Temperature Sensor
Contact And Non-Contact Varieties Of Temperature Sensors
Generally temperature sensors fall into two distinct categories, defined as contact and non-contact. It must be remembered that sensors and particularly those that measure temperature inherently have problems with accuracy. What is important to recognise is that the discrepancy estimates should be accurate and many readings should be made in order for the final results to have decent levels of accuracy.
Part of this is to calibrate your temperature sensors whether they are contact or non-contact with a known temperature, by doing this you can minimise any discrepancies in the readings, making your measurement extremely accurate; this process is fundamentally important before any measurement can take place.
Contact temperature sensors essentially measure their own temperature at any given time. They do this by creating a thermal equilibrium between the sensor and the substance being measured. Thermal equilibrium simply means that the two bodies have no heat flowing between them and are hence the same temperature. There are however a variety of errors that can occur when using these types of sensors, for instance surfaces are especially hard to measure with contact sensors, in such instances a non-contact method is more avoidable.
Contact sensors are by far the norm for temperature measurement in science and industry. Types of contact sensor include thermocouples and thermometers. Thermocouples use an electrical current with specific resistance levels that through variations of this resistance can measure temperature; this is widely termed the Seebeck effect. Out of the temperature sensors utilised in science and industry thermocouples are some of the most widely used due to their ease of operation, relative inexpensiveness and their ability to measure across a wide spectrum.
Thermometers as a means of measuring temperature differ greatly, not only in terms of accuracy but in terms of operation. Of course there is the most widely used sensor in the world the liquid glass thermometer; the one that measured your fever when you were a child. As well as these however there are filled system thermometers used in ovens to regulate cooking temperatures as well as bimetallic thermometers that have two metals contained within them that measure at different rates. However there is no need to use an expensive thermometer, it is even possible to measure temperature with the use of materials that change state at certain temperatures, scientifically these are known as phase change devices.
Less widespread is the use of non-contact sensors, as a result the manufacture and use of these devices is less standardised than the contact type. The situation is changing however; in the medical profession the use of the infra red ear thermometer is becoming extensive as a more efficient and effective way of gaining patient temperatures. The lack of standardisation of other forms of non-contact sensors has meant that they are struggling to be utilised across a wide variety of industry sectors.
Fundamentally they work on the principles of Plank’s law; that is the thermal emission of radiation, although the names given to this type of sensors are extremely varied, adding to the confusion that surrounds their usage. Names such as pyrometer, radiometer and thermal imager are most common but are in no way a comprehensive list for this type of temperature sensor.
Today temperature sensors are used in all manner of industries and professions. Naturally the medical profession uses both varieties of sensor extensively but those in the manufacturing of foodstuffs such as the fermenting process as well as the manufacture of goods also use thermal measurement regularly. The large number of different varieties stands testament to the importance of this piece of equipment in the world currently, fundamental is that they should be calibrated so that accurate measurements can be made.
About the Author
Equipment expert Thomas Pretty looks into the different types of temperature sensors and the industries that use them.
Is there a temperature sensor that needs to be mounted to the collector on the solar panel?
Is there a temperature sensor that needs to be mounted to the copper pipes on the solar panels so that the temperature of the panels can be sent to the Differential temperature control so that the pump can be cycled on and off? If so, what is it called?
Generally, a thermister or thermocouple, but you need to look on the specs for the control for what it uses and where it needs to be mounted.
Ardunio with DS18S20 Temperature Sensor Test
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La Crosse Technology TX6U Wireless Temperature Sensor $12.72 Many modern homes have up-to-date clocks or mini weather stations that depend on radio-transmitted data to stay calibrated and current. The La Crosse TX6U works outdoors by sensing temperature and transmitting that information to an indoor station. It can transmit to a base up to 80 feet away. The TX6U can be added to augment information coming to La Crosse units already in operation. Remove batte… |
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La Crosse Technology TX29U-IT 915 MHz Wireless Temperature Sensor $9.66 * IN or OUT Temp Sensor * Weather Resistant… |
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Oregon Scientific THGR122NX Wireless Temperature and Humidity Sensor $40.00 Thermo-Hygro Sensor… |
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Tenergy Smart Universal Charger for NiMH / NiCd Battery pack 7.2V – 12V with charging current Selection/Temperature Sensor $21.85 Accessories Included * 1 standard Tamiya Female connector and Fuse house with the smart battery charger. Smart Charger Specification * FOR 6V-12V NI-MH/NI-CD BATTERY PACK 6-10PCS BATTERY Operatio… |
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Head Temperature Sensor $6.99 Spektrum Head Temperature Sensor… |
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Battery/Motor Temperature Sensor $6.99 Spektrum Battery/Motor Temperature Sensor… |
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TEMPer USB Thermometer w/ Alerts $12.75 Monitor the temperature with a USB thermometer. The included software takes temperature readings, records them, and graphs them. Set temperature for Fahrenheit or Celsius, and adjust the intervals at which temperature is read. It can even email you alerts when the temp goes over a limit you specify!… |
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Digital DOC5 System Temperature Monitoring, 8 Sensor, LCD Display $49.95 Simultaneously gauge the temperature, monitor voltage, and monitor fans of up to eight different system devices. Safeguard your system from overheating and protect your valuable data or hardware. Supports for Hi-Performance 120mm fans. Scan all temperatures and RPM speeds continuously. Monitoring temperature range: 0-100 degrees C. No batteries required, connects directly to your equipment’s … |
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Single Temp Sensor 10FT Cable Length $55.07 Item #: Q96067. Marketing description is not available. Product Description: Raritan DPX-T1 – temperature sensorProduct Type: Temperature sensorLength: 10 ft Customers also search for: Discount Raritan DPX-T1 – Temperature Sensor, Buy Raritan DPX-T1 – Temperature Sensor, Wholesale Raritan DPX-T1 – Temperature Sensor, 0785813803900, DPX-T1, Temperature and Humidity Sensors… |
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Tenergy Smart Universal Charger for NiMH / NiCd Battery pack 7.2V – 12V with charging current Selection/Temperature Sensor $17.99 Accessories Included * 1 standard Tamiya Female connector and Fuse house with the smart battery charger. Smart Charger Specification * FOR 6V-12V NI-MH/NI-CD BATTERY PACK 6-10PCS BATTERY Operatio… |
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APC Temperature Sensor AP9335T $86.44 APC Temperature Sensor AP9335T |
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APC Temperature Sensor AP9512TBLK $86.44 APC Temperature Sensor AP9512TBLK |
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TEMPERATURE/HUMIDITY SENSOR FORENVIROMU $83.99 TEMPERATURE/HUMIDITY SENSOR FORENVIROMU |
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SENSOR – DIGITAL TEMPERATURE $25 SENSOR – DIGITAL TEMPERATURE |
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IMS MINI -TEMPERATURE SENSOR $74.99 IMS MINI -TEMPERATURE SENSOR |
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TEMPERATURE/HUMIDITY/AIRFLOW SENSOR $109.99 TEMPERATURE/HUMIDITY/AIRFLOW SENSOR |
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TEMPERATURE HUMIDITY-SENSOR 1C16334G16 $434.99 TEMPERATURE HUMIDITY-SENSOR 1C16334G16 |
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SENSOR – DIGITAL TEMPERATURE AND HUMIDI $61.99 SENSOR – DIGITAL TEMPERATURE AND HUMIDI |
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Temperature Sensor f/ DCM100 $17.39 Maretron Temperature Sensor f/ DCM100 |
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Lantronix Temperature and Humidity Sensor SLPM1TH1001 $84.31 Lantronix Temperature and Humidity Sensor SLPM1TH1001 |
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APC External Temperature Sensor NBTS0100 $85.89 APC External Temperature Sensor NBTS0100 |
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REMOTE TEMPERATURE AND AIR FLOW SENSOR $70 REMOTE TEMPERATURE AND AIR FLOW SENSOR |
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REMOTE TEMPERATURE SENSOR 20′ CORD $28.99 REMOTE TEMPERATURE SENSOR 20′ CORD |
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TEMPERATURE/HUMIDITY SENSOR ENVIROMUX-S $108.99 TEMPERATURE/HUMIDITY SENSOR ENVIROMUX-S |
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Raritan DPX-T1 Single Temperature Sensor $51.24 Raritan DPX-T1 Single Temperature Sensor |
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EP-80R Thru-Hull Temperature Sensor $67.34 Lowrance EP-80R Thru-Hull Temperature Sensor |
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Speed Temperature Sensor for GST 10 $137.99 Garmin Speed Temperature Sensor for GST 10 |
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TurboXS DTEC Air Temperature Sensor $98.99 TurboXS DTEC Air Temperature Sensor The DTEC-AIRT sensor allows for an air temperature measurement when used in conjunction with the DTEC. |
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HAI Water Temperature Sensor $66.99 Water Temperature Sensor Stainless steel mounting screws Waterproof connectors Water Temperature Sensor Lumina home control system Lumina Pro home control system Omni LT home control system Omni II home control system Omni IIe home control system OmniPro II home control system 14A008 www.homeauto.com This temperature sensor is used to monitor the temperature of pools, spas, aquatic ponds, and greenhouses. The temperature sensing device is potted in a stainless steel probe. It is designed specifically to monitor water temperature from the return/source and then report that information back to an HAI Omni Family controller. Home Automation, Inc Water Temperature Sensor HAI |
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Temperature Remote Sensor $19.96 - Oregon Scientific accessory temperature remote sensor- For use with multiple Oregon Scientific weather models including OR-BAR386 and OR-DP200A- Llow-cost sensor with an water-resistant casing and a battery cover that’s easy to slip on and off- Can be s |
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Vernier Go!Temp Temperature Sensor – ?0.5% Temperature Accuracy $44.85 Vernier Go!Temp Temperature Sensor – ?0.5% Temperature Accuracy |
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APC Temperature & Humidity Sensor $114.99 Temperature & Humidity Sensor Installation Guide Temperature & Humidity Sensor 0.20″ Height x 0.20″ Width x 0.24″ Depth AP9335TH www.apc.com 2 Year 6.35 oz – Net 0 ft to 9842.52 ft Operating 0 ft to 49212.60 ft Storage Black 0 to 95% Relative Humidity Operating 0 to 95% Relative Humidity Storage American Power Conversion Corp Temperature & Humidity Sensor 32°F (0°C) to 131°F (55°C) Operating 5°F (-15°C) to 149°F (65°C) Storage APC |
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APC Temperature & Humidity Sensor Black AP9512THBLK $127.89 APC Temperature & Humidity Sensor Black AP9512THBLK |
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APC LCD Digital Temperature Sensor Black AP9520T $185.11 APC LCD Digital Temperature Sensor Black AP9520T |
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Humminbird TS-W Speed / Temperature Sensor Transducers $48.74 Humminbird TS-W Speed / Temperature Sensor Transducers |
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Temperature Sensor $78.99 APC sets the standard in its industry for quality innovation and support. Its comprehensive solutions which are designed for both home and corporate environments improve the manageability availability and performance of sensitive electronic … |
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Raritan DPX-T1H1 Single Combo Temperature and Humidity Sensor $109.99 Raritan DPX-T1H1 Single Combo Temperature and Humidity Sensor |
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Hai Water Temperature Sensor $91.16 this Temperature Sensor Is Used To Monitor The Temperature Of Pools, Spas, Aquatic Ponds, And Greenhouses. The Temperature Sensing Device Is Potted In A Stainless Steel Probe. It Is Designed Specifically To Monitor Water Temperature From The Return/source And Then Report That Information Back To An Hai Omni Family Controller. *Brand Name: Hai [Y97025] UPC: 872257000146 UNSPC: 41112200 4L x 2W x 2H 3 LB |
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APC Temperature Sensor $78.99 Temperature Sensor 2.52″ Height x 1.50″ Width x 0.87″ Depth AP9512TBLK www.apc.com Monitor temperature levels within a rack or room. 3.88 oz 0 ft to 9842.52 ft Operating 0 ft to 29527.56 ft Storage Black 0 to 95% Relative Humidity Operating 0 to 95% Relative Humidity Storage American Power Conversion Corp Temperature Sensor 32°F (0°C) to 113°F (45°C) Operating 5°F (-15°C) to 149°F (65°C) Storage APC |
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HKS VPC Air Temperature Sensor Universal $64.99 HKS VPC Air Temperature Sensor UniversalAir Temperature Sensor for VPC and PFC F-CON |
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Temperature & Humidity Sensor with Display $223.99 Monitor temperature and humidity levels within a rack or room. Easily view temperature and humidity status with the LCD display. |
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BWD Coolant Temperature Sensor – WT7211 $47.09 MPN #WT7211. BWD Coolant Temperature Sensor. Most Sensors products are available for in-store pickup from Advance Auto Parts. |
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BWD Coolant Temperature Sensor – WT3058 $22.99 MPN #WT3058. BWD Coolant Temperature Sensor. Most Sensors products are available for in-store pickup from Advance Auto Parts. |
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BWD Coolant Temperature Sensor – WT3000 $18.99 MPN #WT3000. BWD Coolant Temperature Sensor. Most Sensors products are available for in-store pickup from Advance Auto Parts. |
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BWD Coolant Temperature Sensor – WT5141 $18.39 MPN #WT5141. BWD Coolant Temperature Sensor. Most Sensors products are available for in-store pickup from Advance Auto Parts. |
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BWD Coolant Temperature Sensor – WT5044 $30.49 MPN #WT5044. BWD Coolant Temperature Sensor. Most Sensors products are available for in-store pickup from Advance Auto Parts. |
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BWD Coolant Temperature Sensor – WT5151 $26.29 MPN #WT5151. BWD Coolant Temperature Sensor. Most Sensors products are available for in-store pickup from Advance Auto Parts. |
