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Type T Thermocouple - Technical Information

Type T - Copper vs Copper-Nickel, IEC 60584-1

Thermocouple Type T, whose original name was Copper-Constantan, has found quite a niche for itself in laboratory temperature measurement over the range -250°C to 400°C - although above this the copper arm rapidly oxidises. Repeatability is excellent in the range -200°C to 200°C (±0.1°C). Points to watch out for include the high thermal conductivity of the copper arm, and the fact that the copper/nickel alloy used in the negative arm is not the same as that in Type J - so they’re not interchangeable.

Type T Thermocouples - Typical Constructions and Styles

Type T Mineral Insulated
Thermocouples Type T mineral insulated thermocouple for low-temperature measurement in laboratory and cryogenic environments

Type T mineral insulated thermocouple for low-temperature measurement in laboratory and cryogenic environments

Rugged sensors, ideal for most applications. Vast choice of terminations e.g. pot seals, cables, connectors, heads etc.Type T Swaged Tip
Thermocouples Type T swaged tip thermocouple with fast response for precision low-temp monitoring

Type T swaged tip thermocouple with fast response for precision low-temp monitoring

Fast response thermocouples ideal for industrial and other applications. Type T Miniature
Thermocouples Miniature Type T thermocouple designed for tight-space installations and low-temperature sensing

Miniature Type T thermocouple designed for tight-space installations and low-temperature sensing

Ideal for precision temperature measurements where minimal displacement and a fast response is required. Type T Heavy Duty
Thermocouples Rugged Type T thermocouple with durable sheath for demanding low-temperature industrial environments

Rugged Type T thermocouple with durable sheath for demanding low-temperature industrial environments

For industrial applications such as furnaces, kilns, ovens, boliers, flues etc. Many types of sheath material available. General Purpose
Type T Thermocouples General purpose Type T thermocouple suitable for accurate low-temperature process monitoring

General purpose Type T thermocouple suitable for accurate low-temperature process monitoring

A wide range of thermocouples to suit many applications. Hand held, surface, bayonet, bolt, patch styles etc. ATEX/IECEx Approved
Type T Thermocouples ATEX and IECEx approved Type T thermocouple for safe operation in explosive or cold environments

ATEX and IECEx approved Type T thermocouple for safe operation in explosive or cold environments

A large range of thermocouples with a variety of terminations such as pot seal, terminal heads etc.

Everything you need to know about thermocouples and RTDs
Explore our in-depth Thermocouple & RTD Guide — a technical resource developed for engineers and specifiers. Covers sensor selection, installation practices, standards and tolerances, colour codes, wiring configurations, sensor theory and more.

Type T - Technical Data

Conductor Combination		Approximate generated EMF change in µV per ºC change (referenced to 0ºC) at:			Approximate Working Temperature Range		Thermocouple Output Tolerances to IEC 60584-1
+ Leg	- Leg	100ºC	500ºC	1000ºC	Continuous	Short Term	Type	Class 1	Class 2	Class 3
COPPER	COPPER - NICKEL Also known as: Constantan, Advance™, Cupron™	46	–	–	–185 to +300°C	–250 to +400°C	Temperature Range Tolerance Value Temperature Range Tolerance Value	–40°C to +125°C ±0.5°C 125°C to 350°C ±0.004⋅ \|t\|	–40°C to +133°C ±1.0°C 133°C to 350°C ±0.0075 ⋅ \|t\|	–67°C to +40°C ±1.0°C –200°C to –67°C ±0.015⋅ \|t\|

1. The tolerance is expressed either as a deviation in degrees Celsius or as a function of the actual temperature.
2. Thermocouple materials are normally supplied to meet the tolerances specified in the table for temperatures above –40 deg C. These materials however, may not fall within the tolerances for low temperatures given under Class 3 for Types T, E and K thermocouples. If thermocouples are required to meet limits of Class 3, as well as those of Class 1 and/or Class 2, the purchaser should state this, as selection of materials is usually required.
3. The maximum temperature rating is dependant upon construction, size and atmospheric conditions. A more detailed guide for the maximum temperature ratings of mineral insulated thermocouples can be found here.

Cable Colour Codes for T Type Thermocouples

International Colour Code to IEC 60584-3	ANSI MC96.1	Redundant national colour coding for thermocouple cables
International Colour Code to IEC 60584-3	ANSI MC96.1	BS 1843	DIN 43714	NFC 42324

Free Guide to Thermocouple and Resistance Thermometry

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a thermocouple and how does it work?
A thermocouple is a type of temperature sensor that generates a voltage when two different metals are joined at one end and exposed to a temperature difference between the "hot" junction (where the temperature is measured) and the "cold" junction (the reference point). This voltage is then measured to determine the temperature at the hot junction.
How do I choose the right thermocouple for my application?
The ideal thermocouple depends on factors such as temperature range, accuracy, termination type, mounting requirements and environmental conditions. We offer a variety of thermocouples with different sheath materials, constructions, terminations, and temperature ratings to meet your needs. If you need specific advice, our engineers are happy to assist!
What is the maximum temperature rating of your thermocouples?
Our thermocouples are designed to handle a wide range of temperatures with some mineral insulated thermocouples able to withstand temperatures up to 1400ºC and ceramic sheathed thermocouples going even higher to 1600ºC. Each product listing includes the maximum temperature rating, so you can choose the best thermocouple for your application.