High-Temperature K Type Thermocouples Built for Your Application

CEL manufactures high-quality K type thermocouple sensors, probes and assemblies for demanding industrial and high-temperature applications. Each thermocouple can be configured around your temperature range, equipment and operating conditions, including sheath material, junction style, dimensions and termination.

K type thermocouples offer a broad operating range, dependable performance and versatility across a wide range of industrial thermocouple applications, including high-temperature and mission-critical environments.

Why Choose a K Type Thermocouple?

Broad Temperature Range

Suitable for temperature measurement across a wide operating range, including demanding high-temperature applications.

High-Temperature Performance

Reliable performance at elevated temperatures up to approximately 2300°F (1260°C), depending on construction and operating conditions.

Oxidation Resistance

Chromel and Alumel conductors perform particularly well in oxidizing atmospheres, making Type K suitable for many furnaces, manufacturing processes and thermal systems.

Versatile Construction

K type thermocouples can be manufactured in multiple probe, wire, sheath, junction and termination configurations to suit different equipment and installation requirements.

Type K Thermocouple Specifications

Specification Type K
Positive Conductor Chromel (Nickel-Chromium)
Negative Conductor Alumel (Nickel-Aluminum alloy)
Temperature Range Up to approximately 2300°F / 1260°C*
Thermocouple Category Base Metal
ANSI Color Code Yellow
Common Construction Bare wire, protected tube or mineral-insulated probe

*Actual operating limits depend on wire gauge, sheath material, insulation, atmosphere, construction and application conditions.

The Highest Standards in K Type Thermocouples

Precision manufacturing, testing and calibration for demanding temperature measurement applications.

K Type Thermocouple Probes, Sensors & Assemblies

Not every K type thermocouple is built the same. CEL can manufacture custom K type thermocouple probes and assemblies around the operating environment, temperature requirements and installation needs.

Depending on the application, configurations can include:

  • Mineral-insulated thermocouples (MGO)
  • Metal-sheathed thermocouples
  • High-temperature K type thermocouple assemblies
  • Grounded, ungrounded or exposed junctions
  • A wide range of sheath diameters and lengths
  • Process fittings and mounting hardware
  • Soft-wire transition assemblies
  • Connectors and extension leads
  • K type thermocouple and extension wire
  • Custom termination options
type k thermocouples

The appropriate sheath material, diameter, junction style and termination depend on the operating temperature, atmosphere and installation requirements.

Where K Type Thermocouples Are Used

K type thermocouples are used across industrial applications because they combine broad temperature capability with durable, configurable construction.

Aerospace & Defense

Temperature measurement for testing, thermal processing and other demanding aerospace applications.

Industrial Furnaces

Temperature monitoring for furnaces, heat-treating equipment and high-temperature processing systems.

Power Generation

Reliable temperature measurement for demanding power generation equipment and processes.

Metals & Manufacturing

Temperature sensing for metal processing, specialty manufacturing and other high-heat applications.

Engines & Test Equipment

Temperature sensing for engines, exhaust systems, test stands and development environments.

Built Around Your Application

CEL can configure a Type K thermocouple around your temperature range, atmosphere, equipment and installation requirements.

  • Sheath material
  • Sheath diameter
  • Sensor length
  • Grounded, ungrounded or exposed junctions
  • Process fittings
  • Connectors and terminations
  • Mounting configurations
  • Calibration requirements

Other Thermocouple Types

Looking for a different temperature range, material combination or application? Learn more about different types of thermocouples or explore a specific type below.

N Type Thermocouples

J Type Thermocouples

Type S Thermocouples

T Type Thermocouples

Type E Thermocouples

B Type Thermocouples

R Type Thermocouples

M Type Thermocouples

G Type Thermocouples

C Type Thermocouples

Frequently Asked Questions

A K type thermocouple is a base-metal temperature sensor made with Chromel and Alumel conductors. It is widely used in industrial temperature measurement because of its broad operating range, durability and suitability for high-temperature applications.

Learn more about what are K type thermocouples here —>

Yes. K type thermocouples are commonly used in high-temperature industrial applications, particularly in oxidizing or neutral atmospheres. The appropriate construction depends on the temperature, environment and expected operating conditions.

Yes. CEL manufactures custom K type thermocouple probes and assemblies with a range of sheath materials, diameters, lengths, junction styles, mounting options, lead configurations and terminations.

Yes. CEL manufactures mineral-insulated K type thermocouples using compacted magnesium oxide (MgO) insulation inside a metal sheath. These assemblies are available in a variety of sheath sizes, materials and configurations for demanding industrial applications.

A grounded junction is connected directly to the sheath, while an ungrounded junction is electrically isolated from it. An exposed junction leaves the sensing junction directly exposed to the environment. Each construction offers different response, electrical isolation and durability characteristics, so the best option depends on the application.

More about grounded vs ungrounded thermocouples here —>

Need a Type N Thermocouple?

CEL can help determine the right N type thermocouple construction and configuration for your temperature measurement requirements.