Temperature Measuring Devices

There are many different temperature measuring devices. They are also referred to as temperature sensors and are available in differing technologies, sizes, temperature ranges and with different terminations to suit various applications.

Types of Temperature Measuring Devices

There are many different types of temperature measuring devices. Each one is better suited to different applications and environments.   Here at Variohm, we have a wide range of temperature measuring devices, many of these are manufactured in house and can be customised to your specific requirements.

Temperature Probes – Temperature probes consist of a temperature sensing element which may be potted into a terminal or housing.  Differing housings are available allowing various connection options for the temperature probe.

At Variohm we have standard temperature probes as well as medical grade or “flight” qualified temperature probes. Our standard temperature probes are robust and are available with NTC, RTD or Thermocouple technologies.

NTC Thermistors – Thermistors are very small temperature measuring devices. They are very sensitive and accurate. Thermistors are often used in everyday “white goods” which can be found around the home such as microwaves, boilers and dishwashers.

Thermistors have a fast response time and are best suited to applications with small temperature ranges.

NTC thermistors are usually glass or epoxy coated. They detect the temperature by measuring the electrical resistance.

RTD Sensors – Another small and sensitive temperature measuring device is an RTD (resistance temperature detector) sensor. Like NTC thermistors, RTDs use Ohmic resistance to calculate the temperature.   Temperature is reflected in the amount of resistance detected within the sensor itself.

RTD sensors offer long term stability and are highly accurate. There are different types of RTDs which are available on our website and consist of; Platinum RTDs, Nickle RTDs, Glass Wire Round RTDs.

Thermocouples – Thermocouples are highly versatile temperature measuring devices. They measure temperature by monitoring the electrical current across two differing metals. The two different types of metal used within the thermocouple will be suitable for differing temperature ranges.

Thermocouples are suitable for measuring very high temperatures – depending on which metals they contain) some of them up to 1260°, however, thermocouples tend to be less reliable compared to NTC thermistors and RTDs.

Combined Pressure and Temperature Transducers – We also carry a range of combined pressure and temperature transducers which are well used in motorsport applications and other areas where space is restricted as only one device is used to measure both variables.

Other temperature measuring devices – As well as the above mention products there are other ways of measuring temperature such as non-contacting infrared sensors, thermopiles, high precision thermometers and digital temperature sensing technologies.

Temperature Measuring Device Uses

Temperature measuring is a vital part of many industries, some of the applications which use temperature measuring devices are;

Home Appliances – Toasters, kettles, ovens, washing machines, boilers, electrical radiators etc

IT – Most computers contain temperature sensors to ensure they don’t overheat.

Motorsport Applications – Monitoring fuel oil, exhaust gas temperature and more.

Food and Beverage – Monitoring the temperature of a food for food hygiene and food production devices such as 3D printers etc.

Alcohol breathalysers – Thermistors are used to monitor the temperature of the subjects’ breath to help determine whether alcohol is present.

Temperature measuring devices are used within the following industries

• HVAC
• Transit
• Heat exchangers
• Power and utilities
• Industrial process
• Laboratory and testing
• Renewable energy

Temperature measuring devices from Variohm

At Variohm, we have a wide range of temperature sensors which are well proven in a wide range of applications.

Take a look at the temperature section of our website to see our full range.

For more information on temperature measuring devices or to discuss your application please contact us.