What is a temperature probe?

A temperature probe is a type of temperature sensor. There are many different types of temperature probe and these are used for different applications across a whole host of industries.

Some temperature probes can measure temperature by being placed onto the surface. Others will need to be inserted or immersed in liquid to be able to measure the temperature. Often, temperature probes will measure the change in voltage and convert this into a format which can be monitored by the user.

Temperature probes can be either standard configurations or bespoke and made to order by the customer. The standard types tend to be used for more common applications for example; within the medical industry, whereas bespoke temperature probes are often used for very specific applications, such as in Motorsport or Engineering.

Different types of temperature probes

Temperature probes come in different formats; each type has pros and cons.

• NTC – (Negative Temperature Coefficient) temperature probes utilise thermistors. These are often low cost with a smaller temperature range but tend to offer a quick response and are highly sensitive.
• RTD – (Resistance Temperature Detector) temperature probes offer high reliability and long life. This does make them a little more costly but they also offer a wide temperature range.
• Thermocouples – thermocouple temperature probes are cheaper than RTDs and also offer a wide temperature range however, they are not as stable over time and some will need replacing more often.

Industries for temperature probes

Temperature probes can be used in almost any industry. Some of the more popular industries we see demand for are;

• Medical
• Motorsport
• Food
• Communication

Applications for Temperature Probes

Some applications for temperature probes are common in everyday life, others are very industry-specific. Here are just a few of the applications which we have come into contact within our experience.

• Industrial equipment
• Patient monitoring
• Transit
• Computers
• Home appliances
• HVAC
• Power and utilities
• Calibration and instrumentation
• Laboratory
• Energy
• Drilling

Temperature probes from Variohm

For more information about the temperature probes, we can offer, take a look at the temperature section of our website. You can also contact us 01327 351004 or sales@variohm.com