Thermocouple, Type K, Ung. Junction, 3/16in OD, 12in, Male Plug

Thermocouple, Type K, Ungrounded Junction, 3/16in OD, 12in, Male Plug

Product Overview Thermocouples are highly versatile and widely used sensors for temperature measurement across countless industrial, commercial, and scientific applications. They offer a simple yet effective method for converting heat into a measurable electrical signal, which can then be used as a vital input for process controllers, data loggers, and recorders.

How Does a Thermocouple Work? A thermocouple operates on the thermoelectric effect, also known as the Seebeck effect. It consists of two wires made from different metals or alloys, which are joined together at one end to form a "hot" junction. This is the sensing end that is placed in the environment where temperature needs to be measured. The other end, known as the "cold" or reference junction, is kept at a known, stable temperature.

When the hot junction is exposed to a temperature different from the cold junction, a small voltage, or Electromotive Force (EMF), is generated. This voltage is directly proportional to the temperature difference between the two junctions. By measuring this EMF and applying the correct calibration standards for the specific thermocouple type, an accurate temperature reading can be determined.

Key Features and Construction

• Wide Temperature Range: By selecting specific thermocouple wire combinations (e.g., Type K, J, T, E) and pairing them with appropriate sheath materials like stainless steel or Inconel®, thermocouples can measure an extremely broad range of temperatures, from cryogenic levels (-200 °C / -328 °F) up to very high temperatures found in furnaces and kilns (2316 °C / 4200 °F).
• Junction Types:
  • Ungrounded (Ung.): The thermocouple junction is electrically isolated from the protective metal sheath. This minimizes electrical interference and is ideal for applications where stray ground loop currents could affect the reading.
  • Grounded: The junction is welded directly to the sheath, providing a faster response time.
  • Exposed: The junction protrudes from the sheath for the fastest possible response, but is more susceptible to damage and corrosion.

Your Source for Comprehensive Thermocouple Solutions Pyromation is a leading manufacturer of thermocouples and direct replacement parts for nearly every application on the market. Our extensive product line includes:

• MgO (Magnesium Oxide) Insulated Thermocouples: These are rugged, bendable, and offer excellent high-temperature performance and vibration resistance.
• Industrial and General-Purpose Types: A wide selection of standard and custom designs to meet diverse needs.
• Assemblies for Specialized Environments: We engineer and build complete thermocouple assemblies for hazardous locations and other demanding applications, often including connection heads, protection tubes, thermowells, and integrated transmitters to ensure reliable and safe operation.