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  • Jul 18, 2025

Why Thermocouples Still Matter—And What Makes Them So Useful

Thermocouples have been used for decades to measure temperature in industrial, laboratory, and environmental settings. While other sensing technologies like RTDs and thermistors have their own advantages, thermocouples remain a versatile and reliable option—particularly when broad temperature range and robust field performance are priorities.

1. Wide Temperature Range
Thermocouples can measure from extremely cold temperatures (cryogenic ranges) to very high heat, exceeding 1,700° C (3,100° F) depending on the type. This makes them useful in environments where other sensors would fail or fall outside their range.

2. Flexibility in Probe Selection
One of the practical benefits of thermocouples is that they are widely available from many suppliers. You’re not restricted to proprietary probes, and in some cases, you can even build your own. This allows for adaptability in sourcing and cost control.

3. Durable and Field-Ready
Thermocouples are well-suited for use in harsh conditions such as furnaces, freezers, or outdoor installations. Their construction is relatively simple and robust, which contributes to their long-standing popularity in demanding applications.

4. Reasonable Accuracy and Repeatability
While thermocouples do not offer the same level of absolute accuracy as RTDs or the fine resolution of thermistors, they are consistent and repeatable. For many monitoring applications, especially those focused on trends or relative changes, this level of accuracy is sufficient.

5. Comparisons with Other Sensor Types

  • Thermistors offer higher accuracy and resolution but are limited to a narrower temperature range.

  • RTDs provide good accuracy and stability across a moderate range but tend to be more expensive and delicate.

    Thermocouples strike a balance by offering a broad range, adequate accuracy, and physical resilience.

When Thermocouples Make the Most Sense:
For applications that require broad temperature coverage, physical durability, and flexible probe options, thermocouples remain a practical and proven solution. While not always the most accurate option, they are often the most appropriate for long-term, real-world monitoring across a wide range of conditions.

 

Explore further: ACR SRX6 Thermocouple Logger – compatible with T, J, K, E, and S-type thermocouples.

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Why Thermocouples Still Matter—And What Makes Them So Useful

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