The **RTD (Resistance Temperature Detector) PT100** is a widely used type of temperature sensor. It works on the principle that the electrical resistance of certain metals changes with temperature. The PT100 specifically uses **platinum** as its material for the sensing element, and its resistance is measured to determine temperature. Here's a breakdown of the typical **range** of a PT100:
### 1. **Standard Temperature Range**:
- **Typical Range**: The PT100 sensor is designed to work within the temperature range of **-200°C to +850°C**.
- This range is for most general applications using the PT100, especially in industrial and laboratory environments.
- However, some PT100s are specially constructed to handle even wider ranges, depending on the materials and construction used.
### 2. **How the Range Works**:
- The PT100 sensor has a resistance of **100 ohms** at 0°C. This resistance increases as the temperature rises.
- The relationship between resistance and temperature for a PT100 is **approximately linear**, though it can slightly curve, especially at very low or very high temperatures. The standard reference for the PT100 resistance-temperature relationship is defined by the **IEC 60751** standard.
### 3. **Lower Temperature Range (-200°C to 0°C)**:
- At temperatures below 0°C, the resistance of the PT100 decreases as the temperature lowers.
- The PT100 can accurately measure temperatures as low as -200°C, which is useful for cryogenic applications in industries like aerospace and research.
### 4. **Higher Temperature Range (0°C to 850°C)**:
- As the temperature increases above 0°C, the resistance of the PT100 increases.
- PT100 sensors are reliable and accurate for temperatures as high as **850°C**. Above this temperature, the accuracy of the PT100 sensor may decrease due to the limitations of platinum and the sensor's construction.
### 5. **Accuracy and Tolerance**:
- The **accuracy** of PT100 sensors can vary depending on the class of the sensor:
- **Class A**: Typically has an accuracy of ± (0.15 + 0.002 × |t|), where **t** is the temperature in °C.
- **Class B**: Has a wider tolerance, typically ± (0.3 + 0.005 × |t|).
- Higher precision sensors, such as **1/3 DIN**, can offer better accuracy than Class A or Class B.
### 6. **Extended Temperature Ranges**:
- Some PT100 sensors are designed for **extreme environments** and can operate up to **+1000°C** or even higher in some cases, but this requires special construction and materials.
- For **very high temperatures** (above 850°C), alternative temperature sensors such as **thermocouples** are often used because they can withstand higher temperatures, but they do not have the same precision as PT100 sensors.
### 7. **Applications**:
- The PT100 is widely used in industries such as **chemical processing**, **oil and gas**, **pharmaceutical**, and **automotive** due to its reliability and wide range of operation.
- They are also used in environments where precise and stable temperature readings are necessary.
In summary, the PT100 has a **temperature range from -200°C to +850°C**, with some special models able to exceed this range. Its linear resistance change with temperature makes it a reliable and widely used temperature sensor in many industries.