Type B Thermocouple (Platinum Rhodium – 30% / Platinum Rhodium – 6%): The Type B thermocouple is used in extremely high
temperature applications. It has the highest temperature limit of all of the thermocouples listed above. It maintains a high level
of accuracy and stability at very high temperatures. The type B has a lower output than the other noble metals (type R & type S)
at temperatures below 1,112F (600C).
Type B Temperature Range:
* Thermocouple grade wire, 32 to 3100F (0 to 1700C)
* Extension wire, 32 to 212F (0 to 100C)
Accuracy (whichever is greater):
* Standard: +/- 0.5%
* Special Limits of Error: +/- 0.25%
Type R Thermocouple (Platinum Rhodium -13% / Platinum): The Type R is used in very high temperature applications. It has a higher
percentage of Rhodium than the Type S, which makes it more expensive. The Type R is very similar to the Type S in terms of
performance. It is sometimes used in lower temperature applications because of its high accuracy and stability. Type R has a
slightly higher output and improved stability over the type S.
Type R Temperature Range:
* Thermocouple grade wire, -58 to 2700F (-50 to 1480C)
* Extension wire, 32 to 392F (0 to 200C)
Accuracy (whichever is greater):
* Standard: +/- 1.5C or +/- .25%
* Special Limits of Error: +/- 0.6C or 0.1%
Type S Thermocouple (Platinum Rhodium - 10% / Platinum): The Type S is used in very high temperature applications. It is commonly
found in the BioTech and Pharmaceutical industries. It is sometimes used in lower temperature applications because of its high
accuracy and stability. The type S is often used with a ceramic protection tube.
Type S Temperature Range:
* Maximum continuous operating temperature: up to 2,912F (1600C)
* Short term use: up to 3,092F (1,700C)
* Thermocouple grade wire, -58 to 2700F (-50 to 1480C)
* Extension wire, 32 to 392F (0 to 200C)
ccuracy (whichever is greater):
* Standard: +/- 1.5C or +/- .25%
* Special Limits of Error: +/- 0.6C or 0.1%
Consideration for bare wire type J thermocouple applications:
* The Type S can be used in inert and oxidizing atmospheres up to 2,912F (1600C) continuously and up 3,092F (1,700C) for short
term use.
