How to Apply Thermocouples

Making sure your thermocouples are applied properly will give you more accurate readings. Thermocouples are temperature sensors made of two different metals. When these two metals are joined together at the end and heated, they give off two different electrical signals. The difference in these two signals is converted into temperature when the calibration has been set correctly. The thermocouple must be applied properly or it will not provide the correct temperature. While there are many different types of thermocouples, and different ways to apply them, the most common are bare wire thermocouples. The best way to apply them is to use thermally conductive adhesive.

Things You'll Need

• Thermocouple
• Wire cutters
• Lead solder
• Soldering iron
• Thermally conductive adhesive tape

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Cut both wires to the appropriate length using the wire cutters and strip 1/2 inch of insulation off the end. Twist the wire ends together.

   • 2

     Solder together bare wire ends. Do not apply too much solder; melt just enough lead solder to join the ends.

   • 3

     Cut a 1-inch length of tape and place the bare ends on the middle of the adhesive. Apply the tape to the surface to be measured. If the tape does not stick, wipe down the surface with alcohol and apply a new piece of tape.