SEIKOM Electronic - TÜV-certified quality for over 30 years. Trust in our experience.

30 years of experience | TÜV-tested quality | ISO9001-certified | Shipping within 24 hours | Contact us now

New white paper
Now available: Free white paper on our latest measurement and control technologies!
Download here!

Resistance thermometers - high-precision temperature sensors


Resistance thermometers, often referred to as resistance temperature detectors (RTDs), are highly accurate temperature sensors that are used in numerous industrial applications. They utilize the property that the electrical resistance of certain metals, such as platinum, varies with temperature. The temperature is determined by the decrease or increase in resistance, which allows you to make an informed assessment - without compromise. The reliable measuring instruments are known for their accuracy, durability and stability, making them ideal for precision-critical processes.

Welcome to Shopify Store

I act like:

View as

Rely on experts for resistance thermometers

At SEIKOM Electronic, we offer an ever-growing product portfolio of resistance thermometers for a wide range of industrial requirements. Our selection is based on over 30 years of experience in the field of innovative measurement and control technology. With our expertise, we have reliable solutions for you and your personal requirements for various temperature measurement tasks. Take a look at our selection and find the right resistance thermometer for your specific requirements.

We are also your first point of contact when it comes to pressure measurement with pressure transmitters or the integration of heating, ventilation and air conditioning devices. We also offer a large portfolio of measurement and control technology with Safety Integrity Level(SIL) and for potentially explosive atmospheres (ATEX).

What can you expect from resistance thermometers?

Resistance thermometers are precise measuring devices that are used in industrial applications to measure temperatures. They are based on the principle that the electrical resistance of a material changes with temperature. Typically, metals such as platinum, nickel or copper are used, with platinum being the material of choice due to its chemical resistance and accuracy.

The measuring resistor is located in the sensor tip. The electrical resistance is measured at this point, allowing direct conclusions to be drawn about the ambient temperature.

Volume flow

What are the advantages of resistance thermometers?

Resistance thermometers score first and foremost with their high accuracy and reliability. These remarkable properties are crucial wherever precise temperature control is required in industry and the safety and quality of the end product is at stake. Today, they are therefore an indispensable component in industrial control and monitoring systems.

Further advantages of the smart temperature sensors:

  • Long-term stability with reduced need for frequent calibration and maintenance
  • Typically designed for wide temperature ranges from -200 °C to over 600 °C
  • Linear temperature-resistance relationship, which simplifies temperature measurement and processing
  • Highly robust against environmental influences, even under harsh industrial conditions
  • Easy integration into existing industrial systems
  • Compatibility with digital control systems via interface options such as 4-20 mA outputs or digital bus connections

What types of resistance thermometers are there?

Basically, you can choose between different variants. The differences lie primarily in the use of the metal, but not exclusively. In addition to nickel resistance thermometers and copper resistance thermometers, you will also find thin-film and thick-film resistance thermometers and wire-wound resistance thermometers. Probably the most important, however, are the Pt100 and Pt1000 platinum resistance thermometers.

Platinum resistance thermometers (Pt100 and Pt1000)

The platinum option is one of the most widely used resistance thermometers in the industry. They use platinum as a resistance material because it is very stable, precise and linear over a wide temperature range. The Pt100 has a nominal resistance of 100 ohms at 0 °C, while the Pt1000 has 1000 ohms. They are particularly suitable for applications that require very high accuracy, such as in laboratories or in the manufacture of pharmaceutical products.

Nickel resistance thermometer

Nickel resistance thermometers are a more cost-effective alternative to platinum sensors and have good properties for standard applications. However, they have a slightly lower temperature range and are less stable than platinum thermometers.

Copper resistance thermometer

Similar to nickel, copper thermometers are popular due to their low price and good thermal properties. However, they are less stable than platinum and nickel sensors due to the oxidation of the metal at higher temperatures and the resulting drift. Their use is usually limited to less critical and cost-sensitive applications.

Balco resistance thermometer

Balco sensors are a special type of resistance thermometer that use an alloy of nickel and iron. They exhibit good linearity and are robust against environmental influences. Balco resistance thermometers are particularly useful in industrial applications where strong vibrations and other mechanical influences can occur.

Thin-film and thick-film resistance thermometers

The technologies used here allow production with very small dimensions and a high response speed. Thin-film thermometers are manufactured by evaporating or sputtering platinum onto a substrate, while thick-film thermometers use a platinum paste that is applied to ceramic substrates and then fired. Both types are ideal for applications where fast response times and miniaturization are required.

Wire-wound resistance thermometers

Wire-wound resistance thermometers use a finely wound wire made of a temperature-dependent material, predominantly platinum, which is mounted on a non-conductive material. They are characterized by their very high accuracy and stability, but are also more expensive and more susceptible to mechanical damage compared to other models. They are often used in scientific and high-precision applications.

Selection criteria for resistance thermometers

  • Measuring range:The temperature range required for the application must be covered.
  • Accuracy:Depending on the process requirements, sensors with the appropriate accuracy must be selected.
  • Material construction:The materials must be suitable for use in the respective environmental conditions.
  • Design:From thin films to wire windings, the design should be selected for the specific application.
  • Connection type:Whether with plugs, cables or head mounting, the connection options must match the installation environment.
  • Certifications:Certificates such as ATEX for potentially explosive atmospheres may be required.

Application areas of resistance thermometers

Resistance thermometers are used in a variety of industries and scenarios where accurate temperature measurement is required:

  1. Chemical industry:Monitoring of process temperatures in reaction vessels and distillation columns.
  2. Pharmaceutical industry:Ensuring precise temperature control in laboratories and in the production of medicines.
  3. Food industry:Temperature monitoring in food production and storage for quality assurance.
  4. Oil and gas:Temperature measurement in extraction and refinery processes.
  5. Power generation:Monitoring of operating temperatures in cooling systems and turbines.

What installation conditions must be met for resistance thermometers?

  • Installation location:Installation in representative measuring points to avoid temperature gradients that could influence the measurement result.
  • Housing and protection:Protective covers must be used to protect the sensors from mechanical damage and corrosive media.
  • Environmental conditions:An installation scenario that minimizes extreme temperatures, vibrations and electromagnetic interference.

We at SEIKOM Electronic cordially invite you to browse our extensive selection of resistance thermometers and product categories that are tailored to your individual requirements. Our experienced team is on hand to provide you with in-depth technical expertise to advise you on the best model to suit your specific needs.

Please do not hesitate to contact us at any time without obligation. We attach great importance to treating every customer request personally and with the utmost care.

Compare /5

Loading...