Difference Between PT100 and PT1000

What is the difference between PT100 and PT1000?

Pt100 and Pt1000 are different types of RTD (Resistance Temperature Detector) temperature sensor. The letters (Pt) refer to the material that the sensor is constructed from and in this case “Pt” is the chemical element symbol for Platinum as defined in the Periodic Table of Elements. You may also have come across “Ni”, the chemical element symbol for Nickel. However, the Pt versions are more commonly used.

The numerical reference (100 or 1000) pertains to the sensor’s Ohmic value at 0°C.

When to use a PT100 and PT1000

A Pt1000 has a much higher resistance level therefore the distorting effect of the resistance in the lead wires will be less significant overall as it contributes to a smaller percentage or resistance when compared to the circuit. 

This makes Pt1000 sensors well suited to applications in 2 wire circuit configurations as the sensor is contributing less resistance and therefore less pressure on the wires. 

Pt100 sensors are often chosen for 3 or 4 wire circuit applications. Due to the fact that the Pt100 has less resistance across the sensing element, the resistance from the lead wires will have a higher distorting effect on the overall resistance of the circuit. 

In conclusion it is important to know these aspects of your application when choosing whether to use a Pt100 or Pt1000 sensor. If your application has 3 or 4 wires the characteristics of the Pt100 would be more suited to the application and alternatively if you have a 2 wire application than the characteristics of the Pt1000 would be better suited. 

Benefits of Pt100 and Pt1000

RTD Pt100 and Pt1000 are often used as they;

• Have high accuracy
• Are very consistent
• Offer long term stability
• Have high repeatability 
• Are suitable for extreme environments 
• Can operate at  high temperature

Find out more about RTD sensors by reading our blog post How Does an RTD Work

Pt100 and Pt1000 RTD’s from Variohm

See our RTD PT100 and PT1000 sensors here; we have 3 temperature ranges to choose from; cryo (-196°C to +150°C) medium (-70°C to 600°C) and high (-70°C to +850°C). 

A number of our temperature probes can be configured to use Pt100 or Pt1000 sensing elements. Take a look at them here. 

For more information on Pt100 and Pt1000 or to discuss your application please contact us.