shortening a temp probe

[jedheuer]

Hey all,

I bought an 8" temp probe online (link below) and it is too big. Can I just cut it off to length I need (maybe 4") and clean up the rough end? or will this damage the probe?

thanks!


http://www.auberins.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=20_15&products_id=270

 

[BigFloppy]

I'm following this just in case I get a probe that's too long

 

[OMJ]

Im guessing the probe end is hollow and the actual probe itself is in the end of the tube. Cutting it would probably ruin it completely.

 

[huntb]

The sensor is probably at the tip like OMJ said. That is how most RTD sensors are. Cutting it would indeed ruin it

 

[DaleHair]

Of course the sensor is in the tip, where else would it be? and yes cutting it would destroy it.

 

[alien]

Perhaps someone will swap with you? Longer is generally better inside a keggle.

 

[kevink]

You can certainly shorten it if you can weld or solder stainless.

1- Remove the four phillips screws near the wire connector.
2- Pull out the wires that are inside the probe. The sensor will be at the end.
3- Cut the probe to the length you want and weld or crimp and solder the tip.
4- Shorten the wires at the connector end so the run of wires going to the sensor is the same length as the probe. This will put the sensor at the tip of the probe when it's all back together.
5- Put some more thermal paste on the sensor tip and reassemble. This is also a good time to put a little silicone sealer where the body of the probe screws together with the four phillips screws. If you do this and slip a rubber cap over the wire connector after detaching your cabling, you should have a water tight RTD and not have to worry about getting it wet during cleaning. Be very careful tightening the four phillips screws. The threads are very fine and will strip easily.

 

[huntb]

Of course the sensor is in the tip, where else would it be? and yes cutting it would destroy it.

OP was thinking that the entire length of the probe might be the sensor and that cutting off a little at the end might night hurt it

 

[jedheuer]

You can certainly shorten it if you can weld or solder stainless.

1- Remove the four phillips screws near the wire connector.
2- Pull out the wires that are inside the probe. The sensor will be at the end.
3- Cut the probe to the length you want and weld or crimp and solder the tip.
4- Shorten the wires at the connector end so the run of wires going to the sensor is the same length as the probe. This will put the sensor at the tip of the probe when it's all back together.
5- Put some more thermal paste on the sensor tip and reassemble. This is also a good time to put a little silicone sealer where the body of the probe screws together with the four phillips screws. If you do this and slip a rubber cap over the wire connector after detaching your cabling, you should have a water tight RTD and not have to worry about getting it wet during cleaning. Be very careful tightening the four phillips screws. The threads are very fine and will strip easily.

Cool! This sounds do able. I was thinking that the probe was basically a conduit back to a sensor in the base of the entire unit, but if the sensor is in the end of the probe i see that it cannot simply be cut to size.

Thanks for the help!