Thermocouple cables, for TC thermocouples

Thermocouple cables (TC)
Thermocouple cables are used to connect the cold junction of the thermocouple wires to the measuring system. As new joints are introduced into the overall system, the generation of additional electromotive force (EMF) must be limited in order to maintain the overall accuracy of the measurement as much as possible. The cables to be used are selected on the basis of the type of thermocouple and are classified in the two groups below.

Thermocouple extension cables (also known as thermocouples)
(thermocouple extension cables – English description for easy identification in EN 60584-3)
The cable conductors are made of the same material as the thermocouple wires, so no additional electro magnetic force (EMF) is generated. The overall accuracy is high, but guaranteed over a smaller temperature range compared to thermocouple. The cost of such a connection can be quite high, depending on the material of the thermocouple wires. Extension cables in the technical specification bear the suffix X, e.g. KX.

Thermocouple compensation cables
(thermocouple compensating cables – English description for easy identification in EN 60584-3)
The cable conductors are made of a different material and have a lower cost compared to thermocouple wires. However, its thermoelectric behaviour is similar to that of thermocouple wires, but over a limited temperature range. Compensating cables are used as an alternative to extension cables when very high system accuracy is not required to justify the higher cost of interconnection to the measuring system. Compensation cables in the technical specification carry a C suffix, e.g. KC.