Type T Thermocouple - Technical Information
Type T - Copper vs Copper-Nickel
Thermocouple Type T, whose original name was Copper-Constantan, has found quite a niche for itself in laboratory temperature measurement over the range -250°C to 400°C - although above this the copper arm rapidly oxidises. Repeatability is excellent in the range -200°C to 200°C (±0.1°C). Points to watch out for include the high thermal conductivity of the copper arm, and the fact that the copper/nickel alloy used in the negative arm is not the same as that in Type J - so they’re not interchangeable.
Type T Thermocouples - Typical Constructions and Styles
Type T Mineral Insulated
Thermocouples

Type T Swaged Tip Thermocouple Probes

Type T Miniature Thermocouples

Type T Heavy Duty Thermocouples

General Purpose Type T Thermocouples

ATEX/IECEx Approved Type T Thermocouples

Type T - 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 |
COPPER |
COPPER - NICKEL Also known as: Constantan, Advance™, Cupron™ |
46 | – | – | 32 to 700 | 0 to 370 | ±1 or ±0.75% | ±0.5 or ±0.4% | Temperature Range Tolerance Value Temperature Range Tolerance Value |
–40°C to +125°C ±0.5°C 125°C to 350°C ±0.004⋅ |t| |
–40°C to +133°C ±1.0°C 133°C to 350°C ±0.0075 ⋅ |t| |
–67°C to +40°C ±1.0°C –200°C to –67°C ±0.015⋅ |t| |
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.
Thermocouple Wire Color Codes for T Type Thermocouples
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.



0.010" to 0.125" dia.

0.062" to 0.250" dia.

0.062" to 0.250" dia.

0.125" to 0.250" dia.

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





0.188" to 0.500"dia.


0.188" to 0.500"dia.

0.188" to 0.500"dia.


Type T Thermocouple Wire
There is a wide choice of thermocouple wire with various insulation materials, the choice of which is governed by the application and the ambient temperature wires will be exposed to:
Heat Resistant PVC Insulated Wire
Heat Resistant (HR) PVC is a popular choice for general use in the temperature range -22ºF to +220ºF. It is available in type t thermocouple in a wide variety of constructions from simple bellwire to shielded and armored types in virtually all of the thermocouple combinations. Flame Retardant PVC is also available.
PFA Insulated Wire
PFA is ideal for higher temperature applications up to 480ºF when PVC is not adequate. It is also excellent for temperatures down to -100ºF.
PFA will withstand attack from virtually all known chemicals, oils and fluids. All our PFA cables are made in extruded form and are therefore gas, steam and water tight which makes them most suitable for applicatiins such as autoclaves or sterilizers. We offer a wide variety of constructions from simple twisted pairs to shielded types in virtually all of the thermocouple combinations.
Fiberglass and Ceramic Fiber Insulated Wire
Excellent for high temperature applications up to 900ºF for Fiberglass, and 1475ºF for High Temperature Fiberglass and 2200ºF for Ceramic Fiber. They are suitable for use at normal air ambient temperatures where there is a possibility of a hot spot which might damage lower rated cables such as PVC or PFA.
We offer a wide variety of constructions from simple lapped and fiberglass braided to stainless steel braided types in virtually all of the thermocouple combinations.
XLPE Insulated Wire
These cables incorporate XLPE (Cross Linked Polyethylene) compound on the conductors and Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) material on the bedding and/or outer sheath. The sheathing materials used are Halogen free and the acidic gas which is evolved during combustion is less than 0.5% in accordance with IEC 60754-1. The mechanical properties of these cables meet the requirements of IEC 60811.
MICA/XLPE Insulated Wire
Resistant to a temperature of 1380°F for at least three hours in accordance with the flame test requirements of IEC 60331. These cables are essential for situations where it is of strategic importance to ensure that the cable continues to function during a major crisis involving fire. The cable incorporates a high temperature rated Mica glass tape with a XLPE (Cross Linked Polyethylene) insulation on the conductors and Low Smoke Zero Halogen material on the bedding and/or outer sheath. Sheathing materials are Halogen free.