Thermocouples IEC
Our IEC Thermocouples range offers a comprehensive selection of temperature sensors designed for accurate and reliable measurement across a wide variety of applications. The range includes mineral insulated thermocouples, fine wire exposed junction sensors, moulded-on thermocouples, and fabricated or specialist probes, all manufactured in accordance with IEC colour standards.
We provide sensors in multiple probe styles, diameters and configurations, including fast response probes, surface and magnet-mounted thermocouples, and assemblies with terminal heads or specialised mountings. A wide choice of cable types such as PFA, PTFE and glassfibre, along with various termination options including miniature plugs and bare wire tails, ensures flexibility for different installation and environmental requirements.
In addition, the range includes application-specific solutions such as surface probes, bolt-on and pipe sensors, air and needle probes, and heavy-duty industrial thermocouples, making it suitable for use in industries including manufacturing, HVAC, process control and laboratory testing. Overall, Labfacility’s IEC thermocouples provide a versatile and dependable solution for both general-purpose and specialist temperature measurement needs.
Cant find what your looking for?
Please complete our custom configurator forms and send us your specific requirements and build your own sensor.
We are specialists in the design and manufacture of custom-built temperature sensors. Quality and Service are key elements in the continued growth of Labfacility; technical support for both sensing and instrumentation is always freely available from our experienced technical sales teams.
Comparison of Sensor Types
| Thermocouple | Platinum Resistance Thermometer | Thermistor | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sensor | Thermoelement, two dissimilar metals/alloys |
Platinum-wire wound or flat-film resistor | Ceramic (metal oxides) |
| Accuracy (typical values) | 0.5 to 5.0°C | 0.1 to 1.0°C | 0.1 to 1.5°C |
| Long term Stability | Variable, Prone to ageing | Excellent | Good |
| Temperature range | -200 to1750°C | -200 to 650°C | -100 to 300°C |
| Thermal response | Sheathed – slow Exposed tip – fast 0.1 to 10 secs typical | Wirewound – slow Film – faster 1-50 secs typical |
generally fast 0.05 to 2.5 secs typical |
| Excitation | None | Constant current required | None |
| Characteristic | Thermovoltage | PTC resistance | NTC resistance (some are PTC) |
| Linearity | Most types non-linear | Fairly linear | Exponential |
| Lead resistance effect | Short cable runs satisfactory | 3 & 4 wire – low. 2 wire – high | Low |
| Electrical “pick-up” | susceptible | Rarely susceptible | Not susceptible |
| Interface | Potentiometric input. Cold junction compensation required | Bridge 2,3 or 4 wire |
2 wire resistance |
| Vibration effects/ shock | Mineral insulated types suitable | wirewound – not suitable. Film – good | Suitable |
| Output/ characteristic | From 10µV/°C to to 40µV/°C depending on type |
approx. 0.4 W/°C | -4% / °C |
| Extension Leads | Compensating cable | Copper | Copper |
| Cost | Relatively low cost |
Wirewound – more expensive Film – cheaper |
Inexpensive to moderate |
Comments and values shown in this chart are generalised and nominal. They are not intended to be definitive but are stated for general guidance.





