4 Ways To Extend The Life Of Your Thermistor

With the many types of thermistors available today, finding the perfect sensor for your needs can get confusing. This is especially true for technicians that are new to the trade! Have no fear, Industrial Stores is here to answer all of your questions about thermistors.

What Is A Thermistor?

Before we can dive into the specifics of thermistors, we need to make sure you know what they are first! A thermistor is an extremely accurate device used to measure the temperature of an environment.

Technicians must ensure that their thermistor is providing accurate readings, which us why it is always a good idea to regularly inspect your thermistor to ensure it does not need to be recalibrated.

Search for accurate and responsive thermistors like the BAPI Thermistor below.

What Are The Different Types of Thermistors?

There are two types of thermistors: negative temperature coefficient (NTC) and positive temperature coefficient (PTC). PTCs are most often used for circuit protection, whereas NTCS are often used for temperature measurement purposes.

What Is The Difference Between An NTC & A PTC Thermistor?

When an NTC Thermistor's temperature increases, the resistance will decrease. However, when a PTC Thermistor's temperature increases, the resistance will increase.

4 Reasons Why Thermistors ROCK!!

1) Provides Reliable & Stable Readings

2) Provides Greater Resolution: Thermistors have a higher resistance change per degree of temperature.

3) Get Quick Responses To Changes In Temperature

4) Wonderful Interchangeability

Watch this outstanding video by The Engineering Mindset to learn more about the different types of thermistors and how they work.

How Often Does A Thermistor Need To Be Recertified?

BAPI has done research on their thermistor specifications at ASHRAE, NIST, UL, and ANSI. BAPIs Application Note on their Thermistor Guidelines stated during qualification testing the thermistors that BAPI uses were aged at 100°C for one year. After the year was over, none of the thermistors had drifted more than 0.2°C from their starting point. The equivalent drift at 25°C is on the order of 0.004°C in five years. BAPI feels comfortable with specifying 0.2°C in five years.

BAPI is less concerned about their thermistor sensors will drift as they are with the extenuating environmental factors that might physically damage the sensor.

The most common cause of thermistors failing involve open circuits. Here are 4 ways you can prevent an open circuit from happening.

1) Avoid Accidental Drops! Handle Your Thermistor With Care

Ensure you are handling and storing your thermistor with care. One of the most common ways thermistors get damaged is by technicians dropping them. Don't forget to wear gloves when handling your thermistor!

2) Your Thermistor Does Not Enjoy Tanning - Get It Out Of The Sun!

Taking the time to store your thermistor safely can extend its life. Avoid storing your thermistor where there is direct sunlight or heat. This will help avoid your thermistors packing material from getting deformed, stuck together, or creating problems for you during mounting.

3) Details, Details, Details! Use Proper Mounting Procedures

Make sure that the contacts and housing that will be used for assembly with the thermistor are clean and that all materials that you will use are designed for operation at the same temperatures as your thermistor. Don’t use any parts that can’t withstand the temperature!!

4) Don't Forget The Basics - Use Caution When Operating

Be sure that you are only using your thermistor within the specified power and operating temperature range! Be cautious of the environmental conditions around you. Things like rain or even condensation can be potentially harmful unless your thermistor is specified to be used in those conditions.

Let’s Get You The Thermistor You Need Today
Here at Industrial Stores, our expert staff are well-equipped to help you find the best thermistor for your needs. We will also source the right unit for you, get you reduced prices, and deliver the unit to you quickly and safely.

Shop for temperature sensors at Industrial Stores today to discover the best prices.

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