Decide on the right thermocouple transmitters for your business by analyzing the features you want. Some thermocouple temperature transmitters are portable and compact; some are battery powered, stand-alone devices. There are high temperature thermocouple and low temperature thermocouple transmitters. The purpose of all is to send readings back to a computer where the data can be analyzed.

Based on your need for temperature transmitters, thermocouple devices range from inexpensive sensors to more expensive isolated, programmable models. You also should look at models that have plug-in readouts, special switches and software that will allow your computer to record and chart temperature data. Some software also permits the storage and comparison of the data over time.

Thermocouple transmitter distributors offer many models with different features and prices. When shopping for thermocouple transmitters, keep the following points in mind:

1. What type of thermocouple sensor does your business need?

2. What user-friendly features are available?

3. Where can you acquire high-quality thermocouple temperature transmitters?

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Sample different types of thermocouple temperature measurement devices

Thermocouple transmitters come with a variety of features. Request samples of the ones that seem most appropriate for your business needs. Check the accessibility, durability and other qualities most important to your specific usage.

I recommend: Thermo Sensors Corporation specializes in thermocouple transmitters. You'll find a general description and product information about industrial thermocouples. Links in the left column provide an introduction to thermocouple transmitters, technical data and details on installation and maintenance. At the Indumart website, you'll find four different types of temperature transmitters: in-head, indicating, rail-mount and compact.

Buy thermocouple transmitters with user-friendly features

Thermocouple transmitter manufacturers offer models with a variety of user-friendly features such as wireless, miniature, remote programming, electronic computer interface, 'hockey-puck' models, rail mounting and insertion. Select from available features to make the device right for your business.

I recommend: Omega Engineering makes miniature thermocouple transmitters in the four most popular types (J, K, T and E). Find the product information, which includes temperature ranges for each device. You can build a transmitter using the part number builder application at the bottom of the page. At Temperature & Process Instruments you can find a large inventory of thermocouple sensors. In addition to the head-mounted models, the online catalog provides product information about programmable, hand held, and bench-use devices.

Invest in high-end thermocouple transmitters

Several distributors carry top of the line thermocouple transmitters. Check their catalogs for models that work best for your projects. When figuring costs remember that measurement, recording, and analysis involves a computer interface software, so be prepared to invest in that as well.

I recommend: The TIP Temperature Products website provides detailed specifications, including how to program, for several top-shelf devices. Smart Sensors makes high-end industrial thermocouple transmitters in a variety of styles. The website also contains technical information and sketches.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Don't forget that your thermocouple transmitter interfaces with a computer for recording and analysis temperature data. Have your IT specialist install and test the software.