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S-Type versus K-Type Thermocouple, What is My Type?
All digital controllers uses a thermocouple (temperature probe) to measure the temperature within the kiln. The sensitivity and accuracy of the thermocouple is important for the overall accuracy of the Digital Controller. Paragon and every other kiln manufacturer use a Type-K thermocouple as standard equipment. The Type-K thermocouple is relatively inexpensive and quite durable. The Paragon Type-K thermocouple is even hermetically sealed in a ¼" Inconel® tube to extend the life of the thermocouple versus the open thermocouples (exposed to the kiln atmosphere) used by some of Paragon's competitors.
The principal advantages of the Type-K thermocouple is the relatively low replacement cost and durability for that is it ideal for firing to Cone 02 (2000°F) or cooler temperatures. The Type-K thermocouple can be used up to Cone 10 (2350°F), however, when used at temperatures above 2000°F the Type-K thermocouple will quickly degrade with repeated use.
The Paragon Sentry 2.0 Digital Controller is compatible with an optional Type-S premium grade thermocouple. The Type-S thermocouple is made from platinum and rhodium wire which are chemically inert to the caustic gases that may be present in the kiln. Most importantly the Type-S thermocouple will tolerate temperatures up to 2700°F with no deviation in accuracy of the thermocouple. In addition, the response time of the Type-S thermocouple is faster than a Type-K thermocouple, thereby improving the accuracy of the controller.
The Type-S thermocouple is an $185 optional upgrade that can be added to every Paragon Kiln equipped with the Sentry 2.0 Digital Controller. If you plan to routinely fire to Cone 1 or hotter and will be using your kiln on a regular basis, such as several firings per week, Dogwood Ceramic Supply recommends that you consider adding the Type-S thermocouple to your Paragon Kiln.
The Type-S thermocouple is warranted by Paragon for 2 years, the standard Type-K thermocouple is warranted for 6 months. The warranty for the Type-S Thermocouple does not cover thermocouples that are damage by contact with kiln shelves or ware.
Visually the two thermocouples are quite distinctive. The Type-K is a ¼" metallic tube that protrudes into the interior of the kiln for approximately 1". The Type-S is contained in a very thin, white or cream colored porcelain tube that protrudes only ¾" into the kiln interior. Be advised, the Type-S Thermocouple is very fragile compared to the Type-K Thermocouple and may be easily broken if struck by a kiln shelf.
Because of the popularity of the S-Type Thermocouple with professional potters, Dogwood Ceramic Supply routinely stocks a number of kilns, such as the every popular Paragon TnF 27-3, with optional Type-S thermocouple. Oh, and because hitting the S-Type with a kiln shelf is quite common with new kiln owners, Dogwood Ceramic Supply also keeps plenty of back-up S-Type thermocouples in stock.
| Harmful Material Warning: Glass Artists (returning improperly neutralized or insufficiently diluted acid etched glass to the kiln) and Potters using high concentration of metallic oxides, may experience premature K-Type thermocouple failure due to the presence of the harmful kiln atmospheres. The S-Type Thermocouple is less susceptible to these harmful materials and is recommended when premature K-Type thermocouple failure conditions may be present. |
| Programming Notice: Unless factory installed on a kiln using an S-Type Thermocouple, the replacement Sentry 2.0 Digital Controller is factory programmed for the usage with the K-Type Thermocouple. Reprogramming the controller to work with the S-Type takes only a few key strokes on the controller. WARNING: Failure to properly program the Sentry 2.0 Digital Controller for the K versus S-Type Thermocouple can result in 400˚F (approximately) overfire/underfire. If you don't like your kiln, go ahead and forget to program the controller properly when you make the switch from S to K or visa-versa. |
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12590 Dedeaux Road
Gulfport Mississippi, 39503
Telephone (228) 831-4848 Fax (228) 831-3111
Showroom Business Hours:
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All digital controllers uses a thermocouple (temperature probe) to measure the temperature within the kiln. The sensitivity and accuracy of the thermocouple is important for the overall accuracy of the Digital Controller.