What is an Exposed Junction Thermocouple?

An exposed junction thermocouple is a type of thermocouple where the two thermocouple wires are joined to form the measuring junction and are exposed outside of the thermocouple sheath.

This means the junction is directly exposed to the environment being measured.

Key Characteristics:

• Fast response time: Because the junction is directly exposed, it can react quickly to changes in temperature.
• Vulnerability: This type of thermocouple is more susceptible to damage or attack from the environment, as it lacks the protection of a sheath.
• Limited applications: Due to their vulnerability, exposed junction thermocouples are best suited for applications where a fast response time is critical and the risk of damage is low.

Typical Applications:

• Gas temperature measurement: In non-corrosive and non-pressurised gas environments, exposed junction thermocouples can provide accurate and rapid temperature readings.
• Laboratory experiments: For precise temperature measurements in controlled environments, these thermocouples can be useful.

In essence, exposed junction thermocouples offer a balance between speed and vulnerability, making them suitable for specific applications where their unique characteristics are advantageous.