IRCO-BW

Supported Applications

The Omega IRCO-BW series consists of butt-welded unsheathed fine gage Microtemp thermocouples manufactured in the USA. These bare wire sensors are designed for applications requiring faster response times and installation in tighter spaces compared to standard beaded wire thermocouples.

Operating Conditions & Performance

The series is available in base metal calibrations (J, K, T, E) and platinum/rhodium calibrations (R, S, B). Base metal units are constructed from special limits of error wire. Standard lead lengths vary by calibration type: 300 mm (12") for base metal thermocouples and 150 mm (6") for platinum/rhodium models.

Wire diameters range across the series, with specific options including:

• Base Metal Calibrations: Available in wire sizes of 0.075 mm (0.003"), 0.125 mm (0.005"), 0.25 mm (0.010"), 0.38 mm (0.015"), 0.5 mm (0.020"), and 0.81 mm (0.032").
• Platinum/Rhodium Calibrations: Offered in a wire size of 0.25 mm (0.010").

Note that the maximum length for base metal thermocouples with diameters marked as † is limited to 300 mm (12"). The negative lead on platinum/rhodium models is identified with a red dot.

Configuration Options

The IRCO-BW series supports multiple configurations based on calibration, wire diameter, and packaging. Base metal thermocouples are sold in convenient packages of 5, while platinum/rhodium units are sold individually. Longer lead lengths beyond the standard dimensions are available as special orders.

Calibration Options

• Type J (Iron-Constantan): Model prefix IRCO-
• Type K (CHROMEGA® ALOMEGA): Model prefix CHAL-
• Type T (Copper-Constantan): Model prefix COCO-
• Type E (CHROMEGA® Constantan): Model prefix CHCO-
• Type R (Pt/13%Rh-Pt): Model P13R-010-BW
• Type S (Pt/10%Rh-Pt): Model P10R-010-BW
• Type B (Pt/30%Rh-Pt/6%Rh): Model P30R-010-BW

Packaging and Pricing Structure

• Base Metal: Prices are given for 300 mm (12") lengths. The standard length corresponds to each leg, resulting in a total length of 600 mm (24"). Additional cost applies per 300 mm (12") increment.
• Platinum/Rhodium: Prices are given for 150 mm (6") lengths. An additional price is charged per 25 mm (1") of length.

A discount schedule applies to base metal thermocouples based on package quantity: Net pricing for 1–10 packages, 5% off for 11–24 packages, 10% off for 25–49 packages, and 15% off for 50 or more.

Key Product Differences

The primary distinction within the series is between base metal and platinum/rhodium constructions. Base metal models (J, K, T, E) are packaged in sets of five with standard lengths of 300 mm (12") per leg. Platinum/Rhodium models (R, S, B) are sold individually with a standard length of 150 mm (6").

Model numbers follow specific patterns: Base metal units use the format <Calibration>-<Wire Dia. mm (inch)>-BW, while platinum/rhodium units use <Calibration>-<Wire Dia. mm (inch)>-BW. For example, IRCO-003-BW denotes an Iron-Constantan thermocouple with 0.075 mm (0.003") wire.

Special sizes, alloys, or assemblies are available upon request and should be accompanied by a sketch or print if possible. Thermocouple insulator model numbers SH, DH, FS, and OV are also referenced as available options.