Thermocouple Cable: Conductor Materials Table

 
Temperature measurement is one of the most important functions in the monitoring of processing and manufacturing operations. A Thermocouple is a device used for measuring temperature at a point where two electrical conductors of dissimilar metals are joined. A voltage is generated at this junction and an electromotive force is transmitted to the measuring device by a thermocouple grade of extension wire as illustrated below. The accuracy of the thermocouple is largely dependent on the reliable transmission of signal from a sensor to a recording device - a function of the interconnect wires.
Manhattan/CDT utilizes the same rigorous standards in the manufacture and quality control of its thermocouple grade and extension wire and cable that it does for all its products. These items either meet or exceed the standards of the below listed specifying agencies.

UL Listed Underwriters Laboratories, Inc
NEC National Electrical Code
IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronical Engineers
IEEE 383 Vertical Flame Test - 70,000 BTU
OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration
ANSI American National Standards Institute
ISA Instrument Society of America

 

 
Various metals and metallic alloys are used depending on the range of temperature measurement requirements. The following table 1 indicates the temperature range and tolerance for most common alloy combinations. Both standard and special limits of error are shown. Where specifications require critical tolerance, "Special Limit" calibrations are available upon request.
 
Table 1 - Initial Calibration Tolerances For Thermocouple Extension and Grade Wire*
Conductor Extension   Grade
Wire Alloys ANSI
Type		 Temperature
Range (°C)		 Standard
LImits		 Special
LImits		 ANSI
Type		 Temperature
Range (C)		 Standard
LImits		 Special
LImits
Iron/Constantan JX 0°C to 200°C 2.2 °C 1.1 °C J 0°C to 285°C
285°C to 750°C		 2.2 °C
75%		 1.1 °C
.4%
ChromelŪ/AlumelŪ KX 0°C to 200°C 2.2 °C 1.1 °C K 0°C to 285°C
285°C to 1250°C		 2.2 °C
75%		 1.1 °C
.4%
Copper/Constantan TX -60°C to +100°C 1.1 °C .5 °C T -200°C to -65°C
-65°C to +130°C
+130°C to +350°C		 1.5%
1 °C
.75%		 .8%
.5 °C
.4%
ChromelŪ/Constantan EX 0°C to 200°C 1.7 °C N/A E 0°C to 318°C
316°C to 871°C		 1.7 °C
.5%		 1 °C
.4%
Copper Vs. Copper Alloy RS, SX** 25°C to 200°C 5 °C N/A        
* The limits of error based on a reference junction of 0C (32 F) per ANSI Circular MC96.1-1975.
Percentages apply to actual temperature being measured.
**Copper/Alloy #11 - Compensating Extension Wires for Platinum/Platinum-Rhodium Thermocouples
AlumelŪ and ChromelŪ are registered trademarks of Hoskins Manufacturing Company
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