Resistance Thermometers vs. Thermocouples

Comparison, Differences and Advantages

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:

 

Advantages of Resistance Thermometers:

  • Platinum resistance thermometers are the most accurate sensors and have the best long-time stability
  • Due to the chemical resistance of Platinum, the risk of impurity by oxidation and other chemical influences is reduced
  • High consistency

Advangages of Thermocouples:

  • Larger temperature range than resistance thermometers
  • Small hot junction enables short response time
  • More robust and resistant against mechanical stress
  • Cheaper

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

Dimensionlarger sensor surfacesmall sensor surface possible
Response timerelatively longshort
Connection cablescopper cablesThermo compensating cables
Accuracyvery goodgood
Consistencyvery goodsatisfactory
Surface temperature measurementnot possiblepossible
Hot junctionover the whole length of the RTDpunctual
Robustnessgoodvery good
Spontaneous heatinghas to be considereddoes not occur
Temperature rangeup to +600°Chigher temperature possible
Cold junctionnot necessarynecessary
Circuit supplyyesno
Vibration resistancerelatively sensitivevery rugged

You can find more information about temperature measurement technique here.

 

If you have further questions or feedback please contact the SAB-Team.

Highly flexible cables according to your special requirements

Family business for construction and production since 1947

Please send us your inquiry
+49 (0)2162 898-0
Monday to Thursday, 7.30–16.30
Friday, 07.30–15.00