Type C Thermocouple - Temperature Sensors / Probes and Other Thermocouple Types
Type C Tungsten-5% Rhenium vs Tungsten-26% Rhenium
Formerly known as W5, Type C thermocouples (and all Tungsten/Rhenium thermocouples in general) are high temperature thermocouples intended for use in applications where other thermocouples would fail due to excessive heat or severe environmental conditions.
They have a reasonably high and relatively linear EMF output and provide an excellent accuracy for extremely high temperature measurements up to 4170°F (2300°C), far exceeding the capabilities of platinum thermocouples such as Type S.
Type C thermocouples should be used in vacuum, inert atmospheres or dry hydrogen applications to prevent failure from oxidation. C type thermocouples should never be used in the presence of oxygen at temperatures above 500°F and above 2190°F tungsten can become brittle due to recrystallisation.
We supply thermocouples in a range of ceramic sheaths or metal sheathed type C thermocouples in specialist sheath materials such as molybdenum, tantalum and niobium for use in a wide range of demanding applications within industries such as power generation, aerospace etc.
We also provide a range of additional services such as Calibration, Radiographic inspection (X-Ray), Positive Material Identification (XRF, Chemical Analysis), Helium Leak Testing and Tagging/Lasermarking/Etching of sensors.
What color is Type C Thermocouple wire
The ASTM E 230 color coding in the US is as follows:
Positive Leg = Green *,
Negative Leg = Red *,
Outer Sheath (Jacket) = Red,
* It should be noted that a lot of cable still in use and being supplied could well be to the industry accepted standard shown in the table below. If you are in any doubt about color codes, please contact one of our engineers who will be pleased to assist you.
| Thermocouple Type |
American colorCode to ASTM E 230 |
International color Code to IEC 60584-3 |
Industry accepted colors to no officially recognised standard |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thermocouple Cable |
Extension Cable |
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| C | - | ![]() |
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High Temperature Ceramic Sheathed Thermocouples (Type 14)
with IP67 diecast alloy head
Weatherproof die cast alloy screw top terminal head with ceramic terminal block. Suitable for simplex and duplex assemblies
with IP67 heavy dutycast iron head
Weatherproof cast iron screw top terminal head with ceramic terminal block. Suitable for simplex and duplex assemblies
Ceramic Insulated Thermocouples (Type 2)
Ceramic Twin BoreInsulated Thermocouples
Suitable for general use and replacement elements for industrial and high temperature thermocouples.
High Temperature Metal Sheathed Type C Thermocouples (Type 27)
These high temperature thermocouples are used in applications where other thermocouples would fail due to excessive heat or severe environments. Utilising specialist exotic sheath materials such as Platinum 10% Rhodium, Molybdenum and Tantalum they can be used in service temperatures up to 4170°F. The combination of conductor, insulation material and sheath must be carefully selected to suit your process environment, service temperature and installation requirements (ie. whether the probe is flexible or not). Our experienced sales team are on hand to assist where required so please contact us if help is required.
with Basic End Seal0.040" to 0.250" dia.
Internal seal with bare conductors
with Pot Seal0.040" to 0.250" dia.
a large selection of plain and threaded pot seals supplied with tails or extension wire (PVC, FEP, Fiberglass etc.)
with Miniature Plug0.040" to 0.125" dia.
fitted with a miniature thermocouple plug rated to either 428ºF, 572ºF, 797ºF or 1112ºF
with Miniature Socket0.040" to 0.125"
fitted with a miniature thermocouple socket rated to either 428ºF, 572ºF, 797ºF or 1112ºF
with Standard Plug0.040" to 0.250"
fitted with a standard thermocouple plug rated to either 428ºF, 572ºF, 797ºF or 1112ºF
with Standard Socket0.040" to 0.250"
fitted with a standard thermocouple socket rated to either 428ºF, 572ºF, 797ºF or 1112ºF
with Micro die cast alloy head 0.125" to 0.188" dia.
Micro die cast alloy screw down terminal head with ceramic terminal block. Suitable for simplex and duplex assemblies
with Miniature IP67 die cast head 0.125" to 0.188" dia.
Weatherproof die cast alloy screw top terminal head with ceramic terminal block. Suitable for simplex and duplex assemblies
with Standard IP67 die cast head 0.188" to 0.250" dia.
Weatherproof die cast alloy screw top terminal head with ceramic terminal block. Suitable for simplex, duplex and triplex assemblies
with BUZ style flip top head0.188" to 0.250" dia.
Weatherproof die cast alloy screw down 'flip' terminal head (equivalent to DANA). Suitable for simplex, duplex and triplex assemblies
with die cast angled head0.188" to 0.250" dia.
Weatherproof die cast alloy, epoxy coated, angled terminal head. Suitable for simplex and duplex assemblies
with 316 Stainless Steel head 0.188" to 0.250" dia.
Weatherproof 316 stainless steel screw top terminal head with ceramic terminal block. Suitable for simplex and duplex assemblies
Thermocouple Type C - Accuracies and Output Data
| Conductor Combination | Approximate generated EMF change in µV per ºC change (referenced to 0ºC) at: |
Approximate Working Temperature Range |
Initial Calibration Tolerances to ASTM E-230 (whichever is greater) |
|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| + Leg | - Leg | 100ºC | 500ºC | 1000ºC | ºF | ºC | Standard | Special |
| Tungsten 5% Rhenium | Tungsten 26% Rhenium |
15 | 18 | 18 | 32 to 4200 | 0 to 2315 | ±4.4 or ±1% | - |
American color
International color Code to IEC 60584-3


