Thermocouples are temperature sensors that can be embedded in ceramic elements or heaters, or inserted into cassette type quartz heating elements to control or monitor heater temperature. A thermocouple consists of two specific dissimilar metals welded at one end to form a ‘hot’ junction. As the temperature of the hot junction increases, an emf or voltage proportional to the change in temperature is generated. This voltage is predictable and repeatable for a given thermocouple type, making thermocouples a good solution for many temperature measurement applications where low cost and a wide temperature range are important factors.
Ceramicx infrared heat consultants use type K thermocouples as standard. Type K uses Nickel-Chromium (NiCr) as the positive leg (+) and Nickel Aluminium (NiAl) as the negative leg (-). Type J thermocouples are also available upon request. To use a ceramic element with a built in thermocouple, a suitable temperature controller or monitor capable of accepting an input from a Type K thermocouple must be used. Connect the thermocouple to the controller using a suitable type K extension/compensating cable. Do not use dissimilar metals for interconnections (metals that are not made of the same material or that do not exhibit the same electrothermal characteristics). According to IEC 60584.3, type K extension/compensating cables should have a green outer sheath and a green insulated conductor for the positive core and a white insulated conductor for the negative core.
