K Type Thermocouples

K TYPE thermocouples are Mineral insulated or fabricated thermocouple sensor design with fibreglass leads and stainless steel over-braiding. Fitted with a strain retention spring for added strength.

Description

THERMOCOUPLE TYPE K 1000 DEG C RATED

K TYPE THERMOCOUPLES are a very important component part, as it is a sensor that is used to measure temperature. Made from two wires made from different metals, they are able to accurately read a temperature quickly and effectively. This is done by welding together the two wires at one end to form a tip called a junction. The junction is where the temperature is measured on a K Type Thermocouple, creating a milli-voltage when the junction sees a change in temperature. This signal is then calculated by a temperature controller to give an accurate temperature reading.

Along with type J, a Type K Thermocouple is one of the most common around. Here at Cartridge Heaters, we stock both types, in 3mm and 6mm diameters and in various lengths to meet your specific requirements

K Type Thermocouples

With their simple and effective use and many advantages, K Type Thermocouples are the most popular thermocouple temperature sensors on the market today. While they may be more expensive than their J Type counterparts the K Type Thermocouple is arguably the more versatile of the two. This is because they are able to withstand some of the highest temperatures from 0°C – 1260°C. This higher temperature range makes K Type Thermocouples much more useful at extreme temperatures than the J-type. However, if you’re looking for a thermocouple to perform well at lower temperature ranges and offer better value for money, you may want to opt for the J Type Thermocouple.

Not only does K Type Thermocouples have an advantage when it comes to an increased temperature tolerance range, but they also excel in terms of resistance and capability, due to their different metallic makeup.  Whereas a J Type Thermocouple is made up of iron and constantan, K type Thermocouples are composed of a nickel/chromium alloy (chrome) and a nickel/aluminium alloy (alumel) which gives them much better protection against oxidation and acidity than the iron limbs of the Type J.

K Type Thermocouples are therefore perfect for use in oxidative environments and environments with a corrosive atmosphere or when immersed in an oxidative or corrosive fluid. You can be sure you can rely on them in more extreme environments in which an exact temperature needs to be calculated. In fact, the K Type Thermocouples work most effectively in a clean oxidising atmosphere, where a J Type may be oxidised and damaged. The K Type Thermocouples are also more useful at very high temperatures – up to 1260°C – allowing you to accurately measure temperatures even at these heats.

However, their slightly increased cost compared to J Type Thermocouples helps to ensure that the Type J continues to see use throughout lower-temperature applications and in non-oxidising atmospheres, which perfectly suits its temperature-measurement ability. As temperature sensors, the K Type Thermocouple wire and J Type Thermocouples may be superficially similar, but they are suited to a wide range of applications.

For more information on temperature sensors, including Type J Thermocouples and Type K Thermocouples, and for more information on their applications and uses, feel free to call the experts at Cartridge Heaters on 0121 439 8932. We understand that figuring out exactly which you need can be difficult to do without the help of an expert, so be sure to get in touch with our friendly team today. They will be more than happy to help you find the perfect temperature sensor for your needs!