Product Overview

Head-style assemblies built around the measurement point

Industrial head temperature sensors are used when the measurement point needs a rugged field connection, protected terminals, and a maintainable sensor assembly. Thermometrics builds these assemblies around the application, not just the head style.

The sensing element may be a thermocouple, RTD, dual/duplex element, or mixed TC/RTD construction depending on the process temperature, accuracy requirement, response time, and installation geometry.

Common builds

A complete assembly can include the probe or insert, connection head, terminal block or transmitter, process fitting, extension, sheath material, wiring configuration, and documentation required for the job.

Industrial head RTD temperature sensor assembly with connection head, threaded process fitting, sealed probe sheath, and thin-film RTD detail inset

Industrial Head RTD Assemblies

Use RTD builds when accuracy, repeatability, and long-term stability are the priority. Common builds include Pt100 or Pt1000 elements, 2-, 3-, or 4-wire circuits, spring-loaded inserts, and terminal or transmitter heads for process control loops.

Industrial head thermocouple temperature sensor assembly with connection head, threaded process fitting, sealed probe sheath, and thermocouple hot-junction detail inset

Industrial Head Thermocouple Assemblies

Use thermocouple builds when the process runs hotter, the service is more severe, or the installation needs a thermocouple junction style. Common options include Type K, J, T, E, N, R, S, and B thermocouples with grounded or ungrounded junctions.

Industrial Head Assembly Configurations

Connection head choices

  • Aluminum, stainless steel, plastic, cast iron, or explosion-proof head styles depending on the installation.
  • Terminal blocks for direct wiring back to plant instrumentation.
  • Head-mount transmitter options for 4-20 mA output where the control system or cable run calls for it.
  • Conduit entries, cable glands, extension wire, lead wire, or plug terminations depending on field wiring needs.

Intrinsically safe / explosion-proof direction

Explosion-proof industrial heads are available when the field enclosure, conduit entry, terminal access, or transmitter package needs to match a rated installation. For BRTD-style and other machine-protection builds, the head and wiring method should be specified with the area classification, plant documentation requirements, and instrumentation input.

Hazardous-area requirements should be discussed early so the head, conduit entry, transmitter, and wiring method are selected as part of the sensor assembly.

Selection Strategy

The main decision is not whether the part has a head. The main decision is what the measurement point needs from the sensing element, head, wiring, and installation hardware.

RTD builds

  • Choose when the job depends on tighter accuracy and stable measurement over time.
  • Good fit when the process temperature is within the RTD assembly's useful range.
  • Available with Pt100, Pt1000, and project-specific wiring requirements.

Thermocouple builds

  • Choose when the process temperature is higher or the environment is harsher.
  • Good fit when response time or junction style is part of the specification.
  • Available in common thermocouple types including K, J, T, E, N, R, S, and B.

Mixed or custom builds

  • Use when the sensor must fit existing equipment, match a drawing, or replace a legacy part.
  • Can include dual, duplex, or multipoint constructions for separate instrument channels.
  • Can be scoped around thermowell fit, process connection, lead exit, and OEM replacement requirements.

Application-first quoting

If the sensor has to fit existing equipment, match a customer drawing, or serve a machine-protection point, the assembly should be scoped from the full installation instead of treated as a catalog part.

Head, Transmitter, and Wiring Options

RTD / RTD Head Assemblies

RTD head assemblies are used when accuracy, repeatability, and long-term stability drive the specification. Typical builds include Pt100 or Pt1000 elements, 2-, 3-, or 4-wire circuits, spring-loaded inserts, thermowell-mounted probes, terminal blocks, and head-mount transmitters for process control loops.

Thermocouple / Thermocouple Head Assemblies

Thermocouple head assemblies are used when the process runs hotter, the service is more severe, or the installation needs a specific thermocouple junction style. Type K, J, T, E, N, R, S, and B thermocouples can be built with grounded or ungrounded junctions, selected sheath materials, terminal blocks, or transmitter-ready heads.

Mixed TC / RTD Head Assemblies

Mixed TC/RTD assemblies are specified when one installed location needs two measurement behaviors: the thermocouple for rugged high-temperature response or system compatibility, and the RTD for stable precision measurement or comparison.

Application-Specific Head Assemblies

Some head-style builds are scoped around fit-up instead of a catalog category. Thermowell inserts, replacement probes, OEM builds, and drawing-controlled assemblies may use the same industrial head format while being designed to match an existing bore, well, fixture, or machine package.

Specification Checklist

  • Sensor type: RTD, thermocouple, dual/duplex, or multipoint.
  • Temperature range and process environment.
  • Sheath material, OD, insertion length, and fitting style.
  • Thermowell fit, spring loading, or fixed probe construction.
  • Head material, conduit entry, terminal block, and transmitter needs.
  • Hazardous-area requirements or explosion-proof head needs.
  • Drawing, replacement part, or OEM fit requirements.
  • Calibration, documentation, and inspection requirements.

Need this product configured to your application?

Share the process conditions, geometry, connection details, and documentation requirements. We can help scope the right assembly.