May 29, 2025

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Type S Thermocouple

Type S thermocouple

The standard for JH Series Kilns - optional for any kiln with a DynaTrol or Genesis Control

  • These thermocouples withstand high temperatures and prolonged soak periods.

The best high-temperature thermocouple is Type S

  • The very best thermocouple for constant high-fire applications is a Type S platinum thermocouple with an alumina sheath.
  • This is usually only suggested for very extreme conditions, like firing crystalline glazes. It is expensive. You might also choose this if your work is valuable or precise. You do not want to risk thermocouple drift.
 

Technical information

  • Type S thermocouples are composed of a positive leg which is 90% platinum and 10% Rhodium, and a negative leg which is 100% platinum.
  • It is usable from 32°F to 2700°F. (0°C to 1480°C).
  • It has a different EMF output than Type K thermocouples. This means the same temperature will create different voltages. The control must interpret these voltages in different ways.
  • That different scale needs a simple change in hardware and software to work. This means it cannot be done by mistake.
  • At the high temperatures in pottery kilns (up to 2350°F), these thermocouples can last a long time. They will last well if they are not broken.
 

Description of a Type S Thermocouple

  • The Type S thermocouples that we provide have a 5/16" OD alumina sheath.
  • They are ungrounded.
  • There are two lengths.
  • The short one used in the Easy-Fire, Jupiter, and DaVinci kilns is 120mm (4.75”) long.
  • The long one used in the front-loading kilns like the Easy-Load kilns is 160mm long (6.3”).
  • Termination is in a ceramic terminal block.
 

Optional on Many other kilns

  • One 120mm thermocouple is used on the Doll
  • Two 120mm thermocouples are used for any two-section (18" high) Easy-Fire, Jupiter, or DaVinci kiln
  • Three 120mm thermocouples on all other Easy-Fire, Jupiter, or Davinci kilns.
  • EL2424 kilns use two. EL2427 and all other Easy-Load kilns use three. All front-loading kilns use 160mm TCs.
  • Type S thermocouples are not available on the School-Master or Fuego kilns.