RFThermocouple Types: J, K, T, N, E, B, R, S - Differences Explained
thermocouple
temperature sensor
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This article highlights the key differences between various thermocouple types, including Type J, Type K, Type T, Type N, Type E, Type B, Type R, and Type S.
Here’s a comparison table summarizing the key characteristics:
| Thermocouple Type | Materials Used | Temperature Range | Accuracy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type J | Iron/ Constantan | Thermocouple grade wire, -346 to 1,400F (-210 to 760C) Extension wire, 32 to 392F (0 to 200C) | Standard: +/- 2.2C or +/- .75% Special Limits of Error: +/- 1.1C or 0.4% |
| Type K | Nickel-Chromium / Nickel-Alumel | Thermocouple grade wire, -454 to 2300F (-270 to 1260C) Extension wire, 32 to 392F (0 to 200C) | Standard: +/- 2.2C or +/- .75% Special Limits of Error: +/- 1.1C or 0.4% |
| Type T | Copper/ Constantan | Thermocouple grade wire, -454 to 700F (-270 to 370C) Extension wire, 32 to 392F (0 to 200C) | Standard: +/- 1.0C or +/- .75% Special Limits of Error: +/- 0.5C or 0.4% |
| Type N | Nicrosil / Nisil | Thermocouple grade wire, -454 to 2300F (-270 to 392C) Extension wire, 32 to 392F (0 to 200C) | Standard: +/- 2.2C or +/- .75% Special Limits of Error: +/- 1.1C or 0.4% |
| Type E | Nickel-Chromium/ Constantan | Thermocouple grade wire, -454 to 1600F (-270 to 870C) Extension wire, 32 to 392F (0 to 200C) | Standard: +/- 1.7C or +/- 0.5% Special Limits of Error: +/- 1.0C or 0.4% |
| Type B | Platinum Rhodium -30% / Platinum Rhodium -6% | Thermocouple grade wire, 32 to 3100F (0 to 1700C) Extension wire, 32 to 212F (0 to 100C) | Standard: +/- 0.5% Special Limits of Error: +/- 0.25% |
| Type R | Platinum Rhodium -13% / Platinum | Thermocouple grade wire, -58 to 2700F (-50 to 1480C) Extension wire, 32 to 392F (0 to 200C) | Standard: +/- 1.5C or +/- .25% Special Limits of Error: +/- 0.6C or 0.1% |
| Type S | Platinum Rhodium - 10% / Platinum | Thermocouple grade wire, -58 to 2700F (-50 to 1480C) Extension wire, 32 to 392F (0 to 200C) | Standard: +/- 1.5C or +/- .25% Special Limits of Error: +/- 0.6C or 0.1% |
Here’s a visual representation of thermocouple temperature vs voltage graph:
