Cables for Temperature Sensors

Cables (leads) in our range are primarily intended for temperature sensors. The parameters that determine the choice of cable are the type of sensor (thermocouple and its type, or resistance temperature sensor) and the environment in which the cable will be used. The main environmental factors are ambient temperature, presence of moisture and mechanical load.

Classification of Cables by Conductor Material

Thermocouple-Grade Lead

The conductor material of thermocouple-grade lead has the same composition and meets the same standard defining the permitted deviations as a thermocouple of the given type. Thermocouple-grade lead is most commonly used to manufacture thermocouples.

The limiting factor for its use is therefore primarily the temperature resistance of the insulation.

Extension Lead

The conductor material of extension lead also has the same composition as a thermocouple of the given type. However, its permitted deviations are only defined within a limited temperature range, see ČSN EN 60584-3. Extension lead is marked with the letter “X” after the letter designating the thermocouple (for example “JX”).

The permitted deviations for extension lead are defined within a significantly narrower ambient temperature range than for thermocouple-grade lead, and at the same time within a slightly wider range than for compensating lead.

Compensating Lead

The conductor material of compensating lead has a different composition (“substitute”) than the thermocouple of the corresponding type. Its permitted deviations are defined within a limited temperature range, see ČSN EN 60584-3. Compensating lead is marked with the letter “C” after the letter designating the thermocouple (for example “NC”).

Of the leads listed above, compensating lead has the permitted deviations defined within the narrowest ambient temperature range.

Lead for Resistance Temperature Sensors

Lead for resistance temperature sensors has copper conductors. The copper in the conductors is used either in pure form or with a surface finish (tinned, nickel-plated, silver-plated).

Classification of Cables by Insulation Type

Insulation J (PVC)

PVC insulation is suitable for damp environments up to an ambient temperature of 105 °C. It is not suitable for mechanically stressed connections. The insulation is self-extinguishing.

Insulation Y (PVC)

PVC insulation is suitable for damp environments up to an ambient temperature of 70 °C. It is not suitable for mechanically stressed connections. The insulation is self-extinguishing.

Insulation SL (silicone)

Silicone insulation is suitable for damp environments up to an ambient temperature of 180 °C. Of the insulation types used, it offers the best flexibility, but it is not suitable for mechanically stressed connections (it can easily be cut through). The insulation is self-extinguishing.

Insulation T (Teflon FEP)

Teflon (FEP) insulation is suitable for ambient temperatures up to 205 °C with minimal mechanical stress. It has partial chemical resistance and practically zero water absorption. Teflon insulation layers can be made very thin, so cables with this insulation also have smaller outer dimensions than cables made with other moisture-resistant insulations. The insulation is non-flammable.

Insulation TW (Teflon PTFE)

Teflon (PTFE) insulation is suitable for ambient temperatures up to 260 °C with minimal mechanical stress. It has partial chemical resistance and practically zero water absorption. Teflon insulation layers can be made very thin, so cables with this insulation also have smaller outer dimensions than cables made with other moisture-resistant insulations. The insulation is non-flammable.

Insulation TX (Teflon PFA)

Teflon (PFA) insulation is suitable for ambient temperatures up to 260 °C with minimal mechanical stress. It has partial chemical resistance and practically zero water absorption. Teflon insulation layers can be made very thin, so cables with this insulation also have smaller outer dimensions than cables made with other moisture-resistant insulations. The insulation is non-flammable.

Insulation GL (glass fibre)

Glass-fibre insulation is suitable for dry environments up to an ambient temperature of 400 °C. The insulation is non-flammable.

Insulation GH (glass fibre)

Glass-ceramic fibre insulation is suitable for dry environments up to an ambient temperature of 600 °C. The insulation is non-flammable.

Insulation KF (mineral fibre)

Mineral-fibre insulation is suitable for dry environments up to an ambient temperature of 1200 °C. The insulation is non-flammable.

Insulation F (aluminium foil)

Insulation made of plastic-coated aluminium foil with a copper drain wire is typically placed between the insulation layers of the cable and is designed for ambient temperatures up to 105 °C. It significantly improves the cable’s shielding against electromagnetic interference (the copper drain wire can be earthed at one end of the cable). The insulation is self-extinguishing.

Insulation Cu (copper braid)

Tinned copper braid is typically inserted between the insulation layers of the cable and is designed for ambient temperatures up to 260 °C. It significantly improves the cable’s shielding against electromagnetic interference (the braid can be earthed at one end of the cable) and partially increases the cable’s resistance to mechanical stress. The insulation is non-flammable.

Insulation P (metal braid)

Metal braid is either inserted between the insulation layers of the cable or added as an outer insulation layer of the cable. It significantly increases the cable’s resistance to mechanical stress. The insulation is non-flammable.

Insulation V (stainless steel braid)

Stainless steel braid is either inserted between the insulation layers of the cable or added as an outer insulation layer of the cable. It significantly increases the cable’s resistance to mechanical stress. The insulation is non-flammable.