Type S Thermocouples

The best high-temperature thermocouple is type S

• Best thermocouple for constant high-fire (Cone 8 to Cone 10) applications is a Type S platinum thermocouple with an alumina sheath.

• Recommended for the most extreme conditions (like firing crystalline glazes) because of its expense - or if the value or precision of your work is such that you do not want to risk thermocouple drift.

Description

• Platinum / Platinum-Rhodium metal

• 5/16" OD alumina sheath

• Ungrounded

• Two available lengths: 120mm (4.75") and 160mm (6.3")

• Termination is in a ceramic terminal block.

Technical information

1. Type S thermocouples are composed of a positive leg which is 90% platinum and 10% Rhodium, and a negative leg which is 100% platinum.
2. It is usable from 32°F to 2700°F. (0°C to 1480°C).
3. It has a different EMF output than Type K thermocouples (meaning the same temperature will produce different voltages to the control which must then be interpreted differently).
4. That different scale requires both a simple hardware configuration change and a software change to take effect so it can not be done inadvertently.
5. At temperatures used in pottery kilns (even the highest 2350°F) these thermocouples can last for a very long time (as long as they are not mechanically broken).

Retrofitting a control with Type K Thermocouples

1. This is not a retrofittable option on DynaTrols used before Jan 1, 2006.
2. On the 700 DynaTrol boards or Genesis control it is possible to switch from Type K to Type S with a programming change and a jumper change.
3. You MUST also change the thermocouple extension wire from Type K wire to Type S wire.

Important Note when replacing a control when using a Type S Thermocouple

1. If you have a Type S thermocouple or are retrofitting an older kiln with a Type S thermocouple the control must be configured for use with Type S thermocouples. If not the kiln could seriously overfire and meltdown. See this for more information...