated to suit a different temperature range and environment. The most common types are manufactured to IEC Specifications J, K, T, N and IEC colour Codes. They are also available in many other local colour codes.

The diameter of conductor used also plays an important part. Generally larger diameter conductors can withstand higher temperatures and are more durable, but have a slower response time than smaller diameter conductors.

Typically, both conductors are insulated then laid or twisted together and finally over-sheathed or over-braided.

Why choose Heatsense for Thermocouple Cables?

Heatsense Cables are a UK-based specialist cable manufacturer who can produce a broad range of Thermocouple Cables for use in the most challenging and extreme environments. With clients from the Oil and Gas to the Steel and Nuclear industries, we are confident we have a cable to suit your requirements. If we haven't listed exactly what you need in our product list below, please get in touch with our team of expert cable designers who may be able to design and create a bespoke cable to meet your requirements. All of our cables are made to order so you can rest assured we have a solution for you.

Our thermocouple cables have now been certified Fit For Nuclear and we have supplied cables into a new built Nuclear site at very short notice to a completely custom and bespoke design and specification.

Downloads

Global Thermocouple Specification and Data Sheets

Thermocouple Cable Case Studies

Type J Thermocouple Data Sheets

Type K Thermocouple Data Sheets

Type KCB Thermocouple Data Sheets

Type N Thermocouple Data Sheets

Type T Thermocouple Data Sheets

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What type of Thermocouple Cable do you need?

When selecting a thermocouple cable, several factors need to be considered. These include the temperature range, the accuracy requirements of the temperature measurement, the chemical and mechanical environment, and any specific industry standards or regulations that need to be met. Consulting with an experienced cable manufacturer specializing in extreme environment cables can help ensure the right thermocouple cable is chosen for your application.

We stock a core range of Thermocouple cables that are all designed and manufactured in our own factory in the UK.
Explore our selected products below. We can also build a bespoke solution if you require something very specific, which is not specified below.

Temperature range required
Chemical resistance of the sheath material
The environment or atmosphere the cable will be exposed to – metals react differently in different environments even at similar temperatures
Space available and method of installation

Key Characteristics

Dissimilar conductors within a single cable
Insulation types include; PFA, FEP, PTFE or Polyimide
Choice of conductor combinations according to temperature range and application
Conductor alloys include; Copper, Constantan, Nickel Chromium, Nickel Aluminium, Iron, Nicrosil, Nisil & Cupronic
Available as twisted pair, multi-core, flat twin or single shot constructions
Colour coded insulation for ease of identification
Excellent resistance to chemicals, oils and lubricants
Wide temperature performance
Can be manufactured to meet requirements of BS 60584-2, BS 4937-30, American ANSI MC96.1 & ASTM E230, German DIN, French NFC, Japan JIS, British BS1843 and IEC 60584-1

Typical Applications and Product Data

Connecting Thermcouple sensors to devices
Instrumentation & control
Temperature measurement
Chemical measurement

What are thermocouple cables, and how do they function in extreme environments?

Thermocouple cables are specifically designed for temperature measurement and control applications. They consist of two different metal wires or conductors that create a voltage difference when subjected to temperature variations. This voltage difference is used to accurately measure temperature. Thermocouple cables are engineered to withstand extreme temperatures, ranging from cryogenic conditions to high heat, making them ideal for use in extreme environments.

What are the different types of thermocouple cables available?

There are several types of thermocouple cables, each designated by a letter combination such as Type K, Type J, Type T and Type N. These types are based on the specific metal combinations used in the cables, with each type having its own temperature range and characteristics. It is important to select the appropriate type of thermocouple cable based on the temperature range and application requirements.

Are thermocouple cables suitable for hazardous environments?

Yes, thermocouple cables are often used in hazardous environments where the presence of flammable gases, chemicals, or high temperatures pose a potential risk. However, it is important to select thermocouple cables that meet the specific safety requirements of your hazardous environment, such as having the appropriate certifications and ratings.

Can thermocouple cables be customized for specific applications?

Yes, thermocouple cables can be customized to meet the specific requirements of your application. Cable manufacturers specializing in extreme environment cables can work closely with you to determine the best thermocouple cable configuration, including the conductor material, insulation type, shielding, and overall construction, to ensure optimal performance and reliability.

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