Preface
Temperature is one of the most frequently measured physical quantities in industry. The accuracy and consistency of that measurement...
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First published in 1993, this guide has been requested by over 500,000 engineers, buyers, and specifiers. Recognised across the industry as a definitive reference, it brought together clear explanations, essential data, and practical information in one accessible wallchart.
Today, the guide is available as a fully revised and expanded online resource. Updated for 2025 and beyond, it covers the core principles of temperature measurement - including thermocouples and resistance temperature detectors (RTDs) - alongside standards, colour codes, material data, and reference charts.
Whether you’re specifying a sensor, designing a system, or training new staff, this online edition is structured for ease of use and long-term relevance, while preserving the clarity and depth of the original.
Temperature is one of the most frequently measured physical quantities in industry. The accuracy and consistency of that measurement...
view topicUnderstanding how temperature is defined is a key foundation for thermocouple and resistance thermometry...
view topicThermocouples work by generating an electromotive force (EMF) in response to a temperature gradient...
view topicSelecting the right thermocouple for a given application requires careful evaluation of several factors...
view topicDiscover how Type N overcame the instabilities of other base metal thermocouples and give enhanced long term performance...
view topicA guide to all common thermocouple types including characteristics, temperature range, standards and tolerances...
view topicLearn how thermocouple extension and compensating cables are identified and specified under IEC 60584-3...
view topicFor computer applications, expressions are given for the commonly used thermocouple types...
view topicDiscover the basic principles and equations that for the basis of resistance thermometry...
view topicExplore the various materials that can be used for RTD elements from platinum to copper...
view topicTo measure resistance, an electrical current must pass through the RTD element. However, this current generates heat...
view topicThe international standard IEC 60751 defines the performance and tolerance requirements for industrial RTDs...
view topicSee how IEC 60751 specifies the identification and colour coding of connecting wires...
view topicLinearisation is a greater challenge for thermocouples than for resistance temperature detectors (RTDs)...
view topicSignal conditioning is critical in electronic temperature measurement, ensuring that the signal from a thermocouple or RTD...
view topicLow-level signals from thermocouples and RTDs are highly vulnerable to electrical interference and signal degradation...
view topicThermocouples are widely used thanks to their broad temperature range, robustness, flexibility in size, and the extensive variety of...
view topicBasic forms include bare wire thermocouples with insulation suited to the environment, encased in metal or ceramic sheaths for protection...
view topicMost real-world applications require thermocouples to be protected from the media and environment in which they are used...
view topicAn explanation of thermocouple extension and compensating cables...
view topicAn introduction to thermocouple connectors and why we use them...
view topicThermocouples measure the temperature difference between two junctions - the measuring (hot) junction and the reference (cold) junction...
view topicResistance Thermometer Detectors (RTDs) rely on platinum sensor elements that must maintain a fully annealed condition...
view topicResistance Temperature Detectors (RTDs) can be constructed in a variety of ways depending on the measurement environment....
view topicPlatinum RTD sensor assemblies are widely used across industries and laboratories for precise and reliable temperature measurement...
view topicInterconnection cables for RTD assemblies come in a variety of forms, typically adhering to the IEC 60751 international color-coding...
view topicEnd seals, terminal blocks, and terminal heads are essential components in both thermocouple and RTD assemblies...
view topicFor demanding industrial environments, heavy-duty sensor assemblies offer robust protection and high-temperature performance...
view topicDigital and smart transmitters represent the evolution of traditional signal conditioning devices for industrial temperature measurement...
view topicSelecting the right temperature sensor depends on several factors: required temperature range, response speed, accuracy...
view topicExploring legacy techniques through to modern instrumentation...
view topicExploring application methods and equipment for accurate RTD readings...
view topicAccurate temperature sensing depends on placing the sensor in a way that ensures it reaches the same temperature as the medium being measured...
view topicIn many applications, thermocouples and RTDs require protection from harsh environments to ensure long-term performance and accuracy...
view topicThermocouples can be arranged so that their combined outputs provide an average temperature reading...
view topicAll temperature sensors have a finite response time — the delay between a temperature change and the sensor's output reflecting that change...
view topicAll temperature sensors have a finite response time — the delay between a temperature change and the sensor's output reflecting that change...
view topicAAccurate temperature measurement depends on well-calibrated sensors. Over time, both thermocouples and resistance thermometers (RTDs) can drift...
view topicTemperature measurement faults are often due to wiring issues, poor installation, or sensor degradation rather than sensor failure itself...
view topicA list of terms associated with thermocouple and resistance thermometry...
view topicA list of seminal books, technical papers, standards, and research that formed the foundation of modern thermocouple measurement and temperature science...
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