What Is Pt200 Temperature Sensor?
TL;DR — Quick Summary
A Pt200 sensor is a type of platinum resistance thermometer (RTD) with a nominal resistance of 200 ohms at 0 °C. “Pt” means it’s made from platinum, and “200” refers to its resistance value at the reference temperature. Pt200 sensors work on the same principle as other RTDs, such as Pt100 and Pt1000, but are less common and used in applications requiring this specific resistance.
Understanding Pt200 Sensors
- A Pt200 temperature sensor is part of the platinum RTD family. These sensors measure temperature by detecting changes in electrical resistance of a platinum element as it heats or cools.
- Pt → Platinum element used in the sensing wire
- 200 → Nominal resistance of 200 Ω at 0 °C
Because platinum has a stable and repeatable relationship between temperature and resistance, Pt200 sensors can deliver precise temperature measurements across a defined range.
How Pt200 Sensors Work
Platinum resistance thermometers operate on the principle that electrical resistance increases predictably with temperature. When the Pt200 sensor is exposed to heat or cold, its resistance changes according to a known calibration curve (commonly IEC 60751). This change is then measured by connected instrumentation and converted into a temperature reading.
PT100 vs Pt200 — Key Differences
| Feature | PT100 | Pt200 |
|---|---|---|
| Nominal Resistance at 0 °C | 100 Ω | 200 Ω |
| Sensitivity | ~0.385 Ω per °C | ~0.77 Ω per °C |
| Commonness | Very common | Less common |
| Applications | General-purpose industrial, laboratory, and process control | Specialised applications requiring higher nominal resistance |
| Wiring Compatibility | Standard RTD connections | Similar wiring, but instrumentation must support Pt200 |
PT200 RTD chart
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