SGS Standard K Type Thermocouple Cable With Silver Plated Copper Wire Screen

The Type K thermocouple is composed of a Nickel-10% chromium (+) wire versus a nickel-5% aluminum and silicon (-) wire. This type of thermocouple should only be used in oxidizing or inert atmospheres with a service temperature range between -200°C and 1260°C (-330°F to 2300°F). They are most widely used at temperatures above 540'C (1000"F) due to superior oxidation resistance in comparison to Types E, T, or J. There are some conditions which should be avoided when using Type K thermocouples. Vacuum applications should not use Type K due to vaporization of chromium in the positive element. Type K thermocouples should not be used in Sulfurous environments since both elements will rapidly corrode and the negative element will eventually fail mechanically due to becoming brittle. Reducing atmospheres should also be avoided. Low oxygen levels can cause the Green-Rot phenomenon in which the chromium in the elements starts to oxidize causing large negative drifts in calibration.