What is a Type J Thermocouple? - Technical Information
Type J - Copper vs Copper-Nickel
Thermocouple Type J, commonly referred to as Iron/Constantan, is one of the few thermocouples that can be used safely in reducing atmospheres. However, in oxidising atmospheres above 550°C, degradation is rapid. Maximum continuous operating temperature is around 800°C, although for short term use, temperatures up to 1,000°C can be handledby the sensor. Minimum temperature is -210°C, but beware of condensation at temperatures below ambient - rusting of the iron arm can result, as well as low temperature embrittlement. Type J thermocouples have been widely adopted in the plastics machinery industry with typical styles including bayonet thermocouples, nozzle thermocouples, washer and melt bolt thermocouples.
Type J Thermocouples - Typical Constructions and Styles
Type J Mineral InsulatedThermocouples

Rugged sensors, ideal for most applications. Vast choice of terminations e.g. pot seals, cables, connectors, heads etc.
Type J Swaged TipThermocouples

Fast response metal sheathed thermocouples sheathed for industrial and other applications.
J Type MiniatureThermocouples

Ideal for precision temperature measurements where minimal displacement and a fast response is required.
Type J Heavy DutyThermocouples

For industrial applications such as furnaces, kilns, ovens, boilers, flues etc. Many types of sheath material available.
General PurposeType J Thermocouples

A wide range of thermocouple probes to suit many measuring applications. Hand held, surface, bayonet, bolt, patch styles etc.
ATEX/IECEx ApprovedType J Thermocouples

A large range of high specification thermocouple sensors with a variety of terminations such as pot seal, terminal heads etc.
Type J Thermocouple - Technical 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) |
Thermocouple Output Tolerances to IEC 60584-1 |
||||||||
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+ Leg | - Leg | 100ºC | 500ºC | 1000ºC | ºF | ºC | Standard | Special | Type | Class 1 | Class 2 | Class 3 |
IRON (magnetic) Also known as: Fe | COPPER - NICKEL Also known as: Nickel-Copper, Constantan, Advance™, Cupron™ |
54 | 56 | 59 | 32 to 1400 | 0 to 760 | ±2.2 or ±0.75% | ±1.1 or ±0.4% | Temperature Range Tolerance Value Temperature Range Tolerance Value |
–40°C to +375°C ±1.5°C 375°C to 750°C ±0.004⋅ |t| |
–40°C to +333°C ±2.5°C 333°C to 750°C ±0.0075 ⋅ |t| |
N/A |
1. The tolerance is expressed either as a deviation in degrees Celsius or as a function of the actual temperature.
2. Thermocouple materials are normally supplied to meet the tolerances specified in the table for temperatures above –40 deg C. These materials however, may not fall within the tolerances for low temperatures given under Class 3 for Types T, E and K thermocouples. If thermocouples are required to meet limits of Class 3, as well as those of Class 1 and/or Class 2, the purchaser should state this, as selection of materials is usually required.
A thermocouple is a simple device that generates a small voltage according to the seebeck effect.
What Color is Type J Thermocouple Wire?
ANSI MC96.1 United States | International
Color Code to IEC 60584-3 |
Redundant national colors | ||
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Thermocouple Grade | Extension Grade | BS 1843 | DIN 43714 | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
Please click here for all thermocouple wire color codes.
Common J Type Thermocouple Sensors for Temperature Measurement Applications
Thermocouples with Basic End Seal 0.010" to 0.313" dia.

a large selection of plain and threaded pot seals supplied with tails or extension lead (PVC, PFA, Fiberglass etc.)
Thermocouple Probes with Miniature Plug 0.010" to 0.125" dia.
fitted with a miniature thermocouple plug rated to either 428ºF, 572ºF, 797ºF or 1112ºF
Thermocouples with Miniature Jack0.010" to 0.125" dia.

fitted with a miniature thermocouple jack rated to either 428ºF, 572ºF, 797ºF or 1112ºF
with Standard Plug0.062" to 0.250" dia.

fitted with a standard thermocouple plug rated to either 428ºF, 572ºF, 797ºF or 1112ºF
with Standard Jack0.062" to 0.250" dia.

fitted with a standard thermocouple jack rated to either 428ºF, 572ºF, 797ºF or 1112ºF
with Lemo Connector0.125" to 0.250" dia.

or jack connection with Terminal Entry Gland
0.040" to 0.313" dia.



