Temperature is one of the most frequently used parameters in industry, and accuracy in its measurements is critical for the chemical, pharmaceutical, metal, and food sectors. Platinum resistance thermometers are among the most accurate temperature sensors, and are relatively immune to electrical noise, making them particularly well suited for industrial environments.
IEC 60751, Industrial platinum resistance thermometers and platinum temperature sensors, defines the minimum quality requirements for resistors or thermometers for the temperature range -200 degrees to 850 degrees Celsius.
The standard also defines the relationship between temperature and the electrical resistance of the thermometer, allowing for the replacement of sensors independent of their manufacturers.
IEC 60751 was developed by Subcommittee (SC) 65B, Devices & process analysis. Secretariat duties for this subcommittee are performed by ISA, an organizational member and accredited standards developer of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI); Beckman Coulter Inc. serves as Assistant Secretary.
ANSI member and accredited standards developer NEMA jointly serves alongside ISA as the U.S. National Committee (USNC)-approved U.S. TAG Administrator to SC 65B. As co-Administrators of the TAG, NEMA and ISA work together to carry U.S. positions forward to the committee.
IEC 60751 (Ed. 2.0 B:2008) cancels and replaces the first edition published in 1983, amendment 1 (1986), and amendment 2 (1995). Specific changes in the new edition include:
tolerance classes are given separately for resistors (sensors) and thermometers;
tolerance classes are given separately for wire-wound resistors and film resistors;
the number of tolerance classes has been increased from two to four; and
the tolerance acceptance test takes into account the measurement uncertainty of the test.
For more information on IEC 60751, see the IEC news release.