HPS-HANDLE-PROBES

Supported Applications

The Omega HPS Handheld Thermocouple Probes series provides integral handle probes with custom measurement tips designed for general-purpose temperature measurement. The product line features various tip designs to address specific contact requirements, including penetration into soft and semi-frozen objects, fast response measurements in air flow or duct work, flexible surface conforming for thermal contact on irregular surfaces, and standard insertion applications.

These probes are engineered with rugged high-impact plastic handles made from the same material as professional football helmets to provide long life. The series supports temperature measurement using thermocouple types J (Iron-Constantan), K (Chromega®-Alomega®), E (Chromega®-Constantan), T (Copper-Constantan), and N, with custom assemblies available for RTD sensors upon consultation.

Operating Conditions & Performance

The series meets or exceeds Special Limit of Error (SLE) and EN 60584-2 Tolerance Class 1 accuracy standards. Operating temperature limits vary by probe tip design:

• Penetration Probes: Rated up to 900°C (1650°F).
• Fast Response Probes: Designed for fast response with a rating of 900°C (1650°F) or 870°C (1650°F) depending on the specific tip configuration.
• Air Probe: Rated up to 870°C (1650°F).
• Flexible Tip Surface Probes: Rated up to 260°C (500°F). Subjecting this sensor tip to temperatures above 316°C (600°F) will result in damage.

The handle is rated for ambient conditions up to 70°C (160°F). Probe sheath materials include Inconel and 304 Stainless Steel. The flexible tip probes utilize RTV silicone rubber construction.

Configuration Options

The HPS series offers a configurable envelope across thermocouple alloys, junction types, sheath diameters, insertion lengths, and connector options.

Sensor Elements & Junctions

• Thermocouple Alloys: J (Iron-Constantan), K (Chromega®-Alomega®), E (Chromega®-Constantan), T (Copper-Constantan).
• Junction Types: Grounded, Ungrounded, and Exposed.

Sheath & Dimensions

• Diameters: 1.5 mm (1/16"), 3.0 mm (1/8"), 4.5 mm (3/16"), and 6.0 mm (1/4").
• Insertion Lengths: Standard lengths include 900 mm (36") for 1.5 mm probes, down to 450 mm (18") for 6.0 mm probes.
• Cable & Connector: Probes feature a retractable cable with an SMP Molded Miniature Male Connector. The standard assembly includes a 300 mm (12") probe length and a 0.3 m (1') retractable cable that stretches to 1.5 m (5').
• Alternative Connectors: Standard size 'OSTW' connectors are available by adding the suffix '-OSTW'.

Custom Assemblies & Options

The series supports custom assemblies with integral high-impact plastic handles, 300 mm (12") retractable cords with stripped leads, and other terminations. Other sheath and lead lengths are available upon consultation. For probe lengths over the maximum listed in standard tables, special heavy-duty construction probes require a quotation.

Key Product Differences

Variants within the series differ primarily by tip geometry, thermocouple type, and physical dimensions:

• Penetration Probes (4.5 mm / 3/16" OD): Designed for easy penetration into soft objects; made from rugged 304 stainless steel.
• Fast Response Probes (Reduced to 1.5 mm / 1/16" OD): Special small diameter tip designed for fast response, constructed from 304 stainless steel.
• Air Probe (Radiant Energy Shield): Features a fine-gage wire thermocouple with an exposed tip and constant diameter design to facilitate insertion into duct work, grilles, and air vents. Rated up to 870°C (1650°F).
• Flexible Surface Probes (6.0 mm / 1/4" OD): Conforms to most surfaces for repeatable measurements; constructed from RTV silicone rubber.

Model numbers follow the format HPS-THERMOCOUPLE ALLOY-SHEATH DIAMETER-JUNCTION TYPE-CONNECTOR-ADDITIONAL OPTIONS. For example, a Chromega®-Alomega® 304SS Sheath K probe with an exposed junction is designated HPS-CASS-14E. Probes supplied for lengths over 600 mm (24") include an HDX aluminum handle.