What is the difference between an RTD and a Thermocouple?

 

When you have a temperature measurement application, one of the main issues is selecting the appropriate temperature sensor to fit the purpose.

Sometimes it is simply a question of replacing the temperature sensor you have and you need to know whether you have a thermocouple or RTD. The easiest way to do this is to check the colours of the lead wire.

Normally RTD wires in the UK and Europe are red and white and more often than not there are 3 wires. Thermocouples have two wires with negative leg being white and the positive leg being many different colours, such as; green for type K and brown for type T thermocouples.

 

RTD vs Thermocouple Comparison Video

 

Advantages and disadvantages of thermocouples & RTD Sensors

RTD Pt100 Pt1000 vs Thermocouple Difference

Why use a Thermocouple?

There are a number of benefits to using thermocouple temperature sensors; this includes its wide temperature range. For example, the most popular type of thermocouple is type K as it can be used in a very wide temperature range of between 0 and 1100 °C continuously. However, some thermocouples have a much higher temperature range, measuring over 2000 °C. They are also very robust, especially when using mineral insulated cable. Thermocouples are a more simple device and versatile. You can have fast response versions or hand held probes, as well as types which are designed to be used in chemicals or harsh environments. Mineral insulated versions offer a very durable sensor which can withstand vibration and harsh environments

You can read detailed technical information about thermocouples in our technical reference page

 

Why use an RTD Sensor?

The main benefits of an RTD sensor (Pt100, Pt1000) is the good accuracy over a fairly wide range and combined with excellent stability, this is in contrast to a thermocouple which is less accurate, less stable and can drift over time. RTD Sensors are more suitable for lower temperature ranges, where higher accuracy and repeatability is needed. They also need to be immersed in the media due to stem conduction errors. A practical benefit of RTDs over thermocouples is that they use standard electrical wiring, where thermocouples require compensated alloys and connectors over the entire length up to the connection of the instrument.

Most modern measuring instrumentation will have all the standard thermocouple input types such as Pt100 or Pt1000 for RTDs and K,T,J, N or R & S for thermocouple, although distance and positioning are more important when selecting a product.
 

You can read detailed technical information about RTD Sensors in our technical reference page

We also have a 'how to' guide for thermocouples and RTD sensors. These guides give you a simple 7 step process to selecting a thermocouple or RTD sensor for your application.
 

In addition, we have over 100 types of RTD sensors and thermocouple probes available to browse across our website to help you select a product.
 

For more information on Thermocouples vs RTDs click here to visit The International Society of Automation's website (You will leave www.sterlingsensors.co.uk if you visit this link).

 

View our Range of RTDs (Pt100 & Pt1000)

View our Thermocouple Range


 

Still unsure of what you need? Give us a call or email us at technical@sterlingsensors.co.uk and our friendly sales team will guide you every step of the way.

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