ISA Interchange

AutoQuiz: Standard Wiring Color for Type K Thermocouple

Written by Joel Don | Apr 20, 2018 1:00:19 PM

 

AutoQuiz is edited by Joel Don, ISA's social media community manager.

 

This automation industry quiz question comes from the ISA Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST) program. Certified Control System Technicians calibrate, document, troubleshoot, and repair/replace instrumentation for systems that measure and control level, temperature, pressure, flow, and other process variables. Click this link for more information about the CCST program.

 

In the diagram in the post image, which (A, B, C or D) is the standard wiring color for a Type K thermocouple in the U.S. and Canada?

 

 

A illustrates the very common Type J, Iron/Constantan thermocouple.

B illustrates the less common Type E, Chromel/Constantan thermocouple.

D illustrates the less common Type T, Copper/Constantan thermocouple.

The correct answer is C, which illustrates the very common Type K, Chromel/Alumel thermocouple.

References:

Measurement and Control Basics, 5th Edition, by Thomas A. Hughes, ISA Press.

Control Systems Engineering Exam Reference Manual: A Practical Study Guide, by Bryon Lewis, ISA Press. (Free book excerpt download)

 

About the Editor
Joel Don is the community manager for ISA and is an independent content marketing, social media and public relations consultant. Prior to his work in marketing and PR, Joel served as an editor for regional newspapers and national magazines throughout the U.S. He earned a master's degree from the Medill School at Northwestern University with a focus on science, engineering and biomedical marketing communications, and a bachelor of science degree from UC San Diego.

 

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