A thermocouple is a temperature-measuring device consisting of two dissimilar conductors that contact each other at one or more spots, where a temperature differential is experienced by the different conductors (or semiconductors). It produces a voltage when the temperature of one of the spots differs from the reference temperature at other parts of the circuit.
Thermocouples or thermocouple sensors are a widely used type of industrial temperature sensors for measurement and control, and can also convert a temperature gradient into electricity. Commercial thermocouples are inexpensive, interchangeable, are supplied with standard connectors, and can measure a wide range of temperatures. If you are looking for thermocouples such as the j type thermocouple, the k type thermocouple or if you need thermocouple wire Hi-Watt, Inc. can help.
Thermocouples are classified by calibration type because they have varying electromotive force (EMF) versus temperature curves. Some generate considerably more voltage at lower temperatures, while others do not begin to develop a significant voltage until subjected to high temperatures.
Also, calibration types are designed to deliver as close to a straight line voltage curve inside their temperature application range as possible. This makes it easier for an instrument or temperature controller to correctly correlate the received voltage to a particular temperature.
Hi-Watt Inc. carries Watlow Thermocouples, Tempco Thermocouples, Pyromation Explosion-Proof Thermocouples and more.