Product catalog
Cable Temperature Sensors – flexible measurement for plants & buildings
Cable temperature sensors are universal probes with an overmolded or assembled connection cable—ideal for HVAC, mechanical engineering, energy, food & beverage, and laboratories. Available as RTD (Pt100/Pt1000) or thermocouple (Type K/J/T/N), with straight, angled or flush tips; optional magnet/pipe-strap mounts and hygienic designs.
You select the probe diameter, length, cable type (PVC, PUR, silicone, PTFE), ingress protection (up to IP67/IP69K) and—if required—a head/field transmitter (4–20 mA/HART, RS-485/Modbus, IO-Link) for direct connection to PLC/edge/cloud.
ICS Schneider Messtechnik supports you with design, material selection, calibration, and IIoT integration—for reliable measurements and traceable quality.
FAQ about Cable Temperature Sensors
Answers on designs, accuracy, cables, mounting, IP ratings, calibration and digitalization.
What are cable sensors particularly suitable for?
For room/duct measurements, surface/pipe measurements, inside assemblies/control cabinets, and in hard-to-reach areas thanks to the flexible cable feed.
RTD or thermocouple – which is better?
| Criterion | RTD (Pt100/Pt1000) | Thermocouple |
|---|---|---|
| Accuracy/drift | Very good / low | Good / higher at high T |
| Measuring range | −200…+600 °C (typ.) | to > +1 200 °C |
| Lead influence | 2/3/4-wire compensation | CJC required |
| Recommendation | Process/HVAC, high accuracy | Fast/high-temperature processes |
Which cable jacket is the right one?
| Cable | Temperature (typ.) | Properties | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| PVC | −10…+70 °C | Cost-effective, flexible | Indoors, control cabinet |
| PUR | −40…+80 °C | Abrasion/oil-resistant | Machinery, mobile |
| Silicone | −50…+180 °C | Very flexible, heat-resistant | Near ovens, food |
| PTFE/FEP | −70…+200 °C | Chemical/RF-resistant | Process/chemical, outdoors |
What IP ratings are available?
Depending on design IP65–IP69K. For wash-down use hygienic sealing concepts; for outdoor mounting use cable glands with strain relief.
How do I mount cable sensors on pipes/surfaces?
- Pipe clamp/band with thermally conductive paste/foil
- Magnet/spring mount for steel surfaces/vibration
- Flat tip for planar surfaces, isolate from ambient air
What accuracy is realistic?
With RTD and a suitable transmitter typically ±0.1…0.3 K. Influences: thermal coupling (mounting), cable/lead length, installation position, and shielding from ambient.
What diameters/lengths are common?
Probe Ø often 3–6 mm, lengths 30–200 mm (or custom). Cable length typically 2–5 m, longer on request.
2-/3-/4-wire for Pt100?
| Variant | Advantage | Disadvantage | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2-wire | Simple, low cost | Lead error | Short distances |
| 3-wire | Good compromise | Requires symmetry | Industry standard |
| 4-wire | Best accuracy | More complex | Calibration/quality |
What connection options exist?
Free cable end, connectors (M8/M12, mini-TC), terminal box or potted grommet. For IIoT: transmitters in head/enclosure or as DIN-rail module.
How do I digitalize cable sensors for IIoT?
RTD/TC → head/field transmitter (4–20 mA, HART, RS-485/Modbus, IO-Link) → edge gateway → MQTT/HTTPS to the dashboard. Security via TLS/VPN, roles/keys, audit logs.
How do I protect against moisture/EMI?
Potting/heat-shrink at transitions, IP-rated cable glands, shielded, twisted leads, proper bonding/grounding; separate power and signal cables.
What matters for fast response?
Small probe Ø, good thermal coupling (paste/foil), short heat paths, if needed an ungrounded RTD tip for stable readings in EMI environments.
How often should I calibrate?
As a guideline annually; for quality-critical processes semi-annually. Check after thermal/mechanical stress. Store certificates in a revision-safe manner.
Temperature ranges by cable type?
See table above; also consider the sensor head/potting temperature range and the chemical resistance of the jacket.
What protection tubes/thermowells are possible?
For pressure/flow we recommend thermowells or protection tubes (316L, Hastelloy®, titanium); they simplify replacement and protect against abrasion/corrosion.
Are hygienic versions available?
Yes. Hygienic design with smooth surfaces, FDA-compliant seals, EHEDG-appropriate installation, and CIP/SIP resistance.
What belongs in historian/reports?
Temperature, status/diagnostics, alarms/acknowledgements, calibration/maintenance events; use consistent units (°C) and a UTC time base.
Do you support selection & commissioning?
Yes. We size probes/cables, define mounting/thermal coupling, provide calibration certificates, and integrate up to the IIoT dashboard on request.
What do t63/t90 mean and how do they affect selection?
t63/t90 denote the response time to 63 % and 90 % of the final value. They depend on probe Ø (smaller = faster), tip geometry (thin, spring-loaded), mounting (thermal paste/foil, contact force) and flow. Typical values: Ø 3 mm in air t90 ≈ 5–12 s, on pipe with paste ≈ 2–6 s; Ø 6 mm is slower. For fast processes choose small Ø and short immersion lengths.
Can cable sensors be used in hazardous (Ex) areas?
Yes, as Ex i (intrinsically safe) versions with suitable transmitter/barrier. Observe the equipment group, zone classification, temperature class and correct marking. Engineering includes matching lead parameters (L/C/R), bonding/grounding, and complete documentation for approval.