Greetings, I am trying to use thermocouples in an outside, desert environment (Arizona) and am not sure which is better to use a K type or a T type thermocouple and appropriate extension wire.
I am new to using CS data loggers and see in some CR1000 user manuals use of T-types. Temperature ranges is say -10C to about 50C (ambient conditions), so I know a K type is overkill. Does a T type have better accuracy in this "ambient temp range"?
Type K thermocouples will have a wider temperature range as well as provide a wider AFS. However, this is not likely needed for your application unless you need to make measurements from roughly -250 to +1372 degrees Celsius. Another item of consideration may be to consider where the sensors may exhibit higher linearity. Spec sheets are available online.
This is a decent resource.
http://www.thermometricscorp.com/thermocouple.html
Pyrosales created this infographic on working out which Thermocouple is right for you. See hhttps://www.pyrosales.com.au/blog/cat/thermocouple/post/which-thermocouple-is-right-for-you/
If you are using a probe, or a pre-made sensor it doesn't make much difference. If your are using a thermocouple welder to make your own sensors out of type T or type K wire either will work. If however, you are making your own sensing element out of a soldered twisted pair, then use type T because solder will not stick to the chrome in type K wire.
Definitely recommend Type T, as it offers ±0.5°C, whereas a Type K will only offer you a ±1.1°C accuracy.
Check out www.pyrosales.com.au for more information.