K Type Thermocouple

A thermocouple is made up of of two dissimilar conductors in contact with one another, which produce a voltage when heated.  Thermocouples are used as temperature sensors for measurement and control and can also be used to convert a temperature gradient into electricity.

The Type K thermocouple (chromel -alumel) is the most commonly used general purpose thermocouple.  It is inexpensive and a wide variety of probes are available in its −200 °C to +1350 °C / -330 °F to +2460 °F range.  Sensitivity is approximately 41 µV/°C.   Wire color standard is yellow (+) and red (-).