Thermocouple

A thermocouple, also known as a "thermoelectrical thermometer", is an electrical device consisting of two dissimilar <a href="/facts/Electrical_conductor/BSuyupLP">electrical conductors</a> forming an <a href="/facts/Electrical_junction/817HaCWJ">electrical junction</a>. A thermocouple produces a temperature-dependent <a href="/facts/Voltage/EN2po6N2">voltage</a> as a result of the <a href="/facts/Seebeck_effect/GbRYmwIG">Seebeck effect</a>, and this voltage can be interpreted to measure <a href="/facts/Temperature/QyGe4gmj">temperature</a>. Thermocouples are widely used as <a href="/facts/List_of_temperature_sensors/sN2S7U90">temperature sensors</a>.
Commercial thermocouples are inexpensive, interchangeable, are supplied with standard <a href="/facts/Electrical_connector/rJh0cHs6">connectors</a>, and can measure a wide range of temperatures. In contrast to most other methods of temperature measurement, thermocouples are self-powered and require no external form of excitation. The main limitation with thermocouples is accuracy; system errors of less than one degree <a href="/facts/Celsius/okAEu1CA">Celsius</a> (°C) can be difficult to achieve.
Thermocouples are widely used in science and industry. Applications include temperature measurement for <a href="/facts/Kiln/MFTuDWhU">kilns</a>, <a href="/facts/Gas_turbine/JJJNwXrG">gas turbine</a> exhaust, <a href="/facts/Diesel_engine/9B9opxvA">diesel engines</a>, and other industrial processes. Thermocouples are also used in homes, offices and businesses as the temperature sensors in <a href="/facts/Thermostat/w0HpUgup">thermostats</a>, and also as flame sensors in <a href="/facts/Pilot_light/N0NzrWqU">safety devices</a> for gas-powered appliances.

Thermocouple open-in-new

Thermocouple