From RS Pro a range of rugged Type K thermocouple temperature sensing probes conforming to IEC 584 standards. These Type K thermocouple sensors feature an Alloy 600 probe sheath and are terminated with a miniature IEC flat pinned plug with a maximum temperature range of 200°C, for a quick and simple connection. The sheath of the probe is mineral insulated making it flexible, allowing it to bent and formed to suit a wide range of applications. The thermocouple has an ungrounded insulated hot junction for a reduction in electrical interference

A thermocouple is a sensor used to measure temperature in a range of different processes and consists of two wire legs made from different metals joined together at their two ends to form two junctions. The hot, or measuring junction is connected to the body whose temperature is going to be measured. The cold junction or reference junction is connected to a body of known temperature. When the measuring junction is placed on something hot a voltage or potential difference between this and the reference junction occurs. This voltage can then be converted into a temperature measurement using thermocouple reference tables. This process is also known as the Seebeck Effect

An insulated or ungrounded junction is where the thermocouple wires are welded together and fully covered by but insulated from the outer protective sheath, often by the use of mineral insulation. The advantage of this is that there is a reduction in electrical interference and a stable reading

Mineral insulation is used to insulate the thermocouple wires from one another and from the metal probe sheath that surrounds them. The sheath is filled with a highly compacted magnesium oxide powder that prevents the conductors from making contact with one another other than at the fixed junction. The high density of the mineral powder enables the thermocouple to have a rapid response as it promotes a fast heat transfer between the conductor and the sheath. Mineral insulation also helps to protect the thermocouple wire from environmental damage including corrosion, prevents electrical interference and allows the cable to be flexible whilst maintaining its mechanical strength

• Durable alloy 600 stainless steel sheath for protection against corrosion and oxidation
• Meets IEC 584 standards
• IEC colour coded miniature plug for quick and easy connection
• Mineral insulation for flexibility and durability
• Insulated hot junction for reduction in electrical interference

Type K Thermocouples (Nickel-Chromium / Nickel-Aluminium) are the most common type of thermocouple and are both accurate and flexible with a wide temperature range. Typical applications for these mineral insulated Type-K thermocouple probes include heat exchangers, power stations, brick and cement kilns, heat treatment and annealing furnaces, thermostats, food thermometers, vehicle diagnostics and in laboratories