DAkkS Calibration of Thermocouples
Calibration by the comparison method or at fixed temperature points
Thermocouples are calibrated at ITS-90 temperature fixed points in the range from the water triple point to the silver freezing point with excellent measurement uncertainties. Alternatively, thermocouples in the temperature range from -196 °C to 1200 °C can also be calibrated by the comparison method (DKD-R 5-3 “Calibration of thermocouples by the comparison method”) using platinum/palladium thermocouples (Pt/Pd) or gold/platinum thermocouples (Au/Pt) as standards.
Gold/platinum thermocouples and platinum/palladium thermocouples as calibration standard
Use of state-of-the-art temperature fixed points up to the silver fixed point (961,78 °C)
Water triple points as thermocouple cold junctions
Customised calibration inserts from own production
DAkkS calibration certificate from -196 °C to 1200 °C
Temperature probes can be calibrated from a length of 190 mm
Temperature probes and indicator
Accredited calibration according to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025 (DAkkS) of noble metal thermocouples at fixed points
The calibration of noble metal thermocouples is performed at ITS-90 temperature fixed points in the range from the water triple point to the silver freezing point, achieving excellent measurement uncertainties.
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Accredited calibration according to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025 (DAkkS) of noble metal thermocouples at fixed points
Accredited calibration according to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025 (DAkkS) of a noble metal thermocouple (e.g., Type R and Type S) at the fixed points of the ITS-90.
Achievable DAkkS measurement uncertainties:
| Calibration Point | Measurement Uncertainty |
| Water Triple Point 0.01 °C | 200 mK |
| Indium 156.5985 °C | 400 mK |
| Tin 231.927 °C | 400 mK |
| Zinc 419.527 °C | 500 mK |
| Aluminum 660.323 °C | 500 mK |
| Silver 961.78 °C | 600 mK |
Additional calibration point (comparison method):
| Calibration Point | Measurement Uncertainty |
| 1200 °C | 1.5 K |
Additionally, an inhomogeneity scan, including a graphical evaluation of the thermocouple, is performed.
The minimum immersion depth of the Standard Platinum Resistance Thermometer (SPRT) is 480 mm, and the maximum outer diameter is 8 mm.
Calibration duration: approximately 5 working days or as agreed.
Accredited calibration according to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025 (DAkkS) of gold/platinum thermocouples at fixed points
The calibration of gold/platinum thermocouples is performed at ITS-90 temperature fixed points in the range from the water triple point to the silver freezing point, achieving excellent measurement uncertainties.
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Accredited calibration according to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025 (DAkkS) of gold/platinum thermocouples at fixed points.
Accredited calibration according to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025 (DAkkS) of a gold/platinum thermocouple at the fixed points of the ITS-90.
Achievable DAkkS measurement uncertainties:
| Calibration Point | Measurement Uncertainty |
| Water Triple Point 0.01 °C | 200 mK |
| Indium 156.5985 °C | 200 mK |
| Tin 231.927 °C | 200 mK |
| Zinc 419.527 °C | 200 mK |
| Aluminum 660.323 °C | 200 mK |
| Silver 961.78 °C | 200 mK |
Additionally, an inhomogeneity scan, including a graphical evaluation of the thermocouple, is performed.
The minimum immersion depth of the thermocouple is 480 mm, and the maximum outer diameter is 8 mm.
Calibration duration: approximately 5 working days or as agreed.
Accredited calibration according to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025 (DAkkS) of platinum/palladium thermocouples at fixed points
The calibration of platinum/palladium thermocouples is performed at ITS-90 temperature fixed points in the range from the water triple point to the silver freezing point, achieving excellent measurement uncertainties.
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Accredited calibration according to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025 (DAkkS) of platinum/palladium thermocouples at fixed points.
Accredited calibration according to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025 (DAkkS) of a platinum/palladium thermocouple at the fixed points of the ITS-90.
Achievable DAkkS measurement uncertainties:
| Calibration Point | Measurement Uncertainty |
| Water Triple Point 0.01 °C | 200 mK |
| Indium 156.5985 °C | 200 mK |
| Tin 231.927 °C | 200 mK |
| Zinc 419.527 °C | 200 mK |
| Aluminum 660.323 °C | 200 mK |
| Silver 961.78 °C | 200 mK |
Additionally, an inhomogeneity scan, including a graphical evaluation of the thermocouple, is performed.
The minimum immersion depth of the thermocouple is 480 mm, and the maximum outer diameter is 8 mm.
Calibration duration: approximately 5 working days or as agreed.
Accredited calibration according to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025 (DAkkS) of noble metal thermocouples, e.g., Type R or S
Thermocouples in the temperature range from -50 °C to 1200 °C are calibrated using the comparison method with platinum/palladium thermocouples (Pt/Pd) or gold/platinum thermocouples (Au/Pt) as the reference standard.
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Accredited calibration according to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025 (DAkkS) of noble metal thermocouples.
Accredited calibration according to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025 (DAkkS) of Type S or Type R thermocouples.
Comparison calibration against platinum/gold or platinum/palladium thermocouples.
DAkkS measurement uncertainty:
| Temperature Range | Measurement Uncertainty |
| from -50 °C to 0 °C | 400 mK |
| from 0 °C to 962 °C | 800 mK |
| from 962 °C to 1200 °C | 1500 mK |
Additionally, an inhomogeneity scan, including a graphical evaluation of the thermocouple, is performed.
The minimum immersion depth of the thermocouple is 300 mm, and the maximum outer diameter is 8 mm.
The achievable measurement uncertainties depend on the test specimen.
Calibration duration: approximately 5 working days or as agreed.
Accredited calibration according to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025 (DAkkS) of gold/platinum or platinum/palladium thermocouples
Thermocouples in the temperature range from 0 °C to 1200 °C are calibrated using the comparison method with platinum/palladium thermocouples (Pt/Pd) or gold/platinum thermocouples (Au/Pt) as the reference standard.
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DAkkS Au/Pt or Pt/Pd (Comparison)
Accredited calibration according to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025 (DAkkS) of Au/Pt or Pt/Pd thermocouples.
Comparison calibration against platinum/gold or platinum/palladium thermocouples.
DAkkS measurement uncertainty:
| Temperature Range | Measurement Uncertainty |
| 0 °C to 962 °C | 400 mK |
| 962 °C to 1200 °C | 1500 mK |
The minimum immersion depth of the thermocouple is 300 mm, and the maximum outer diameter is 8 mm.
The achievable measurement uncertainties depend on the test specimen.
Calibration duration: approximately 5 working days or as agreed.
Please specify the desired calibration points in your request.
Accredited comparison calibration according to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025 (DAkkS) of non-noble metal thermocouples, e.g., Type N
Comparison calibration of non-noble metal thermocouples against reference thermocouples.
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Accredited calibration according to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025 of non-noble metal thermocouples.
Comparison calibration against reference thermocouples.
DAkkS measurement uncertainty:
| Temperature Range | Measurement Uncertainty | Calibration Method |
| -196 °C | 1.0 K | Nitrogen Boiling Point |
| -180 °C to -80 °C | 1.0 K | Nitrogen Cryostat |
| -80 °C to 0 °C | 1.0 K | Calibration Bath |
| 0 °C to 961 °C | 1.5 K | Calibration Furnace |
| 961 °C to 1200 °C | 2.5 K |
The minimum immersion depth of the thermometer is 190 mm (at -196 °C: 300 mm).
The maximum outer diameter is 8 mm.
The achievable measurement uncertainties depend on the test specimen.
Calibration duration: approximately 5 working days or as agreed.
Calibration of non-noble metal thermocouples
By using a variety of calibration furnaces, small immersion depths from 190mm are possible
Calibration above 0°C reference junction also possible with mini-plugs
DAkkS calibration certificate from -196 °C to 1200 °C
DKD-R 5-3 “Calibration of thermocouples according to the reference method”
Calibration of noble metal thermocouples
DAkkS calibration certificate from -50 °C to 1200 °C
Calibration at ITS-90 fixed points or alternatively as comparison calibration according to DKD-R 5-3 “Calibration of thermocouples by the comparison method”
Calibration in a 3 zone furnace with very good homogeneity
New: Inhomogeneity scan
For DAkkS calibrations of thermocouples, an inhomogeneity scan is also done. A moving heat source tests the entire thermometer material for local inhomogeneities.
The inhomogeneity scanner is an in-house development by Klasmeier. It can be used to calibrate thermocouples more precisely:
more realistic analysis of the measurement uncertainties
verification of the thermal treatment
exact statement about the homogeneity of the thermocouples
Uncertainty of measurement during DAkkS calibration
Thermocouples type Au/Pt and type Pt/Pd
| Temperature range | Procedure | Uncertainty of measurement |
|---|---|---|
| 0,01 °C | DKD-R 5-1:2018 Water triple point | 0,2 K |
| 156,5985 °C | DKD-R 5-1:2018 Indium melting point | 0,2 K |
| 231,928 °C | DKD-R 5-1:2018 Tin melting point | 0,2 K |
| 419,527 °C | DKD-R 5-1:2018 Zinc melting point | 0,2 K |
| 660,323 °C | DKD-R 5-1:2018 Aluminium melting point | 0,2 K |
| 961,78 °C | DKD-R 5-1:2018 Silver freezing point | 0,2 K |
| 0 °C to 962 °C | DKD-R 5-1:2018 in the calibration furnace | 0,4 K |
| > 962 °C to 1200 °C | DKD-R 5-1:2018 in the calibration furnace | 0,7 K |
| Temperature range | Procedure | Uncertainty of measurement |
|---|---|---|
| 0 °C to 962 °C | DKD-R 5-1:2018 in the calibration furnace | 0,4 K |
| > 962 °C to 1200 °C | DKD-R 5-1:2018 in the calibration furnace | 0,7 K |
Noble metal thermocouples
| Temperature range | Procedure | Uncertainty of measurement |
|---|---|---|
| 0,01 °C | DKD-R 5-1:2018 Water triple point | 0,2 K |
| 156,5985 °C | DKD-R 5-1:2018 Indium melting point | 0,4 K |
| 231,928 °C | DKD-R 5-1:2018 Tin melting point | 0,4 K |
| 419,527 °C | DKD-R 5-1:2018 Zinc melting point | 0,5 K |
| 660,323 °C | DKD-R 5-1:2018 Aluminium melting point | 0,5 K |
| 961,78 °C | DKD-R 5-1:2018 Silver freezing point | 0,6 K |
| Temperature range | Procedure | Uncertainty of measurement |
|---|---|---|
| -50 °C to 0°C | DKD-R 5-1:2018 in calibration furnace or liquid bath | 0,4 K ¹ |
| 0 °C to 962 °C | DKD-R 5-1:2018 in calibration furnace or liquid bath | 0,8 K ² |
| > 962 °C to 1200 °C | DKD-R 5-1:2018 in calibration furnace or liquid bath | 1,5 K ² |
² Comparison with Au/Pt- or Pt-/Pd-thermocouples.
Base-metal thermocouples
| Temperature range | Procedure | Uncertainty of measurement |
|---|---|---|
| -196 °C | DKD-R 5-1:2018 in liquid nitrogen with compensation block | 1,0 K ¹ |
| -180 °C to -80 °C | DKD-R 5-1:2018 in cryostat | 1,0 K ¹ |
| -80 °C to 230 °C | DKD-R 5–3:2018 in calibration furnace or liquid bath | 1,0 K ¹ |
| 0 °C to 962 °C | DKD-R 5–3:2018 in calibration furnace or liquid bath | 1,5 K ² |
| > 962 °C to 1200 °C | DKD-R 5–3:2018 in calibration furnace or liquid bath | 2,5 K ² |
² Comparison with standard thermocouples.
New digital archive Klasmeier Cloud:
Calibration documents quickly and easily available
The new Klasmeier Cloud – the perfect archive for all calibration documents. From now on, our customers will find a QR code on all devices calibrated by Klasmeier, with which they can quickly and easily access our digital archive.
Especially useful: In addition to all calibration documents, the contact details of the relevant contact person at Klasmeier are also always available there. So even five or more years from now, if you have any questions about your calibration product, you can find the information you need with just one click.
Finding the right calibration solution for you
Questions about our calibration services?
Please send your questions or enquiries to Mr Boris Kalb:
Frequently Asked Questions About Thermocouple Calibration
Information on Calibration and Pricing
At Klasmeier, we offer two types of calibration for thermocouples:
1. Calibration Using the Comparison Method
This proven method is suitable for many industrial applications. Costs are as follows:
- Base cost per calibration: €145 (Item no. KK-1436, includes calibration certificate – one-time per sensor)
- Cost per calibration point:
- –80 °C to 250 °C: €105 per point (KK-1438)
- 250 °C to 1200 °C: €130 per point (KK-139)
➡️ Please indicate the number of desired calibration points per sensor and the respective temperature ranges in your inquiry form.
2. Calibration at Temperature Fixed Points
This method offers the highest accuracy, using ITS-90 fixed points such as tin, aluminum, or silver.
➡️ Please specify the desired temperature range in your inquiry so we can select suitable fixed points for calibration.
We will be happy to provide you with a customized offer.
Which calibration methods for thermocouples does Klasmeier offer?
Klasmeier calibrates thermocouples either:
- at temperature fixed points according to ITS-90 (from the water triple point to the silver fixed point)
- or using the comparison method in accordance with DKD-R 5-3
What temperature range does Klasmeier use for calibrating thermocouples?
Calibration is possible from –196 °C to 1200 °C.
How are the test points defined in a comparison calibration?
The test points can be freely selected, or we determine five points within the stated temperature range. A minimum of three points is required for a DAkkS calibration, though at least five temperature points are recommended.
Which temperature fixed points are used in calibration?
Typical ITS-90 fixed points:
- Water triple point (0.01 °C)
- Indium (156.5985 °C)
- Tin (231.927 °C)
- Zinc (419.527 °C)
- Aluminum (660.323 °C)
- Silver (961.78 °C)
What measurement uncertainties can be achieved?
Depending on the method and calibration point:
- Fixed points: 200 mK to 600 mK
- Comparison method at 1200 °C: 1.5 K
What is an inhomogeneity scan?
This process checks the thermocouple for local measurement deviations along the sensing length. Results are documented graphically.
What are the requirements for thermocouples to be calibrated?
- Minimum length: 190 mm (preferably 480 mm for fixed points)
- Maximum outer diameter: 8 mm
- Clean and undamaged measuring junction
How long does calibration take at Klasmeier?
The standard calibration time is approximately 5 working days. Special arrangements are possible.