OSTW-HST-OSTW

Supported Applications

The Omega Standard Size Thermocouple Connectors (Series OSTW/HST) provide a universal female "Fits All" design for thermocouples, accepting both standard and miniature sized male pins. These connectors feature hollow-pin construction with tapered point contacts compatible with stranded or solid wire up to 14 AWG.

Models are color-coded per ANSI standards (or IEC) to match specific alloy types including K, T, J, E, R/S, C, U, and N. The series supports uncompensated Type U connectors for use with Type B thermocouples (Pt/6%Rh-Pt/30%Rh).

Operating Conditions & Performance

The series is offered in two housing materials to accommodate different ambient temperature requirements:

• Glass-Filled Nylon (OSTW): -29 to 180°C (-20 to 356°F). Minor discoloration may occur between 150°C (302°F) and 180°C (356°F), though electrical properties are not affected.
• Liquid Crystal Polymer (HSTW): -29 to 260°C (-20 to 500°F).

The connectors utilize compensating alloys specific to the thermocouple type, such as CHROMEGA® / ALOMEGA® for Type K and Copper / Constantan for Type T. The universal female design ensures compatibility with male pins of varying diameters within standard ranges.

Configuration Options

The series supports a broad configuration envelope defined by alloy code, compensating material, ANSI color coding, housing material, and gender (male or female). Key configurable dimensions include:

• Housing Material: Glass-Filled Nylon (OSTW) or Liquid Crystal Polymer (HSTW).
• Gender & Contact Type: Female connectors are standard; solid pin male connectors are available by adding the suffix '-S' to the model number.
• Alloy Codes: K, T, J, E, R/S, C, U, N (including OMEGA-P® / OMEGA-N® for Type N).
• Color Coding: ANSI color codes are standard; IEC options may be available.

Additional features and accessories include captive cover screws with combination Phillips/Slot drive, an internal wire divider, a removable/reversible write-on window (WCP-L), quick connect contact washers (CW-OST series), silicon strain relief grommets (SR-OST series), transmitters, and ferrite cores for EMI protection.

Key Product Differences

The primary distinction within the series is the housing material temperature rating. OSTW models are limited to 180°C (-20 to 356°F) ambient conditions, while HSTW models extend this range to 260°C (-20 to 500°F). Solid pin male connectors (suffix '-S') differ from the standard hollow-pin female design and may incur additional cost. Type C connectors are available as solid pin only in certain configurations.

Model numbers follow the format: OSTW/HST - <Alloy Code> - <Compensating Alloy> - <ANSI Color Code> - <Material> - <Gender>. For example, OSTW-K-M denotes a Glass-Filled Nylon Type K connector with male gender.