Temperature Measurement According to DIN EN 60584: What Needs to Be Considered?

Temperature measurement is an essential discipline in industrial metrology. It influences numerous processes, from quality control in manufacturing to safety in the chemical industry. The standard DIN EN 60584 regulates the properties and requirements of thermocouples used for temperature measurement worldwide. But what exactly does this standard mean, what aspects need to be considered, and how can one ensure that measurements meet the required standards?

This article highlights the key contents of DIN EN 60584, the different thermocouple types, their properties, as well as calibration and accuracy requirements.

1. Basics of DIN EN 60584

The DIN EN 60584 is a European standard that deals with thermocouples and their thermal voltage. It is identical to the international standard IEC 60584 and regulates, among other things:

Classification and labeling of thermocouples
Permissible tolerances and accuracy classes
Basic electrical properties of thermocouples
Reference temperature points and voltage-temperature characteristics

Thermocouples consist of two different metallic conductors that generate an electrical voltage at a measuring point, which is temperature-dependent (Seebeck effect). This voltage is used to determine the temperature.

2. Classification of Thermocouples According to DIN EN 60584

Thermocouples are classified according to material combinations. In DIN EN 60584, various types are defined, suitable for different temperature ranges and environmental conditions. The most commonly used thermocouples are:

Table 1: Thermocouple Types According to DIN EN 60584

Thermocouple Type	Material Combination	Temperature Range
Type K	Chromel (Ni-Cr) / Alumel (Ni-Al)	-200 °C to 1,200 °C
Type J	Iron / Constantan (Cu-Ni)	-40 °C to 750 °C
Type T	Copper / Constantan (Cu-Ni)	-250 °C to 400 °C
Type N	Nicrosil (Ni-Cr-Si) / Nisil (Ni-Si)	-200 °C to 1,280 °C
Type S	Platinum-Rhodium (Pt10%Rh) / Platinum	0 °C to 1,600 °C
Type R	Platinum-Rhodium (Pt13%Rh) / Platinum	0 °C to 1,600 °C
Type B	Platinum-Rhodium (Pt30%Rh) / Platinum-Rhodium (Pt6%Rh)	600 °C to 1,820 °C

3. Accuracy Classes and Tolerances

A crucial factor for the quality of temperature measurement is the accuracy class of the thermocouple. DIN EN 60584 divides thermocouples into two accuracy classes:

Class 1: High precision with tight tolerances
Class 2: Standard accuracy with broader tolerances

Table 2: Tolerances According to DIN EN 60584

Thermocouple Type	Class 1 Tolerance	Class 2 Tolerance
Type K	±1.5 °C or ±0.004×t	±2.5 °C or ±0.0075×t
Type J	±1.5 °C or ±0.004×t	±2.5 °C or ±0.0075×t
Type T	±0.5 °C or ±0.004×t	±1.0 °C or ±0.0075×t
Type N	±1.5 °C or ±0.004×t	±2.5 °C or ±0.0075×t
Type S	±1.0 °C or ±[1+(t-1100)/100] °C	±1.5 °C or ±[1+(t-1100)/75] °C
Type B	±0.5 °C or ±0.0025×t	±1.5 °C or ±0.0025×t

(*t refers to the measured temperature in °C)

These tolerances must be considered when selecting a thermocouple, especially when precise measurements are required.

4. Calibration and Verification

Since thermocouples can drift over time due to mechanical and chemical influences, regular calibration is necessary. DIN EN 60584 does not prescribe fixed calibration intervals, but companies should consider the following factors:

Operating environment (chemical influences, temperature cycles)
Desired measurement accuracy
Legal requirements (e.g., in the food or pharmaceutical industry)

Modern calibration methods include comparison with a reference thermometer in a calibration bath or temperature oven.

5. Factors Affecting Measurement Accuracy

Several external factors can influence the precision of a thermocouple:

Aging of the thermocouple: Oxidation and embrittlement can distort measurement results.
Grounding and Interference: Electromagnetic interference can affect voltage measurement.
Heat dissipation: Improper installation can lead to measurement errors due to thermal bridges.
Contact points and cable connections: High-quality connection cables are essential for precise measurements.

6. Selecting the Right Thermocouple

The selection of the appropriate thermocouple depends on several factors:

Temperature range: Is a high or low temperature being measured?
Operating environment: Is the thermocouple exposed to corrosive gases or moisture?
Accuracy requirements: What tolerances are acceptable?
Response time: How quickly must the measurement be performed?

Conclusion

Temperature measurement according to DIN EN 60584 is a complex but essential topic for many industries. Choosing the right thermocouple, considering accuracy classes, and conducting regular calibration are critical for precise measurement results. Those who engage with these aspects in detail can not only improve measurement quality but also enhance process safety and efficiency. For companies that require the highest precision, it is advisable to consult experts in calibration and measurement technology. This ensures that all relevant standards are met and measurement results are reliably documented.

WIKA Model TC95 Multipoint thermocouple in band design With or without thermowell

Versions to customer specification
Various process connections
Exchangeable measuring inserts
Application in conjunction with a thermowell
Explosion-protected versions Ex i, Ex n and NAMUR NE24

Datasheet
User Manual
User Manual
User Manual

Housing	96 x 48 mm
Display	5-digit 14 mm digit height Colour: red, green, orange or blue display
Operation	front panel keyboard protection class IP65
Input	Thermocouple type L, J, K, B, S, N, E, T, R
Analogue Output	2 analog outputs 0/4-20 mA / 0-10 VDC / 16 Bit
Switch point	2 or 4 relays (change-over contacts) 250 V / 5 AAC, 30 V / 5 ADC or 8 PhotoMos outputs (NOC) 30 V / 0.4 A AC/DC
Interface	RS232 or RS485 galvanic isolated Alternatively to analog output 2
Power supply	100-240 VAC 50/60 Hz / DC +/- 10% 10-40 VDC / 18-30 VAC 50/60Hz
Sensor supply	–
Software properties	min/max-memory with adjustable permanent display display flashing at threshold value exceedance/undercut flexible alarm system with adjustable delay times brightness control via parameter or front keys programming interlock via access code

Housing	96 x 48 mm
Display	5-digit 14 mm digit height Colour: red, green, orange or blue display
Operation	front panel keyboard protection class IP65
Input	Thermocouple type L, J, K, B, S, N, E, T, R
Analogue Output	0/4-20 mA / 0-10 VDC / 16 Bit Alternatively digital input
Switch point	2 relays (change-over contact) 250 V / 5 AAC, 30 V / 5 ADC
Interface	–
Power supply	230 VAC 10-30 VDC galvanic isolated Other voltage supplies on demand!
Sensor supply	–
Software properties	min/max-memory with adjustable permanent display display flashing at threshold value exceedance/undercut flexible alarm system with adjustable delay times brightness control via parameter or front keys programming interlock via access code

Housing	96 x 48 mm
Display	4-digit 14 mm digit height Colour: red, green, orange or blue display
Operation	front panel keyboard protection class IP65
Input	Thermocouple type L, J, K, B, S, N, E, T, R
Analogue Output	–
Switch point	–
Interface	–
Power supply	230 VAC 24 VDC +/-10% galvanic isolated Other voltage supplies on demand!
Sensor supply	–
Software properties	Min/Max-value recording display in °C or °F display flashing at threshold exceedance/undercut navigation keys for polling of min/max-values or for threshold corrections during operation impedance matching programming interlock via access code

Housing	96 x 24 mm
Display	5-digit 14 mm digit height Colour: red, green, orange or blue display
Operation	front panel keyboard protection class IP65
Input	Thermocouple type L, J, K, B, S, N, E, T, R
Analogue Output	0/4-20 mA / 0-10 VDC / 16 Bit Alternatively interface RS232/RS485
Switch point	1 or 2 change-over relays 250 VAC / 2 AAC ; 30 VDC / 2 ADC
Interface	RS232 or RS485 galvanic isolated Alternatively analog output
Power supply	100-240 VAC 50/60 Hz / DC +/- 10% 10-40 VDC / 18-30 VAC 50/60Hz
Sensor supply	–
Software properties	min/max-memory with adjustable permanent display display flashing at threshold value exceedance/undercut flexible alarm system with adjustable delay times brightness control via parameter or front keys programming interlock via access code