Understanding the Thermocouple Connector on the 55X0A Multi-Product Calibrators

Accurate temperature measurement is essential to ensure that products are of consistent quality, and that equipment is working correctly. Which, as we know, means temperature calibration is essential in many industries around the world. Using the new thermocouple connector on the Fluke Calibration 55X0A Multi-Product Calibrator can help you work through your calibration workload that much more efficiently.

Why use a multi-product calibrator and thermocouple connector for temperature calibration?

Using a multi-product calibrator for temperature calibration offers several benefits. The use of a high-quality thermocouple connector ensures that the thermocouple terminal block is securely connected to the measuring instrument, which reduces the risk of measurement errors as you calibrate.

A multi-product calibrator also offers increased efficiency. By calibrating a wider range of tools, you can streamline your calibration process while still providing the required accuracy. You’ll get a wider workload calibrated with just one product instead of needing multiple easily lost adapters on-hand. Reducing the amount of time and effort required to calibrate devices can lead to significant cost savings for calibration labs, as it allows them to complete more calibrations in less time.

The thermocouple connector on the 55X0A Multi-Product Calibrator

With the introduction of the 5560A, 5550A, and 5540A Multi-Product Calibrators, Fluke Calibration engineers and metrologists worked to update the technology included for temperature calibrations. This led to an all-new universal connector being used as the thermocouple connector. There are four key things that changed from previous generations of thermocouple connector to this one.

1. The universal connector
2. Frictionless fit
3. Improved Isothermal block
4. Visual Management™ Connection

1. Universal adapter

The universal adapter accepts mini terminal blocks, micro terminal blocks, and straight bare wires. That means you don’t need to carry around all the different thermocouple terminal blocks to run your temperature calibrations. No need for adaptors or buying multiple sets of blocks because one got worn out. This mechanically universal connector can accept virtually any type.

2. Frictionless fit

The design of this connector has a spring fit instead of a friction fit. The spring not only allows for multiple sizes and types of thermocouple terminal blocks, but also removes the heat generation you see with friction fit connectors.

Remove the errors the heat generated from friction causes and work through more calibrations in the time you would have been waiting for the heat to dissipate.

3. Improved Isothermal block

The new isothermal block has been updated so you can reference thermocouples easier and quicker than previous classes and generations of multi-product calibrators.

4. Visual Management™ Connection Terminals

The Visual Management™ connection terminals on the 55X0A include the thermocouple connector. When you select a thermocouple calibration from the touch screen, the TC indicator above the connection points light up so you know exactly what to connect where.

Related resources

• How to use Visual Management™ connection terminals on the new Fluke multi-product calibrators
• Using MET/CAL™ procedures with 5560A, 5550A, and 5540A Multi-Product Calibrators
• 5560A Multi-Product Calibrator key technologies and features Application Note
• How to complete the top 5 calibrations with the 55X0A Multi-Product Calibrator: Video quick start guide

Speak with an expert