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.

Need Thermocouples & Ancillaries quickly?

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

Browse our Online Thermocouples, Plugs & Cables Heater Store →

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.

Grounded vs Insulated hot junction

Grounded Thermocouples

A grounded thermocouple has its sensing junction welded directly to the metal sheath. This provides faster response times and excellent heat transfer, making it ideal for applications where rapid temperature changes need to be monitored. However, because the junction is electrically connected to the sheath, it is more susceptible to electrical noise and interference.

Insulated (Ungrounded) Thermocouples

An insulated (ungrounded) thermocouple has its sensing junction electrically isolated from the metal sheath by a layer of insulation. This offers better protection against electrical interference and ground loops, making it ideal for electrically noisy environments. The trade-off is a slightly slower response time compared with a grounded thermocouple.

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.

Bespoke Temperature Control Units

Complete Temperature Control Solutions – Designed and Built by Soloheat

At Soloheat, we don’t just supply thermocouples and temperature sensors. We can also design and manufacture complete bespoke temperature control units to provide accurate, reliable temperature control for industrial heating applications.

From a simple single-zone portable controller to a multi-loop temperature control system integrated directly into your machinery, we can build a solution around your exact requirements.

Our control units can be supplied as portable units, bench-top enclosures, panel-mounted systems or fully integrated into your own machinery.

Fully Bespoke Temperature Control

Every application is different, which is why Soloheat offers a genuinely bespoke approach.

We can configure your temperature control system to suit the required:

Number of temperature control loops
Heater voltage
Heater power rating
Number and type of heater outputs
Thermocouple type – Type J, Type K and other options
Temperature range
Control method
Enclosure and mounting requirements
Electrical connections
Isolation and protection requirements

Whether you require control for one heater or multiple independent heating zones, we can design the system to suit.

From the initial specification through to the finished control unit, Soloheat can provide a complete bespoke build service.

We can help specify the:

Thermocouple → Temperature Controller → Electrical Protection → Heater Outputs → Enclosure → Machine Integration

This allows the temperature sensing and heating control requirements to be considered together rather than sourcing individual components from different suppliers.

Why Choose Soloheat?

Bespoke Design
Designed around your equipment, application and operating requirements.

Multiple Control Loops
Single-zone through to multi-zone temperature control systems.

Flexible Installation
Portable, bench-top, panel-mounted or integrated into your machinery.

Thermocouple Expertise
Temperature sensors, thermocouples and associated connections available as part of the complete system.

Industrial Heating Experience
Our control systems are designed specifically around industrial heating applications.

UK Manufacture
Designed and built by Soloheat in the UK.

Need a Bespoke Temperature Control Unit?

If you have a heating application requiring a temperature controller, thermocouple and heater outputs in one complete system, talk to Soloheat.

Send us your requirements, drawings or existing machine details and we can discuss a suitable control solution.

Tell us:

Number of heating zones
Heater voltage
Heater wattage
Required temperature range
Thermocouple type
Preferred mounting arrangement
Number of heaters
Any existing machinery or control equipment

We can then develop a complete bespoke temperature control solution to suit your application.

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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