Compensating cables are essentially cables made of special conductor materials used to connect thermocouples to measuring instruments. Thermocouples generate millivolt-level voltage signals through the thermoelectric effect, which are transmitted to display or control equipment via the compensating cable. Since thermocouples are often installed far from the control cabinet, and directly extending the thermocouple is costly and inconvenient to install, compensating cables become an economical and efficient extension solution.
Based on material properties, compensating cables are divided into two types:
Extension type: The conductor material is the same as the thermocouple wire of the corresponding thermocouple. For example, a certain type of thermocouple is paired with an extension cable of the same material. The thermoelectric characteristics of this type of cable are basically the same as the thermocouple, but the cost is higher.
Compensating type: The conductor uses an inexpensive alloy with similar thermoelectric characteristics to the thermocouple. Within a specific temperature range (usually from below zero to over one hundred degrees Celsius), its thermoelectric performance matches the corresponding thermocouple, offering better cost-effectiveness.
Important note when selecting: Compensating cables only compensate for the connection between the thermocouple and the instrument; they do not generate a temperature measurement signal themselves. Understanding this principle is fundamental to correct selection.
