Home » Guides » How to Check Thermocouple with Multimeter? Updated Guide

How to Check Thermocouple with Multimeter? Updated Guide

By shafiq usama

How to Check Your Thermocouple with Multimeter?

As an electrical engineer, I love explaining how things like circuits and electronics work. I write on my blog to share simple explanations, reviews, and useful tips about the latest technology.

It's important to know How to Check Thermocouple with Multimeter. Because if you're an industrial electrician then testing a thermocouple or RTD is a must. So, Let's jump on a step by step guide. Wait on but do you know what a thermocouple is? If No then understand it first. 


What is a thermocouple?

A thermocouple is a device that measures temperature changes. It is usually used in industrial applications such as refrigeration and air conditioning systems, or in laboratory applications such as calorimetry.

In addition to that, Thermocouples are also known as resistive temperature detectors or RTDs. If you're looking for a quality clamp multimeter for these testing then click here!

What is thermocouple

Types of Thermocouple

Thermocouples are used to measure temperature and are often found in scientific experiments. There are three types of thermocouples:

The three types of thermocouples are the two-wire type, the four-wire type, and the five-wire type. Learn about KAIWEETS KM100 Digital Multimeter.

  • The two-wire type is the most common and has a resistance of 100 ohms.
  • The four-wire type has a resistance of 200 ohms.
  • While the five-wire type has a resistance of 300 ohms.

Applications of the thermocouple

Thermocouples are used in a wide variety of applications and have diverse uses. Some of the most common uses include temperature measurement, power generation and conversion, and thermometry.

Industrial machinery, including pumps, compressors, boilers and turbines, utilize thermocouples as well. Laboratory experiments can also measure the coefficient of heat transfer using thermocouples.

Applications Of The Thermocouple

Thermocouples are composed of two wires that are joined at one end by a junction that is attached to an insulated metal block called the "thermocouple junction." The junction is connected to an electrical circuit that allows current to pass from one wire to the other wire when they are brought into contact with each other. So, its important to know how to check multimeter with thermocouple.


How to Read the Voltage on a Thermocouple with a Digital Multimeter?

This article explains how to read the voltage on a thermocouple with a digital multimeter.

This is a question that many people ask when they first start using a digital multimeter, but it is not easy to find an answer. The article provides tips and tricks for reading the voltage on thermocouples with a digital multimeter.

However, when you're measuring voltage, it is important that you are aware of what type of thermocouple you are using. When using a thermocouple, the direction the red wire is facing should be the positive terminal and the black wire should be negative.

Common Causes of Thermocouples Malfunctioning

Thermocouples are used to measure the temperature of a liquid. There are many problems that can cause thermocouples to break.

Moreover, thermocouples can break due to high or low temperatures, exposure to chemicals, and mechanical damage. Thermocouple breaks can also be caused by the following:

  • Electrolysis
  • Corrosion
  • Long term stress
  • Short circuit in wiring
faults of thermocouple

How to Fix a Broken or Out-of-Range Thermometer Using a Multimeter

When troubleshooting, it is important to know the correct settings for the thermometer.

There are two ways to fix a broken or out-of-range thermometer:

1) By setting it to Fahrenheit and calibrating it

2) By replacing the broken or out-of-range part with a new one.


How to Check Thermocouple with Multimeter?

The thermocouple is a device that measures temperature. To do this, it contains two wires with different metals. One wire is heated and the other is cooled. The thermocouple then produces an electric current when the two wires are in contact with each other.

Therefore, to check a thermocouple with a multimeter, you will need to find the resistance of the thermocouple in ohms and then multiply it by 10 to find out its voltage. You will also need to know what type of multimeter you're using and if your meter has a built-in function for checking thermocouples or not.

There are many digital multimeters available in the market with K-type thermocouples for temperature measurements. You can use them also for thermocouple testing.

Which Digital Multimeters Work Best With Thermocouples?

Digital multimeters are a popular tool among electronics technicians. They are used to test the voltage, current, resistance, and power of electrical circuits. Thermocouples are used in electronics to measure temperature.

Digital multimeters work best with thermocouples when they have a higher voltage range than the thermocouple they are measuring. Therefore, I have dig down three best digital multimeters for thermocouple testing.


3 Best Multimeters for thermocouple testing

1. Kaiweets HT1A8A Digital Multimeter Review - A budget friendly choice

The Kaiweets Digital Multimeter is a budget-friendly option for HVAC technicians who want to test thermocouples. It is lightweight, easy to use, and has a large screen.

Furthermore, it has a low input impedance mode that measures AC and DC voltage, current, resistance, and frequency with accuracy down to 0.1%. Most of the time you need a multimeter which can measure temperature also luckily, Kaiweets can measure temperature with a K-TYPE thermocouple probe.

kaiweets digital multimeter review

4.7/5 stars with 10,418 Reviews

Features

  • Auto-ranging multimeter.
  • Bigger 6000 counts digital display with backlit.
  • It can measure current in both AC and DC circuits.
  • You can measure voltage up to 1000V with cat-III test leads.
  • It comes with a True RMS function to measure real time values precisely.
  • NCV mode is there so you can check live and dead circuits without opening connections.
  • Built-in thermistor protection senses overheating and disconnects the circuit.
  • It can measure resistance up to 60 Mohms.
  • RoHS Certified Multimeter
  • You can measure temperature with a k-type thermocouple.
Pros
  • 3-Year after sales services.
  •  Made with high safety standards.
  • LED lights on jacks for easy operation.
  • A pen holder on the back if you want to note down something.
Cons
  • Due to loaded functions it's difficult to operate it without a user manual.

2. Amazon Commercial Multimeter, IP67- A mid-range Choice

Amazon commercial is a budget-friendly and water resistant digital multimeter with IP-67 rating. This useful tool can help you maintain the performance of your electrical wiring, appliances, and machinery. Amprobe also comes with a flashlight which can be helpful when working in dark areas. It is a compact and affordable digital multimeter that can be used in the workplace, at home, or even on the go. Furthermore, it has a lot of features that are not found on other similar products. Let's have a look.

amazon commercial 5000 counts digital multimeter review

4.6/5 stars with 107 Reviews

Features

  • 6000 counts bigger display with backlit.
  • It is an auto ranging multimeter with True RMS function.
  • It has a built-in flashlight so you can easily work at night.
  • A k type thermocouple for temperature measurement.
  • It measures AC and DC voltage.
  • AC voltage range: 750V
  • DC Voltage range: 1000V
  • You can measure AC current up to 10A (incase of overload 20A for 30 secs)
  • You can measure capacitance up to 10 microfarads.
  • Frequency can also be measured up to 10MHz.
  • Continuity and diode test both can be performed with just a buzzer test.
  • Min/max ranges options available.
  • Built in ceramic fuses to enhance safety.
  • Non-contact voltage detection allows you to check circuits without opening wires.
  • You can also measure temperature with it.
Pros
  • A hold button
  • Water resistant multimeter with IP-67 rating
  • Analog bar at the bottom of digital display
  • You can also measure current up to microamps
Cons
  • No calibration certificate comes with it.

3. Fluke 116/323 HVAC All-in-one Multimeter Kit for Industrial Technicians

The Fluke 116 HVAC multimeter and Fluke 323 clamp meter are two of the most popular industrial meters for professionals. They are widely used in various industries like manufacturing, construction, oil and gas, and utility.

The 116 is a digital multimeter that can measure AC voltage, DC voltage, resistance, capacitance and temperature. The 323 is a clamp meter that can measure AC current up to 600A. This package includes both in a single budget deal.

all in one fluke 116/323 multimeter kit for technicians

4.8/5 stars with 875 Reviews

Features of Fluke 116 Multimeter

  • Bigger display with while backlit.
  • A true RMS Multimeter
  • Auto-ranging option allows you to measure without setting any range.
  • Low input impedance for more accurate readings.
  • You can measure voltage in both AC and DC circuits.
  • AC Voltage range: 600V
  • DC Voltage range: 1000V
  • You can measure current up to 10A.
  • It is capable of measuring current in mA, perfect for sensors testing.
  • Min/Max/Avg. Option available so you can get an average value of noisy signals.
  • You can measure resistance frequency and duty cycle.
  • It is capable of measuring temperature also.
  • Diode and continuity test with beep alarm option.
  • A data hold option to see highly fluctuating values on a still display.
  • Auto shutdown after 15 minutes of inactivity. 

Features of Fluke 323 Clamp-meter

  • A true RMS clamp meter
  • You can measure current up to 400A.
  • It can also perform continuity and diode tests.
  • You can also measure voltage up to 600V.
  • A hold button to see values clearly.
Pros
  • It comes with a magnetic hanger.
  • Comparatively cheaper in this combo deal.
  • You can measure current and voltage in high ranges.
  • A k-type thermocouple also comes with this kit.
  • A carrying bag is also included in the package.
  • CAT-III test leads also came along with this super cheap deal.
Cons
  • Only one pair of CAT-III test leads comes with this Fluke 116/323 multimeter kit.

Conclusion

After reading this article, you should now have a better understanding of what multimeters are and how they can help save your malfunctioning and broken thermometers. The use of multimeters is an essential tool for any electrician. It can help them to troubleshoot problems in their circuits and avoid potential electrical hazards.

If you're still with me then it means now you have a clear idea of how to check thermocouple with multimeter and which multimeters are best for testing thermocouples. I have also made a list of best multimeter for electronics technicians so you can choose the best one for yourself. Let us know about your experience and share it with others for their guidance and group discussions.