search website
  1. EPIC® SENSORS
  2. Products
  3. Compensating cables
  4. Standard types and colors

Standard types and colors

Cable standards and colors for thermocouples

Thermocouple types and colors according to IEC 60584 are listed below.
  • Cable materials are exactly same (X) or with similar electrical features (CA) with thermo materials.
  • Cable colors are presented acc. to IEC 60584, excluding U and L types, which are acc. to DIN 43710.
TC cable standards color codes EN

What is compensating cable (CA)?

Compensating cable

  • cable type is indicated with the letter CA (Compensating Alloys), e.g. for K type thermocouple the cable type is KCA.
  • wires have similar electrical features as the sensor's thermo wires, but they are not exactly same materials
  • this solution is more cost effective than extension wires, but the maximum temperature allowed is lower, depending on insulation materials in range of 100…200 °C.
Lapp Automaatio's stock items of cables for thermocouples are compensating cables.

What is extension cable (X)?

Extension cable or Extension wire

  • cable type is indicated with the letter X (eXtension), e.g. for K type thermocouple the cable type is KX.
  • wires are of exactly same materials as thermo wires of the sensor
  • these cables can reach even as high ambient temperature level as the thermocouple does.
TC = Thermocouple