VELHEAT

RTD Temperature Sensors

An RTD, or resistance temperature detector, measures temperature through the change in electrical resistance of its sensing element.

RTD Temperature Sensors — conceptual product-form illustration
Product-form illustration. Final construction follows the agreed specification.
Five temperature probes with connection heads and mounting fittings.

About RTD Temperature Sensors

An RTD, or resistance temperature detector, measures temperature through the change in electrical resistance of its sensing element. A platinum RTD is often identified by a designation such as Pt100, but that name alone does not specify the complete probe. The element characteristic, wiring, protective construction, insertion depth and connection all affect the installed measurement. An RTD supplies temperature information to a compatible instrument; it is not a heating element or a device that switches heater power by itself.

Match the element and wiring to the controller, then define the probe, mounting connection and exposure so the measured temperature is useful to the heating process.

Product Configurations

Assembled insertion probes

For a defined process measurement point using a protective tube and connection head. Specify the required insertion, process connection and arrangement for access or replacement.

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Sheathed RTD probes

For applications needing a compact protected sensing assembly. Discuss sheath diameter, length, routing and connection style against the selected construction and measurement duty.

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Single- and dual-element arrangements

For one measurement channel or two sensing elements within an agreed assembly. Define how the channels are used and whether separate protection functions require additional independence.

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Multipoint process sensing

For defined measurement locations within a reviewed process arrangement. Provide each sensing position and operating condition; the suitability of a multipoint assembly depends on the actual process and construction.

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RTD Temperature Sensors — conceptual product-form illustration

Customize for Your Application

Mechanical fit at the measurement point

Use the equipment drawing to establish insertion, mounting and service access. Where a thermowell is already installed, provide its internal dimensions and intended sensor engagement rather than only the external connection size.

A matched measurement circuit

Discuss element characteristic, wire count and cable route with the receiving instrument. Any transmitter or signal conversion should be identified separately so a direct resistance input is not confused with an electrical current signal.

Verification at useful temperatures

State which measurement points matter to the process and what records the project requires. Sensor tolerance and installed system accuracy are different requirements; the latter also includes leads, input electronics and placement.

Technical Information to Specify

Share these details with your inquiry. Product ratings and operating limits are confirmed for the selected configuration.

What to specifyUnit / formatSelection guidance
Sensor element characteristictype / ΩState the platinum element designation, resistance characteristic and compatible instrument input.
Measurement and exposure°CSeparate the normal measurement range from maximum process exposure and connection-head ambient temperature.
Wiring configuration2 / 3 / 4 wiresMatch the lead arrangement to the instrument and account for the installed lead resistance.
Required measurement performance°C / tolerance requirementDefine allowable system error and the temperature points at which verification is needed.
Probe geometrymmProvide sheath or protection-tube diameter, total length, insertion length and any permitted routing constraints.
Process connectionthread / flange / drawingIdentify the mounting interface, seal arrangement and any existing thermowell or protective fitting.
Medium and mechanical conditionsbar / flow / compositionDescribe pressure, flow, chemistry, vibration and cleaning that affect the complete installed assembly.
Lead and terminationm / terminal typeSpecify lead length, insulation environment, connection head or connector and the route to the instrument.
Response and sensing positions / mmState the required response with its test conditions and locate the sensing element relative to the process.
Sensor element characteristic
type / Ω

State the platinum element designation, resistance characteristic and compatible instrument input.

Measurement and exposure
°C

Separate the normal measurement range from maximum process exposure and connection-head ambient temperature.

Wiring configuration
2 / 3 / 4 wires

Match the lead arrangement to the instrument and account for the installed lead resistance.

Required measurement performance
°C / tolerance requirement

Define allowable system error and the temperature points at which verification is needed.

Probe geometry
mm

Provide sheath or protection-tube diameter, total length, insertion length and any permitted routing constraints.

Process connection
thread / flange / drawing

Identify the mounting interface, seal arrangement and any existing thermowell or protective fitting.

Medium and mechanical conditions
bar / flow / composition

Describe pressure, flow, chemistry, vibration and cleaning that affect the complete installed assembly.

Lead and termination
m / terminal type

Specify lead length, insulation environment, connection head or connector and the route to the instrument.

Response and sensing position
s / mm

State the required response with its test conditions and locate the sensing element relative to the process.

Operating Limits to Check

  • A probe's temperature designation does not establish pressure, corrosion or hazardous-location suitability.
  • Installed accuracy depends on the sensor, leads, instrument and measurement position together.
  • Multipoint and dual-element arrangements require a defined application and do not imply independent safety functions.

Typical Applications

Heat-tracing temperature feedback

For control systems that need a measured pipe, equipment or ambient condition. Define a suitable sensing assembly and mounting position with the heat-tracing design rather than selecting by element designation alone.

Vessel and process measurements

For temperature monitoring at a defined insertion point. Include pressure, fluid chemistry and protective fittings so mechanical suitability is evaluated alongside the electrical measurement.

Equipment monitoring and replacement

For an existing instrument input or probe interface. Supply the original drawing, connection details and sensor characteristic to avoid replacing a mechanically similar probe with an incompatible electrical element.

How to Select the Right Configuration

Define the temperature to be measured

Identify whether the control needs surface, ambient or process-fluid temperature. Review gradients and installation access before setting the sensing location and probe geometry.

Match the signal path

Check the element characteristic, number of leads and receiving instrument. Record cable length and routing, together with any junctions or signal conversion between the probe and controller.

Review the complete assembly

Assess probe materials, process connection, protective fittings and the required verification record. Treat pressure and hazardous-location requirements as properties of an evaluated installation, not of the sensing element alone.

Discuss Your RTD temperature sensors Requirement

Send your application details, drawing and planned quantity. We can review the configuration and the information needed for a quotation.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. An RTD is read through its resistance characteristic, while a thermocouple uses a different electrical measurement principle. Their instrument inputs and wiring requirements differ. A replacement must match the receiving input and application rather than only the probe's shape.
Lead resistance affects the measurement. A two-wire arrangement includes lead resistance in the reading; compatible three-wire circuits compensate on the basis of matched leads, while four-wire measurement separates the sensing connections more fully. Choose the arrangement with the instrument and required system accuracy.
No. It identifies an element characteristic, but the tolerance, lead arrangement, construction, dimensions and permitted exposure still need to be specified. Two probes with the same element designation can differ substantially in mechanical suitability and response.
Two elements provide separate sensing channels, but independence depends on the complete design. A shared probe body, location or wiring route can introduce common causes of failure. Any independent protective function needs its own documented assessment.
Placement, insertion, thermal contact, gradients and lead or input configuration can all affect the result. A probe may accurately measure its own location while that location is not representative of the controlled process. Check the installation as well as the sensor calibration.
Send the instrument input specification, temperature conditions, probe drawing, mounting connection and medium details to info@velheat.com. Include lead length and any required verification points. For a replacement, add the original part drawing and wiring information.
Order quantities are agreed for each custom project. Contact VELHEAT with your intended configuration and planned quantity so these can be discussed together.
Technical references

These references explain heating principles. Confirm the ratings, approvals and operating limits of the proposed VELHEAT configuration in its own documentation.

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