Thermocouple Ammeter | Definition of Thermocouple | Working & Construction | Applications

What is Thermocouple?

Thermocouple is an electrical device which is used to measure the temperature. It consists of electrical conductors which forms electrical junction at a different temperature. These two electrical conductors are different from each other. Thermocouple produces a temperature voltage as a result of thermoelectric effect. This voltage can be taken to measure temperature. Thermocouple is also used for temperature sensor.

Thermocouple Ammeter

Thermocouple Ammeter is made up of two different size metals. The hot junction of the thermocouple is welded to the heater wire and both are kept in a vacuum. The cold junction of the thermocouple is connected to the moving coil of the ammeter.

Thermocouple Diagram


Construction and Working

When the current is passed through the heater wire and heat is generated in it and raises the temperature of the thermocouple junction. The thermoelectric EMF increases and passes through the moving coil of ammeter. The amount of the deflection on the moving coil ammeter depends upon heating effect of the thermocouple. If the amount of heat produced is directly proportional to the current then the scale of ammeter is non-linear and is fit to work with both AC and DC.

Application of Thermocouple

It is also used for measuring radio frequency currents which occurs in antenna and in transmitters. It works accurately with DC and also measures high frequencies.