The pipe contact probes that can be used for this purpose are as diverse as your applications. In measurement and control technology as well as in process control, precisely measured temperatures are essential – they are the basis for safe and energy-efficient operation. Pipe contact probes perform this task reliably, for example on the supply and return lines of heating systems, on heat pumps or in industrial pipe networks. They measure directly on the pipe wall without having to interfere with the medium – simple, fast, and maintenance-free.
For more information on surface temperature measurement, please click here.
This guide contains everything you need to know about selecting, purchasing, installing, and operating your pipe contact probe.
What is a pipe contact temperature probe?
Our pipe contact probes are specially designed for temperature measurement on pipes – typically in the flow and return lines of heating systems, in refrigeration technology or in industrial pipe networks. Correct measurement of the pipe temperature is crucial for the efficiency of the entire system: If the flow temperature is too low, the room remains cold; if it is too high, energy is wasted and operating costs rise.
The type of pipe contact probe is crucial for precise measurement. The specially shaped contact surface – e.g., prismatic or block-shaped – allows the sensor to be thermally optimally coupled to the pipe wall.
Each application requires a suitable geometry and mounting to ensure large contact area, stable seating, and short response time.
Our pipe contact probes are available in different types and cable versions – for all common applications. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
Please note the following points when selecting your pipe contact probe:
- What temperature range needs to be measured? Pay attention to the permissible operating range of the sensor and the cable.
- What is the ambient temperature at the installation site? The cable material, housing, and quick-release strap must also be suitable for these conditions.
- What environmental influences are there? (e.g., humidity, steam, mechanical stress, vibration)
- What type of pipe is being monitored? The outer diameter is crucial for the correct fit.
- How is the probe attached? (e.g., with quick-release strap, block, housing, or clamp)
- How much space is available? The type of probe should be selected accordingly, especially in confined installation conditions.
What different types of pipe contact temperature probes are available?
We offer our pipe contact probes with housing, PVC cable, silicone cable, PFA cable and glass fibre cable.
Depending on the cable material and type, you can choose from the following sensors for all contact probes:
- Pt100 sensors: Pt100 class A, Pt100 class B, Pt100 1/3 class B, Pt100 1/10 class B
- Pt1000 sensors: Pt1000 class A, Pt1000 class B
- Pt500 sensor: Pt500 class B
- Ni1000
- NTC: 5kOhm, 10kOhm, 20kOhm
- KTY: KTY81-110, KTY81-210
- DS18B20
- LM235Z
Other sensors are available on request.
What do I need to consider when selecting the right pipe contact temperature probe?
The selection of the right pipe contact probe depends on your specific measurement task and the technical requirements of your application. We often receive questions such as:
- Is the probe compatible?
- What type of sensor do I need?
- Which cable material is suitable for my application?
- Can I simply replace the probe if it is already mounted?
- Do I need to pay attention to anything special during installation?
The following points will help you select the right pipe contact probe:
- What is the right sensor?
- In our online shop, we offer pipe contact probes with all common measuring elements: Please check the operating instructions for your measuring device to determine which sensor type is supported and whether the characteristic curve of the sensor matches that of your device. You can find this here in the overview or in the operating instructions, which you can download for each sensor type.
- Pt100 / Pt1000 / Pt500 (class A, B, 1/3B, 1/10B)
- NTC (e.g. 10 kOhm, 5 kOhm)
- KTY, Ni1000, DS18B20
- Thermocouples type J and type K
- Is the sensor suitable for your temperature range? In addition to the sensor itself, the cable, connector and, if necessary, housing must also be suitable for the intended temperature range. Therefore, always check:
- the permissible temperature range of the sensor
- the temperature resistance of the connection cable (e.g. PVC, silicone, PFA, glass fibre)
- Which connection type is required?For resistance sensors (e.g. Pt100), we offer two-, three- or four-wire versions. The choice depends on the required measuring accuracy and the cable length:Please check what your measuring device supports.
- Two-wire: sufficient for short cables and low accuracy requirements
- Three-wire: better compensation of cable resistances
- Four-wire: highest accuracy, even with long supply cables
- How is the probe connected correctly?The mechanical coupling to the pipe is crucial for precise and trouble-free measurement. Please note: For optimum heat transfer, thermal conduction paste can also improve the response time.
- Suitable type (e.g., with prism or housing)
- Suitable mounting (e.g., quick-release strap)
- Clean, firm contact with the pipe wall
- What are the ambient conditions?Consider the requirements for:Compare your conditions with the information in the data sheet. If you are unsure, please feel free to contact us for personal advice.
- Temperature (continuous/short-term)
- Humidity, splash water (IP protection class)
- Mechanical stress (e.g., vibration)
- Chemicals or aggressive media
- What accessories do you need for your temperature probe?
- Please check the delivery details for each temperature probe to see what is included in the scope of delivery and consider whether you need any accessories when placing your order.
- We offer the following accessories:
Replacing a defective probe
When replacing a defective pipe contact probe, it is important to first determine the correct sensor type. Measuring elements such as Pt100, Pt1000, NTC, KTY or thermocouples (type J/K) are not compatible with each other. Therefore, carefully check the technical specifications of your measuring system or, if in doubt, consult the operating instructions or the device manufacturer.
Once you have determined the correct probe type, pay attention to the mechanical connection: The new probe must be able to be properly mounted on the pipe – whether with a quick-release strap, prism, housing, or block. Only when correctly fastened is precise and interference-free temperature measurement possible. Incorrect installation can lead to inaccurate values or even malfunctions in the entire system.
Also remember to order thermal conduction paste and any necessary mounting materials (e.g., quick-release straps or brackets) – especially if these were damaged or disposed of when the old probe was removed.
Frequently asked questions about temperature sensors
The probe is displaying unusual values?
The probe is not displaying any values at all?
Such symptoms often indicate a defective sensor or a faulty connection. In both cases, you should first check whether the pipe contact probe is connected correctly and mechanically installed correctly.
For resistance-based sensors (e.g. Pt100, Pt1000), the resistance value can be measured with a multimeter and compared with the setpoints in the operating instructions. This provides information about whether the sensor is still electrically intact.
If it is a thermocouple (type J or K), the procedure is different: Here, the sensor generates a small voltage in the millivolt range, which can only be evaluated with a suitably equipped multimeter or thermometer. A normal multimeter without a thermocouple input is not suitable for this.
In case of doubt, a temporary replacement with an identical replacement sensor can help to reliably identify the source of the error and the function.
How is the pipe contact probe connected correctly?
When connecting your pipe contact probe, ensure correct wiring and polarity – the connection direction is crucial for correct measured values, especially with thermocouples. The corresponding circuit diagrams and connection instructions can be found in the operating instructions for the respective probe. Please refer to these to avoid measurement errors.
