What is the IEC standard for temperature sensor?

The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a global organization that establishes and publishes standards for various electrical devices and systems. When it comes to temperature sensors, the IEC has developed a specific standard known as IEC 60751.

of IEC 60751

IEC 60751 is the international standard for industrial platinum resistance thermometers. It provides guidelines for the design, manufacturing, and calibration of these temperature sensors. The standard defines the requirements and characteristics of platinum resistance thermometers used in various industries, such as automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing.

According to IEC 60751, a temperature sensor must meet certain criteria to ensure accurate and reliable measurements. These criteria include sensor element material, sensor resistance values, allowable tolerance limits, interchangeability, and calibration methods.

Key Features of IEC 60751

1. Sensor Element Material:

The IEC standard specifies that the temperature sensor's sensing element must be made of pure platinum. This ensures a linear relationship between temperature and resistance, allowing for precise temperature measurements.

2. Sensor Resistance Values:

The standard defines the resistance values at different temperatures for platinum resistance thermometers. It provides the tables and equations necessary to calculate temperature from measured resistance accurately.

3. Allowable Tolerance Limits:

IEC 60751 sets tolerance limits for temperature readings based on the sensor class. There are different classes of sensors, ranging from Class A to Class B, each with its own tolerance limits. These limits determine the accuracy of the temperature measurement.

4. Interchangeability:

The standard ensures that temperature sensors manufactured by different vendors are interchangeable. This allows users to replace a faulty sensor with one from a different manufacturer without affecting the overall system performance.

Calibration Methods

IEC 60751 provides three primary calibration methods for temperature sensors:

1. Comparison Calibration:

This method involves comparing the readings of the temperature sensor being calibrated with a reference sensor that meets the standard requirements. Any deviations are recorded and used to adjust the sensor's calibration curve.

2. Fixed-Point Calibration:

In this method, the sensor is calibrated using reference points of known temperatures, such as the freezing point of water (0°C) or the boiling point of certain substances. The resistance values at these fixed points are used to calibrate the sensor.

3. Equation Calibration:

Equation calibration involves fitting an equation to represent the relationship between temperature and resistance based on the resistance values at specific temperatures. This equation is used to calibrate the sensor and calculate temperature readings.

In conclusion, the IEC 60751 standard plays a crucial role in ensuring accurate and reliable temperature measurements through platinum resistance thermometers. By adhering to this standard, manufacturers can produce temperature sensors that meet specific quality criteria, facilitating their widespread use in various industries.