Symbols · TC

Thermocouple

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

Schematic · TCThermocouple: original educational illustration
Original educational illustrationNot to scale · See source and graphic notes

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

A distinction that matters

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

Sources you can follow

These public references support the explanation and provide further detail. Their graphics and downloadable files remain with their publishers.

AutoCAD Electrical: Instrumentation and sensors

Public documentation of this equipment function or named vendor variant; the illustration is independently authored and is not the source graphic.

Autodesk · Public reference checked 13 October 2026 · Link only

RTD and thermocouple temperature transducer inputs

Public documentation of this equipment function or named vendor variant; the illustration is independently authored and is not the source graphic.

Phoenix Contact · Public reference checked 13 October 2026 · Link only

About this graphic

This illustration was authored independently by Elora Grid to explain the concept. It is not reproduced from a customer drawing, an official standard graphic or a manufacturer CAD file. Its correspondence to an exact IEC or IEEE symbol identifier has not been certified.

SVG and DXF downloads contain this original artwork. DXF uses unscaled drawing units; a GA envelope supplies no product dimensions, clearances or fabrication information. Original artwork is available under CC BY 4.0. Third-party references retain their own terms.

Entry JSON · Entry Markdown · Last editorial update: 13 October 2026

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