What is the temperature range of a thermocouple?

The temperature range of a thermocouple is as dependant on the sheath material used as it is on the thermocouple type and the environmental conditions that the thermocouple is exposed to. The sheath diameter will also be a limiting factor to the maximum temperature that a thermocouple can be used at.

The approximate temperature range is shown on individual product pages but below is a table which shows the maximum temperature for various mineral insulated thermocouples of different sheath diameters and materials, along with some practical notes to limitations and exceptions.

Guide to the maximum temperature ratings of mineral insulated thermocouples

Sheath
Material		 Sheath
Diameter		 Thermocouple Type Properties
K J T N E
304L 8.0mm 800ºC 720ºC 370ºC - 800ºC

AISI 304 Stainless Steel
18/8 Cr/Ni

An austenitic stainless steel resistant to rust and suitable for use in air up to approximately 800°C without excessive oxidation or loss in strength. It will not embrittle at sub zero temperatures. Normally non magnetic but may be slightly magnetised after heavy cold work. The carbon content is limited to a maximum of 0.03% and at this level the material is immune to weld decay. Not recommended in sea water conditions due to susceptibility to stress corrosion cracking. Suitable for general purpose applications and used in food service and biological industries.
6.0mm 800ºC 720ºC 370ºC - 800ºC
4.5mm 800ºC 620ºC 370ºC - 730ºC
3.0mm 800ºC 520ºC 370ºC - 650ºC
2.0mm 800ºC 440ºC 315ºC - 510ºC
1.5mm 800ºC 440ºC 260ºC - 510ºC
1.0mm 700ºC 260ºC 260ºC - 300ºC
0.5mm 700ºC 260ºC 260ºC - 300ºC
Material Diameter K J T N E Properties
321 8.0mm 800ºC 720ºC 370ºC - 800ºC

Grade 321 Stainless Steel
18/8/1 Cr/Ni/Titanium Stabilised.
To BS EN 10088, Werkstoff No : 1.4541.

The addition of titanium (at five times the carbon content) in this austentic stainless steel acts as a stabiliser. Titanium has a high affinity for carbon and so combines preferentially with it and prevents the formation of chromium carbide, which is the cause of weld decay. Very good corrosion resistance throughout the operating temperature range and suited to a wide range of industrial applications. Enjoys high ductility.
6.0mm 800ºC 720ºC 370ºC - 800ºC
4.5mm 800ºC 620ºC 370ºC - 730ºC
3.0mm 800ºC 520ºC 370ºC - 650ºC
2.0mm 800ºC 440ºC 315ºC - 510ºC
1.5mm 800ºC 440ºC 260ºC - 510ºC
1.0mm 700ºC 260ºC 260ºC - 300ºC
0.5mm 700ºC 260ºC 260ºC - 300ºC
Material Diameter K J T N E Properties
316L 8.0mm 800ºC 720ºC 370ºC - 800ºC

Grade 316L Stainless Steel
Cr/Ni/Molybdenum
To BS EN 10088, Werkstoff No : 1.4404

Similar to 304 but the addition of molybdenum and a small percentage of copper greatly improve it's corrosion resistance to sulphuric acid. Stainless steels rely largely on a surface film of chromium oxide for their corrosion resistance, but the presence of chlorides (saline solutions) can destroy this film and lead to rapid rusting. The molybdenum addition makes the surface film more chloride resistant which provides a good high temperature corrosion resistance and a greater resistance to stress corrosion cracking. Used frequently for offshore applications. High oxidation resistance up to 800°C.
6.0mm 800ºC 720ºC 370ºC - 800ºC
4.5mm 800ºC 620ºC 370ºC - 730ºC
3.0mm 800ºC 520ºC 370ºC - 650ºC
2.0mm 800ºC 440ºC 315ºC - 510ºC
1.5mm 800ºC 440ºC 260ºC - 510ºC
1.0mm 700ºC 260ºC 260ºC - 300ºC
0.5mm 700ºC 260ºC 260ºC - 300ºC
Material Diameter K J T N E Properties
310 8.0mm 1050ºC 720ºC 370ºC - 820ºC

Grade 310 Stainless Steel
25/20 Cr/Ni
To BS EN 10088, Werkstoff No : 1.4845

An austenitic stainless steel which retains strength and oxidation resistance up to 1050°C but is otherwise is similar to 304. Entirely a high temperature material and not specified for use in wet, corrosive conditions. Not subject to weld decay because of a higher chromium content and suitable for use in sulphur bearing atmospheres.

6.0mm 1050ºC 720ºC 370ºC - 820ºC
4.5mm 1050ºC 620ºC 370ºC - 730ºC
3.0mm 1050ºC 520ºC 315ºC - 650ºC
2.0mm 920ºC 440ºC 260ºC - 510ºC
1.5mm 920ºC 440ºC 260ºC - 510ºC
1.0mm 700ºC 260ºC 260ºC - 300ºC
0.5mm 700ºC 260ºC 260ºC - 300ºC
Material Diameter K J T N E Properties
600 8.0mm 1150ºC 720ºC 370ºC 1150ºC 800ºC

Inconel 600®
Ni/Cr/Fe
To BS EN 10095, Werkstoff No : 2.4816

Exceptionally good oxidation resistance and strength at elevated temperatures up to 1150°C. Unsatisfactory in reducing sulphurous atmospheres above 550°C due to excessive grain boundary attack. Virtually immune to chloride induced stress corrosion cracking. Not recommended for use above 800°C when used with Type R, S or B thermocouples.
6.0mm 1150ºC 720ºC 370ºC 1150ºC 800ºC
4.5mm 1150ºC 620ºC 370ºC 1150ºC 730ºC
3.0mm 1070ºC 520ºC 315ºC 1070ºC 650ºC
2.0mm 920ºC 440ºC 260ºC 920ºC 510ºC
1.5mm 920ºC 440ºC 260ºC 920ºC 510ºC
1.0mm 700ºC 260ºC 260ºC 700ºC 300ºC
0.5mm 700ºC 260ºC 260ºC 700ºC 300ºC
Material Diameter K J T N E Properties
114 8.0mm 1200ºC - - 1250ºC -

Nicrotherm D™
Nickel/Chromium/Silicon/Molybdenum

A high temperature nickel alloy developed specifically to reduce drift in base metal thermocouples due to the control of low vapour pressure elements and a composition more closely matched to that of the thermoelements in particular type N. The maximum temperature in a reducing sulphurs atmosphere is 500°C and in an atmosphere where oxidising sulphurs are present, the temperature is limited to 800ºC.
6.0mm 1150ºC - - 1250ºC -
4.5mm 1100ºC - - 1200ºC -
3.0mm 1100ºC - - 1200ºC -
2.0mm 1000ºC - - 1100ºC -
1.5mm 920ºC - - 1000ºC -
1.0mm 700ºC - - 920ºC -
0.5mm 700ºC - - 700ºC -
How does a thermocouple work? What is a thermocouple? How accurate is a thermocouple? Which type of junction should I choose?
       
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