Methods for distinguishing thermocouple compensation wire calibration numbers

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There are some thermocouple compensation wires that remain after use; since they are stored together, it’s difficult to distinguish their calibration numbers. Here are two relatively simple methods for identifying different types of thermocouple compensation wires. Method 1: Look at the color of their insulation layer, as this color is standard across the country. The purpose of thermocouple compensation wires is to extend the thermal electrodes, thereby moving the cold end of the thermocouple, and to connect it with the measuring instrument to form a temperature measurement system. This product complies with the international standard IEC584-3 \"Thermocouples – Part 3: Compensation wires,\" and its quality is superior to that specified in the standard GB4989-85 \"Compensation wires for thermocouples.\" The insulation layer and protective coating are made from high-quality imported fluoroplastics, and a new process of continuous overall extrusion is employed, giving this product excellent resistance to acids, alkalis, wear, and flame; it can be used for extended periods in oil and water environments. The operating temperature ranges from -60 to 205 to 260°C, which is at the international advanced level of today. The product is mainly used in various temperature measurement devices, and has been widely applied in industries such as petroleum, chemicals, metallurgy, and power generation. Main technical specifications: The types of compensation wires are classified according to the product variety as SC, KC, KX, EX, JX, TX. Here, the first letter of the type corresponds to the calibration number of the thermocouple; the letter “X” denotes an extended-type compensation wire, while the letter “C” denotes a compensating-type compensation wire. Product standards: Thermocouple compensation wires: GB/T4989-94; Thermocouple compensation cables: Q/320831SQL07-96. Usage characteristics: Operating temperature range: Heat resistance levels of -65~+200°C and -65~+260°C ； Standard grade: two options, -40~+70°C and -40~+105°C ； Minimum bending radius: Compensation wire: not less than 8 times the outer diameter of the wire ； Compensation cable: When armored, it shall be not less than 12 times the outer diameter of the cable; when unarmored, it shall be not less than 6 times the outer diameter of the cable ； Positive pole, Negative pole, Positive pole, Negative pole. BC: B; Platinum-rhodium 30 – Platinum-rhodium 6; Copper, Copper. Red, Gray. SC: S; Platinum-rhodium 10 – Platinum; SPC (Copper), SNC (Copper-nickel 0.6). Red, Green. RC: R; Platinum-rhodium 13 – Platinum; RPC (Copper), RNC (Copper-nickel 0.6). Red, Green. KCA: K; Nickel-chromium – Nickel-silicon; KPCA (Iron), KNCA (Copper-nickel 22). Red, Blue. KCB: KPCB (Copper), KNCB (Copper-nickel 40). Red, Blue. KX: KPX (Nickel-chromium 10), KNX (Nickel-silicon 3). Red, Black. NC: N; Nickel-chromium-silicon – Nickel-silicon; NPC (Iron), NNC (Copper-nickel 18). Red, Gray. NX: NPX (Nickel-chromium 14 silicon), NNX (Nickel-silicon 4). Red, Gray. EX: E; Nickel-silicon – Copper-nickel; EPX (Nickel-chromium 10), ENX (Copper-nickel 45). Red, Brown. JX: J; Iron – Copper-nickel; JPX (Iron), JNX (Copper-nickel 45). Red, Purple. TX: T; Copper – Copper-nickel; TPX (Copper), TNX (Copper-nickel 45). Red, White. Method 2: When the color is no longer very clear, it is possible to determine the type using the voltage method in accordance with the ITS-90 standard. Short-circuit one end of the thermocouple compensation wire and place it in boiling water; then use a multimeter with high precision to measure the voltage at the other end of the thermocouple wire.