What is a Type K Thermocouple?
What are the Typical Color Codes for Type K Thermocouples?
Type K wire is primarily available in two color-codes, yellow connectors and/or yellow and red conductors per ANSI/ASTM E230, or green Connector and/or green and white conductors per IEC 60584.
Temperature Ranges for Type K Thermocouples
Type K thermocouples have a general temperature range of -200 to 1260°C (-326 to 2300°F), however there are some caveats to this:
1. If used for temperatures below 0°C special material is needed in order to meet the specified accuracies. Also, Special Limits of Error are not specified for temperatures below 0°C.
2. The ultimate suggested upper temperature limits for Type K are based on the size of the conductor used:
| Wire Gage | Diameter | Maximum Suggested Temperature |
| #8 AWG | 0.128” | 1280°C/2300°F |
| #14 AWG | 0.064” | 1090°C/2000°F |
| #20 AWG | 0.032” | 980°C/1800°F |
| #24 AWG | 0.020” | 870°C/1600°F |
| #28 AWG | 0.013” | 870°C/1600°F |
| #30 AWG | 0.010” | 760°C/1400°F |
What is the Voltage of Type K Thermocouples?
The following is a selection of output values for Type K Thermocouples at selected temperatures. Note: The following output is based on a reference Junction at 0°C/32°F:
| Temperature | Output |
| 0°C | 0.000 mV |
| 100°C | 4.096 mV |
| 200°C | 8.138 mV |
| 300°C | 12.209 mV |
| 400°C | 16.397 mV |
| 500°C | 20.644 mV |
| 600°C | 24.905 mV |
| 700°C | 29.129 mV |
| 800°C | 33.275 mV |
| 900°C | 37.326 mV |
| 1000°C | 41.276 mV |
| 1100°C | 45.119 mV |
| 1200°C | 48.838 mV |
Resistance Chart for Type K Thermocouples
Thermocouples are not manufactured to a specific resistance, they measure temperature based on the output voltage they provide. Resistances will vary with conductor size and somewhat with the lot of conductor used.
How Much Do Type K Thermocouples Cost?
The cost of a Type K thermocouple will depend upon the style of the sensor you choose. Once you determine what style sensor you need you can find pricing on our website. If you need assistance in selecting the thermocouple you need, please contact our Application Engineering staff who can assist you in your selection.
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