# Thermocouple

Canonical URL: https://eloragrid.ai/symbols/thermocouple
Publisher: Elora Grid
Updated: 2026-10-13
Lookup label: TC
Drawing use: Schematic
Reference families: IEC, Manufacturer

A thermocouple produces a temperature-dependent voltage associated with its dissimilar-metal junction system.

## What it represents

A thermocouple produces a temperature-dependent voltage associated with its dissimilar-metal junction system. Correct type, polarity and extension wiring matter when connecting it to an instrument.

## How to read it

- Trace the thermocouple terminals and specified extension cable together.
- The preview is an original explanation of this function. Match the actual drawing convention to its legend and the selected equipment documentation.

## Information to show or reference

- State thermocouple type
- Mark polarity
- Reference input and compensation arrangement

## Important distinction

A thermocouple generates a voltage signal; an RTD changes resistance.

## Facts

- Drawing role: Actuated indication
- Representation scope: Functional concept; not an official standard graphic or a product footprint
- Public vendor block reference: HTC1L, VTC1L (Autodesk identifiers; not IEC symbol numbers)
- Identifier status: The short label is a functional lookup label, not an assigned IEC or IEEE symbol number. Any separately listed Autodesk code is a verified vendor block name.

## Public references

- [AutoCAD Electrical: Instrumentation and sensors](https://help.autodesk.com/cloudhelp/2021/ENU/AutoCAD-Electrical/files/GUID-773A36C3-44C6-43EB-9BD0-E0297816B9B2.htm) — Autodesk. Public documentation of this equipment function or named vendor variant; the illustration is independently authored and is not the source graphic.
- [RTD and thermocouple temperature transducer inputs](https://www.phoenixcontact.com/en-gb/products/temperature-measuring-transducer-macx-mcr-1ts-i-olp-1145192?type=pdf) — Phoenix Contact. Public documentation of this equipment function or named vendor variant; the illustration is independently authored and is not the source graphic.

## Graphic scope

Independent original educational concept illustration by Elora Grid. Not a certified standards graphic or manufacturer footprint. Unitless; not to scale. Original artwork licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/. Publisher material is linked only.