Beyond Gold, Platinum, and Silver Wire . . . Make More Money Recycling Thermocouples 

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Written By Barry Lenson

Thermocouple wires are not like simple gold, silver, or platinum wire, because they contain a combination of valuable metals, as you will learn in today’s post. If you are a regular reader of our blog, you already know thermocouples are used where temperatures must be monitored or controlled remotely. 

A change in temperature at one end of a thermocouple causes a small electrical current, which can be measured and monitored at the other end of the wire. That explains why you will find them in . . . 

  • Industrial production facilities where heat must be monitored remotely

  • Stoves and kilns that are used to manufacture ceramics and other products

  • Home and commercial stoves, air conditioning units, and systems

Recycle Platinum Wire

What Precious Metals Do Thermocouples Contain?


Here’s a review, organized by thermocouple type. 

Remember, thermocouples are classified based on the materials used to make the two or more wires they contain. In some cases, thermocouples will be stamped with one of the letter classifications that we list below. But if you obtain a quantity of unmarked thermocouple wire and you do not know its type or the metals it contains, give our precious metals refiners a call at 800-426-2344 for information and guidance on identifying your thermocouples. We can test them and tell you – just give us a call at 800-426-2344. 

The most common classifications are:

  • Type B, R, and S: These thermocouples are made from platinum and platinum-rhodium alloys and are used in high-temperature applications (up to +1820°C). Type B, R, and S thermocouples have slightly different temperature ranges and characteristics, with Type B having the highest temperature range.

  • Type E: This thermocouple is made from a chromel wire and a constantan wire. Type E thermocouples are commonly used in cryogenic applications (-270°C to +1000°C) and in applications where the thermocouple wires may be exposed to oxidizing environments.

  • Type J: This thermocouple is made from an iron wire and a constantan wire (45% nickel, 55% copper). Type J thermocouples are widely used in industrial and scientific applications and have a temperature range of -210°C to +1200°C.

  • Type K: This is the most common type of thermocouple and is made from a chromel wire (90% nickel and 10% chromium) and an alumel wire (95% nickel, 2% manganese, 2% aluminum, and 1% silicon). Type K thermocouples are commonly used in industrial and scientific applications due to their accuracy, durability, and wide temperature range (-200°C to +1350°C).

  • Type N: This thermocouple is made from a Nicrosil wire (84% nickel, 14.2% chromium, 1.5% silicon) and a Nisil wire (95% nickel, 5% silicon). Type N thermocouples have a temperature range of -270°C to +1300°C and are commonly used in high-temperature applications.

  • Type T: This thermocouple is made from a copper wire and a constantan wire. Type T thermocouples are commonly used in low-temperature applications (-270°C to +400°C) and in applications where the thermocouple wires may be exposed to corrosive environments.

Thermocouples are also classified based on their accuracy, response time, contact types, coatings, and other factors. That can make classification and valuation a bit complicated, but we can simplify it for you. 

Give our precious metal refiners a call at 800-426-2344 and we can start the process of classifying your thermocouples, reclaiming the precious metals they contain, and paying you at current trading prices. 

Barry Lenson
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