Thermocouple-Types, Materials, Identifications and Colours
The following table shows the color code for the common types of thermocouples and compensating cables as well as thermocables. You will find further technical information in the overview, such as the materials used (+) / (-), identification of the connecting cable and the temperature range.
Color code thermocouple type K
The color for a Type K thermocouple with a thermocouple lead (KX) is green with green (+) pole and white (-) pole. The temperature range of a type K thermocouple is: -25° to +200°C.
The color code with a compensating cable (KCA) remains the same as in the above example: green sheath and leg: green/white. The temperature range is from 0° to +150°C. With a KCB compensating cable, the operating temperature of the cable changes to 0° to +100°C. The color code remains the same.
Colour code thermocouple typ J
Colour code thermocouple type J (Fe-CuNi) with thermocouple lead (JX): Sheath colou: Black. The pole (+)/(-) colour code is black/white. The temperature range (operating temperature) of a thermocouple type J is: -25° to +200°C.
On customer request, we can adapt the colour code of the connecting wires to your individual demands and the technical requirements. Further thermocouples with colour codes, temperature range and connection cables you can see in the following table.
We are also happy to advise you personally to choose the right thermocouple for your measurement application. Contact the SAB team.
Thermocouples and connecting cables colours
Type | Material | Identification | Temperature range | Colour Code DIN IEC 584 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| THL* | AGL* | Colour code | Sheath Colour | |||
| Type E | NiCr-CuNi | EX | - | -25° to +200°C | pink/white | pink |
| Type J | Fe-CuNi | JX | - | -25° to +200°C | black/white | black |
| Type K | NiCr-Ni | KX | - | -25° to +200°C | green/white | green |
| Type K | NiCr-Ni | - | KCA | 0° to +150°C | green/white | green |
| Type K | NiCr-Ni | - | KCB | 0° to +100°C | green/white | green |
| Type N | NiCrSi-NiSi | NX | - | -25° to +200°C | pink/white | pink |
| Type N | NiCrSi-NiSi | - | NC | 0° to +150°C | pink/white | pink |
| Type R | Pt Rh 13 - Pt | - | RCB | 0° to +200°C | orange/white | orange |
| Type S | Pt Rh 10 - Pt | - | SCB | 0° to +200°C | orange/white | orange |
| Type T | Cu-CuNi | TX | - | -25° to +100°C | brown/white | brown |
| Type L* | Fe-CuNi | LX | - | 0° to +200°C | red/blue | blue |
| Type U* | Cu-CuNi | UX | - | 0° to +200°C | red/brown | brown |
| Type B* | Pt Rh 30 - Pt Rh 6 | - | - | 0° to +100°C | grey/red | grey |
*THL = extension cable
*AGL = compensating cable
The application temperature range of the cable is limited by the highest application temperature of the insulation material or the application temperature range of the conductor material. The smaller value is valid in each case.
A compensating cable for the thermocouple type B can be manufactured, in deviation from the standards, for the temperature range from 0°C to +200°C (s-Type BC-200).
Requests for changes in the colour code can be taken into account if the corresponding quantity is purchased.
* Standard 43710 was withdrawn in April 1994.
* Thus, the element types "U" and "L" are no longer standardised.
Do you still have questions about our compensating and extension cables? Your direct line to our experts: Contact