top of page

Helvetica Light is an easy-to-read font, with tall and narrow letters, that works well on almost every site.

The Gauge You Choose Matters: 20 Gauge vs. 24 Gauge Thermocouples

 

In the demanding world of plastics manufacturing, temperature control is everything. The wrong temperature can lead to defects, waste, and costly downtime. While both 20 gauge and 24 gauge thermocouples are used, choosing the right one for your application can significantly impact your process.

Here’s why American Process Heat recommends using 20 gauge thermocouples over 24 gauge thermocouples for a more robust and reliable operation:

 

Durability & Longevity

 

A thermocouple's wire gauge is a measure of its thickness. The smaller the number, the thicker the wire. This means:

  • 20 Gauge Thermocouples are thicker and more robust, making them significantly more resistant to mechanical stress, vibration, and damage in harsh industrial environments. This leads to fewer failures and longer service life.

  • 24 Gauge Thermocouples are thinner and more susceptible to breaks, especially with frequent movement or in high-vibration applications. This can lead to more frequent replacements and production interruptions.

 

Improved Signal Integrity

 

Wire thickness also affects electrical resistance.

  • 20 Gauge Thermocouples have lower electrical resistance. For long wire runs, this minimizes signal degradation and voltage drop, ensuring a more accurate and stable temperature reading from the sensor to your controller.

  • 24 Gauge Thermocouples have higher resistance, which can lead to a weaker signal over long distances. This may result in less accurate temperature readings and potential control issues.

 

Greater Thermal Mass

 

While a larger thermocouple can cause a small "thermal dip" by drawing heat away from a tiny component, in the context of large-scale plastics manufacturing equipment like extruders and injection molding machines, this effect is negligible. Instead, the thicker wire provides a few key benefits:

  • Increased Stability: The greater thermal mass of a 20 gauge wire can help dampen minor temperature fluctuations, providing a more stable and consistent temperature reading for your control system.

  • Reduced Risk of Overheating: In some high-temperature applications, the larger wire can better withstand and dissipate heat, contributing to the sensor's overall longevity.

Don't compromise on precision and reliability. Upgrade your plastics manufacturing operation with durable, accurate, and long-lasting 20 gauge thermocouples from American Process Heat.

bottom of page