PT1000 RTD temperature sensors are widely used in various applications such as electric heating, solar power, energy-saving air conditioning, and industrial controllers.
RTDs are temperature sensors that contain resistors that change their resistance value with the temperature change. The platinum resistance thermometer 1000 has an excellent accuracy over a wide temperature range, making it ideal for use in critical applications, as indicated above. It also comes with various specifications to fit multiple applications. Unlike thermocouples, you do not need special cables to connect to your PT100 RTD.
Pt1000 Temperature Sensors – What are they? How do they work? The resistance in PT1000 varies with the type. Besides, the measure of resistance for the platinum element. Common types provide a resistance of 1,000 ohms at 0 degrees Celsius and 138.4 ohms when the temperature is at 100 degrees Celsius.
Difference between PT1000 and PT100 RTDs
There are two common types of platinum sensors, the PT100 and PT1000. Both of them have a similar operating temperature range, linearity of the characteristic curve and response time. However, nominal resistance differs.
PT1000 nominal resistance at ice point is 1,000 ohms while that PT100 is 100 ohmsat the same temperature. Therefore, the PT1000 readings are higher by a factor of 10. This difference is evident in the measurement of errors in two-wire configurations. The PT100 error measurement could be +1.0°C, while that of PT1000 could be +0.1°C. The PT1000 also uses less power and is less self-heating, leading to fewer errors in temperature readings.
How Does a PT1000 RTD Temperature Sensor Work?
Most PT1000 RTD sensors have four wires. Two of the wires are two carry the sense current while the rest carry current across the element. There can be sensors that come with three wires. However, the resistance of each of the three wires has to be the same for it to work effectively.
When some current passes through the sensor, it causes it to heat. Here is an example a low current of about 1mA may cause the sensor to heat by 1000 µW. This will cause resistance to change accordingly. For every 1 degree Celsius change in temperature, there is a 0.384-ohm resistance change. You can use the change in temperature to determine the rise in temperature in critical applications.
The accuracy varies from one brand to the other. Most manufacturers make ones that comply with the BS1904 class B standard that has an accuracy of ±0.3 °C at 0 °C. However, there are higher accuracy Class A sensors with (±0.15 °C) at 0 °C. The choice of either depends on the applications.
There are different reasons why platinum is preferred over tungsten, copper and nickel. Here are some of them.
- The pt1000 curve shows liner relationship with temperature
- It provides non-degreadeable electrical over time
- It has high sensitivity
- It is not easily contaminated
- It is highly stable
Platinum sensors are more expensive than all the rest. However, their stability and long temperature range counters the high temperature over time.
In What Industries Can a PT1000 RTD Temperature Sensor Be Used?
PT1000 RTD sensors are used in various applications that measure a temperature change. Some common uses in automotive and marine industries include oil level sensors, engine gauges, intake air temperature sensors. In the communication industry, it is used to sense temperature changes in amplifiers and transistor gain stabilisers.
In addition, they are used in consumer electronics to manufacture refrigerator and deep freezer temperature sensors, sensors in solar systems, and automatic heating systems. They also come in handy in fire detectors, food temperature probes and phones. Besides, they are used in power electronics and industrial equipment that require stable operating temperatures.
How Is an RTD Temperature Sensor Used in Applications?
In most applications, the PT1000 RTD temperature sensor is connected to a system that warns the user or makes changes according to the change in temperature and resistance. For example, it is connected to a temperature gauge in automotive to let the drivers know the temperature changes in the engine and warm when it passes a particular range.
On the other hand, they help manage temperatures in refrigeration systems automatically. When a sensor reports a temperature change, the cooling systems adjust to counter the high or low temperature within the set temperature limits. In some applications, a change in temperature activates a cooling mechanism, such as a fan, automatically.
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