Temperature Instrument Ranges

The stated accuracy of any temperature measurement device is for the "Recommended Temperature Range" only. The narrow section of the temperature bar represents the widest range the instrument can be used in. Accuracy in this range is not guaranteed. Probe damage may occur at the extreme ends of the temperature range. Temperatures listed below are approximate.

 

Instrument	Recommended temperature range	Widest possible temperature range	Typical Accuracies
Bimetal and dial	-50 to 100°F	—	±0.5% of full-scale
Digital indicators	-100 to 450°F	-100 to 500°F	±1% of reading
Glass	-328 to 932°F	—	±1% of range; ±1.0°F (±0.5°C) for NIST-traceable models
Infrared	-50 to 5430°F	—	±1 to 3% of reading
Labels and crayons	26 to 1922°F	—	±2°F
Platinum RTD
Probes	-297 to 932°F	—	±0.2 to 0.35% of reading
Meters	—	—	±0.1% of reading and ±1°F (±1°C)
Thermistor
400 series probes	-40 to 302°F	—	±0.36°F (±0.2°C) from 32 to 167°F (0 to 75°C)
500 series probes	32 to 158°F	—	±0.2°F (±0.1°C)
700 series probes	-40 to 302°F	—	±0.27°F (± 0.15°C)
Meters	—	—	±0.2 to 0.4°F (±0.1 to 0.2°C)
Thermocouple
Type J probes	32 to 1336°F	-310 to 1832°F	±1.8 to 7.9°F or ±0.4% of reading above 32°F, whichever is greater
Type K probes	32 to 2300°F	-418 to 2507°F
Type T probes	-299 to 700°F	-418 to752°F	±0.9 to 3.6°F or ±0.4% of reading above 32°F, whichever is greater
Type E probes	32 to 1600°F	32 to 1650°F	±1.8 to 7.9°F or ±0.4% of reading above 32°F, whichever is greater
Type R probes	32 to 2700°F	32 to 3210°F	±2.5°F or ±0.25% of reading, whichever is greater
Type S probes
Meters	—	—	±0.1 to 1% of reading and ±1.8°F (±1°C)

Temperature Conversion Equations
°F = (1.8 x °C) +32
°C = (°F-32) x 0.555
Kelvin = °C + 273.2
°Rankin = °F + 459.67

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Advancements in Temperature: Infrared Technology
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Temperature Conversion Equations