Back to Wiki
Equipment & Devices

PT100 RTD Sensor

A PT100 is a resistance temperature detector (RTD) made of platinum, offering high accuracy for industrial and pharmaceutical temperature monitoring.

What is PT100 RTD Sensor?

A PT100 sensor is a type of Resistance Temperature Detector (RTD) made from platinum wire with a resistance of 100 ohms at 0°C. As temperature changes, the platinum's electrical resistance changes in a predictable, linear manner, allowing extremely precise temperature measurement.

PT100 sensors are the gold standard for industrial temperature monitoring, offering accuracy of ±0.05% of full scale — significantly better than thermistors or thermocouples. They are commonly used with multi-channel data loggers to monitor multiple zones simultaneously.

Why It Matters

In applications where temperature accuracy is critical — such as pharmaceutical stability chambers, laboratory freezers, or industrial process control — the superior accuracy and long-term stability of PT100 sensors is essential. Unlike thermocouples, PT100 sensors do not drift over time, making them ideal for calibrated monitoring systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does PT100 mean?

PT stands for Platinum (the metal the sensor is made from) and 100 refers to its resistance of 100 ohms at 0°C. This standardised value makes PT100 sensors universally interchangeable across manufacturers.

PT100 vs thermocouple — which is better?

PT100 RTD sensors offer higher accuracy (±0.05% vs ±1-2°C), better long-term stability, and no drift. Thermocouples are cheaper and handle wider temperature ranges. For pharmaceutical and quality-critical applications, PT100 is preferred.