Though we all understand the basics of temperature – high temperatures are hot, low temperatures are cold – there is quite a lot that goes into the process. For instance, temperature is defined as the energy level of matter that can be read by a change in that matter. To measure these changes, temperature measuring sensors are required. If you are new to the world of temperature measurement, there are several devices and sensors that can help achieve a consistent, accurate measurement.

Thermocouples

When you go looking for a temperature measurer from RS, there is a huge array of options to choose from. Perhaps the most common is the thermocouple. These are basically voltage devices that work to measure temperature by reading a change in voltage. When the temperature goes up, the output voltage in the thermocouple will rise.

Most thermocouples you find, like any other form of tech, are made of either ceramic or metal. The shield protects the thermocouple from exposure to a huge array of environmental hazards. Metal-sheathed thermocouples can also come with an additional outer coating. Teflon is perhaps the most common since it can be used for stronger acidic and caustic solutions.

Resistive Measuring Devices

Another type of temperature measuring sensor is a resistive temperature device. Like thermocouples, these are also electrical. That said, instead of using voltage in the way that thermocouples do, resistive temperature devices make use of another factor that can help to easily detect temperature – resistance.

There are two types of resistive temperature devices you are going to run into. The first is a thermistor and the other is a resistive temperature device (RTD). The latter is more linear than thermocouples, increasing in a positive direction showing resistance going up as the temperature climbs. Thermistors, meanwhile, use a nonlinear semiconductor that decreases resistance when the temperature goes up.

Infrared Sensors

Compared to most of the other major temperature sensors, infrared sensors don’t require contact to get a reading. If you were to hold up an infrared sensor to your desk, the temperature would make a reading based on the radiation given off by the the subject.

That said, if you are measuring ice water with a non-contact device, the reading should come back as slightly under 0 degrees Celsius, but this is due to evaporation. Evaporation will lower the expected temperature reading compared to other sensor types. Which kind you need depends on the application; some require physical contact while others can be done from a safe distance away rather than

Bimetallic

As the name implies, this kind of temperature measurement device uses two metals and their expansion qualities when they are heated. The two metals within this device are bonded together, and then mechanically linked at a point. When that piece becomes heated, one side of the strip will start to expand more than the other. When these sensors have been geared properly into a point, the device will make a temperature measurement in short order.

These are great for two reasons. For one, they are very portable. Keeping a temperature-sensing device on hand is both easy and convenient. On top of that, a bimetallic temperature sensor is completely free from a power supply. That said, they really aren’t as good from an accuracy standpoint as those with power supplies are.

Getting a reliable, efficient, quick temperature measurement can be important reason to won at least one of these. For that reason, having a reliable temperature measurement unit can handle getting those necessary measurements without having to carry around some cumbersome or ineffective measurement device. Get at least a few of these temperature measurement tools and be prepared for it all.