Resistance thermometers have the advantage of higher accuracy compared to thermocouples. In contrast, thermocouples can be used at higher temperatures and have a better response time. Further advantages of thermocouples or resistance thermometers are shown in the following overview:
General
A reliable temperature measurement requires a most exact adaption to the corresponding process. This statement is valid for thermocouples as well as for resistance thermometers.
Resistance Thermometer vs. Thermocouple Comparison Table
Characteristics | Resistance thermometers | Thermocouples |
| Dimension | larger sensor surface | small sensor surface possible |
| Response time | relatively long | short |
| Connection cables | copper cables | thermo compensating cables |
| Accuracy | very good | good |
| Consistency | very good | satisfactory |
| Surface temperature measurement | not possible | possible |
| Hot junction | over the whole length of the RTD | punctual |
| Robustness | good | very good |
| Spontaneous heating | has to be considered | does not occur |
| Temperature range | up to +600 °C | higher temperature possible |
| Cold junction | not necessary | necessary |
| Circuit supply | yes | no |
| Vibration resistance | relatively sensitive | very rugged |
You can find more information about temperature measurement technique here.
If you have further questions or feedback please contact the SAB-Team.