Thermocouple leads

[Prymal]

Hey all,

I am very new to electric brewing. IE planned to build a system myself but found an awesome deal on craigslist I bought last weekend.

I have a couple of questions. The system uses 2 type j thermocouples one in the bk and HLT and a type k thermocouple on the mash tun recirc arm input.

The type j's are connected through a 1/2in npt half port with thermal heads. I want to make a way to quick disconnect the thermocouple leads from the thermal heads without needing a screw driver.

Also does the lead length matter in a themocouple? The leads wires for all 3 sensors are like 25 feet and I just get in the way. Can I cut then in half without causing issues?


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[ducati]

If you are new to using thermocouples, keep the entire circuit, from the t/c back to the measuring circuit,compatible with the type t/c. So the type K wires are yellow and red with a yellow overall jacket. The type J wires are white and red with a black overall jacket. This is important as any copper connection will create reading error.

This applies to the quick disconnect as well. Make sure you use the right one for each t/c.

I'm curious why two different types were used in your design. Yours should work fine as is, but each t/c type has its advantages, and I would think each of these three should be the same type.

 

[Prymal]

I have no idea why 2 types of thermocouples were used. The 2 type J's are connected to the kegs via thermal heads while the type k is more of a removable probe in a themowell.

So basically you are saying don't change anything.


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[ducati]

No, I would add quick-disconnects for at least the two using thermal heads, and probably the third as well. They shouldn't be too expensive.

I agree with you the idea of disconnecting wires for every cleaning isn't good practice. I was just warning that the right disconnect has to be used for t/c's. Not everyone knows that.

 

[rgauthier20420]

I was given a couple pairs of the Type K quick disconnects by a HBT member here for my build. I've only used 1 pair and I'm happy to send the other your way. It's very easy to strip back a little of the string that's surrounding the t/c wires and connected them to these disconnects. I've got a male and female pair. I can put a picture up tonight if you'd like to see what I'm talking about.

 

[jleiii]

Also does the lead length matter in a themocouple? The leads wires for all 3 sensors are like 25 feet and I just get in the way. Can I cut then in half without causing issues?

No, the length is not important. You might find less noise with shorter wires. The warning about connectors is to be heeded. McMaster has male & female connector for about $4 each.

I just bought a replacement heat treating oven and it came with shielded TC wires. The old one did not, but digital controls may be sensitive to noise.
The one I have at home on my fermentor chart recorder (for testing) are very noisy. The line is jagged instead of smooth.

 

[kenh]

Here's a link to a K type socket
http://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/A346/290-1986-ND/4312200
And it's matching K type plug
http://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/A345/290-1985-ND/4312199


Here's a link to a J type plug
http://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/TCONN-J/288-1412-ND/3305791
But I don't see the socket it plugs into.

 

[Prymal]

Cool thanks. Now I know what I am looking for. Omega.com has then for $5.20 a pair in all thermocouple types.


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[kenh]

Cool thanks. Now I know what I am looking for. Omega.com has then for $5.20 a pair in all thermocouple types.


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Send us a link please!

 

[Prymal]

http://www.omega.com/pptst/SMPW-CC.html scroll to the middle to add the connector types you want to the cart.