Thermocouples, Temperature Sensors, Plugs & Cables | UK Manufacturer

Industrial heating systems rely on accurate temperature measurement to maintain product quality, improve energy efficiency and protect equipment. Soloheat supplies a comprehensive range of thermocouples, PT100 resistance temperature sensors, thermocouple plugs, compensating cables and associated accessories for use across a wide range of industrial heating applications.

Whether you require a standard replacement sensor or a fully bespoke assembly manufactured to your specification, our experienced team can provide technical advice and fast quotations. We supply individual components through to complete temperature sensing solutions suitable for plastics processing, packaging machinery, food production, laboratory equipment, heat treatment systems and many other industrial processes.

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We stock a growing range of commonly selected stock items available to purchase online with live pricing.

✔ Standard Thermcouple types

✔ Popular plugs & connectors

✔ High quality industry related cables and ancillary items

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How Thermocouples Work

A thermocouple measures temperature by joining two dissimilar metal conductors together at one end to form a measuring junction. When this junction is heated or cooled, a small electrical voltage is generated. This voltage is proportional to the temperature difference between the measuring junction and the reference junction.

A temperature controller interprets this voltage and accurately displays the process temperature. The controller can then regulate heaters by switching electrical power on and off or by using more advanced PID control methods to maintain a stable operating temperature.

Thermocouples are widely used because they are reliable, fast responding, robust and capable of operating over extremely wide temperature ranges.

Thermocouple Types

Soloheat supplies a wide selection of thermocouple types suitable for most industrial applications – see below chart for more Type information:

Type J

Iron/Constantan thermocouples are commonly used for lower temperature industrial processes and plastics machinery.

Type K

The most widely used industrial thermocouple. Type K provides excellent performance over a wide temperature range and is suitable for general industrial heating applications.

Type T

Ideal where improved low-temperature accuracy is required.

Type N

Designed for improved stability at elevated temperatures and longer service life in demanding environments.

Type R & Type S

Precious metal thermocouples used for very high temperature furnace and laboratory applications.

If you are replacing an existing sensor, our team can help identify the correct thermocouple type from a sample, drawing or machine specification.

Available Sensor Styles

Every application requires a different sensing arrangement. Soloheat supplies thermocouples in a wide range of configurations, including:

Bayonet thermocouples
Mineral insulated thermocouples
Surface sensors
Ring terminal sensors
Washer thermocouples
Bolt-on sensors
Compression fitting thermocouples
Heavy duty industrial probes
Needle probes
Flexible cable sensors
Custom fabricated assemblies

Sensors can be manufactured with a variety of probe diameters, insertion lengths, spring assemblies, mounting fittings and cable terminations to suit both new equipment and replacement installations.

Available Materials

The choice of sheath and cable material has a significant effect on sensor performance and service life.

Common sheath materials include:

Stainless Steel
Inconel
Mild Steel
Brass
Ceramic

Cable options include:

Glass fibre insulated
Stainless steel braided
PTFE insulated
Silicone insulated
PVC insulated
Mineral insulated cable

The correct material depends on operating temperature, chemical exposure, moisture, mechanical protection and flexibility requirements. Our technical team can recommend the most suitable construction for your application.

Thermocouple Plugs

Correct thermocouple connectors are essential for maintaining measurement accuracy.

Soloheat supplies standard and miniature thermocouple plugs and sockets in a variety of thermocouple calibrations, ensuring compatibility with your instrumentation.

Available options include:

Standard plugs
Miniature plugs
Panel sockets
Inline connectors
Male and female connectors
Colour coded connectors to international standards

These connectors provide secure electrical connections while maintaining correct thermoelectric characteristics. Plugs are available to buy from our web shop at the bottom of this page.

Compensating Cables

Thermocouple extension and compensating cables allow sensors to be connected to remote temperature controllers without affecting measurement accuracy.

Available cable constructions include:

PVC insulated
Silicone insulated
PTFE insulated
Glass fibre insulated
Stainless steel braided
Multi-core cable
High temperature cable

Correct cable selection is essential to ensure reliable temperature measurement and long service life.

PT100 Sensors

PT100 resistance temperature detectors (RTDs) provide highly accurate and repeatable temperature measurement.

Unlike thermocouples, PT100 sensors operate by measuring changes in electrical resistance rather than generating a thermoelectric voltage.

They are widely used where precision and long-term stability are more important than extremely high temperature capability.

Soloheat supplies PT100 sensors in a wide variety of probe styles suitable for industrial machinery and process control. See below comparison table for more infomation, or call us to discuss.

Why Choose Soloheat

Soloheat has many years of experience supplying industrial temperature sensing solutions to customers throughout the UK and overseas.

Our customers choose us because we offer:

High-quality industrial products
Fast quotations
Bespoke sensor manufacture
Technical advice from experienced engineers
Competitive pricing
Reliable lead times
Small or large production quantities
Complete heating and temperature control solutions

Whether you require a single replacement thermocouple or an ongoing production supply, we aim to provide dependable products backed by knowledgeable technical support.

To order or enquire

Click here to download our Thermocouple survey sheet template

Alternatively, email us and provide as much of the following info as possible to help us recommend the correct temperature sensor:

Thermocouple Type (i.e. temperature range req’d)
Probe Diameter
Probe Length
Profile of tip (e.g. flat, rounded or pointed)
Insulated or bonded junction
Spring o/d & Length
Bayonet cap i/d & Length
Lead type & length (e.g. 1500mm steel braided)
Special fittings, plugs or termination details
Qty required
Delivery time required

If you are unsure of any specification, send us a photograph, technical drawing or an existing sample. Our engineers can usually identify the correct replacement quickly and accurately. Or simply call us to discuss.

Frequently Asked Questions - Thermocouples

What is the difference between Type J and Type K thermocouples?

Type K is generally preferred for higher temperature applications, while Type J is commonly used in plastics processing and lower temperature industrial equipment.

Can Soloheat manufacture custom thermocouples?

Yes. We manufacture bespoke sensors to customer drawings, specifications or samples.

How do I identify my existing thermocouple?

Send us a photograph or the existing sensor, and we’ll help identify the type, dimensions and connection details.

Do I need compensating cable?

Yes. Using the correct extension or compensating cable helps maintain measurement accuracy between the sensor and controller.

Can you supply matching plugs and sockets?

Yes. We stock a comprehensive range of standard and miniature thermocouple connectors.

How do I choose the correct thermocouple for my application?

The correct thermocouple depends on your operating temperature, installation method, environmental conditions and required accuracy. If you’re unsure, send us a drawing, photograph or existing sample, and we’ll recommend the most suitable sensor.

What is the difference between grounded and ungrounded thermocouples?

A grounded thermocouple has the sensing junction connected directly to the metal sheath, providing a faster response time. An ungrounded thermocouple is electrically isolated from the sheath, making it better suited to applications where electrical interference could affect measurement accuracy.

Why has my thermocouple stopped working?

Common causes include prolonged exposure to excessive temperatures, vibration, cable damage, moisture ingress, corrosion, electrical interference or normal wear over time. Replacing the sensor with the correct specification and ensuring proper installation will usually restore reliable operation.

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