Kapton

Compensating Cable Type J Kapton Directly from the Manufacturer

The compensating cable Type J Kapton transmits the measurement signal from Type J thermocouples (Fe-CuNi) via a polyimide-insulated cable to the evaluation unit. As an insulation material, Kapton enables particularly thin wall thicknesses while simultaneously providing high tensile strength and electrical dielectric strength. The polyimide film remains dimensionally stable up to an ambient temperature of 285 °C and retains its insulation properties permanently.

The conductor materials of the compensating cable Type J Kapton replicate the thermoelectric characteristic curve of the Type J thermocouple pair (iron versus copper-nickel) within the permissible temperature range of 0 to 200 °C. Under DIN EN 60584-3, this cable is classified as JC. Therma manufactures each cable entirely by hand at its production site in Lindlar and delivers directly to industry, trade and institutions without intermediaries.

In the Therma online shop, you can configure your compensating cable Type J Kapton individually with the desired length, suitable cross-section and required connection type. Many standard variants are kept in stock and reach you with a standard delivery time of just one week. For orders of EUR 250 or more, we deliver free of charge within Germany via UPS.

Tolerance Class 2 per DIN EN for Reliable Measurement Results

The compensating cable Type J Kapton meets the requirements of tolerance class 2 in accordance with DIN EN 60584-3. The permissible limit deviation is ±2.5 °C within the specified operating range of 0 to 200 °C. For measurement tasks in production and laboratory operations where this tolerance is sufficient, the compensating cable offers an economical alternative to the thermocouple extension wire with tolerance class 1.

The difference between compensating and thermocouple extension wires lies in the conductor material. Thermocouple extension wires use identical materials to those of the thermocouple itself and therefore achieve the tighter tolerance class 1 with a limit deviation of ±1.5 °C. Compensating cables use substitute alloys that exhibit comparable thermoelectric properties within the defined operating range, while being more cost-effective in terms of material and production.

The ISO 9001 certified production at Therma ensures that each batch reliably meets the specified standard requirements. All compensating cables are individually tested for electrical function and polarity marking before dispatch. By manufacturing without external suppliers, Therma can guarantee compliance with tolerance class 2 across the entire production depth.

Compensating Cable Type J Kapton Compared to Teflon

Kapton and Teflon (PTFE) are the two most common insulation materials for compensating cables Type J. Teflon offers high chemical resistance and operates in a broader low-temperature range from -190 °C. Kapton surpasses Teflon in high-temperature stability with up to 285 °C compared to 260 °C and can be processed into significantly thinner insulation layers.

Property	Kapton (Polyimide)	Teflon (PTFE)
Temperature range	Up to +285 °C	-190 to +260 °C
Insulation layer thickness	Very thin	Thicker
Chemical resistance	Good	Very high
Bending radius	Compact, flexible	Flexible
Typical application	Tight spaces, electronics	Chemical, petrochemical

Where compact cross-sections and small bending radii are required, the compensating cable Type J Kapton fully demonstrates its advantage. In electronics manufacturing, laboratory setups or confined machine interiors, the thin polyimide insulation enables space-saving routing without compromising insulation performance.

For environments with aggressive chemicals, acid fumes or low-temperature applications down to -190 °C, the Teflon-insulated variant remains the more suitable choice. Both insulation types are available for thermocouples of Type J in our product range. We are happy to advise you on selecting the appropriate insulation material for your specific measurement environment.

Personal Expert Advice on Your Compensating Cable Type J Kapton

Whether a standard cable from the online shop or a custom production based on drawings, the Therma team supports you in configuring your compensating cable Type J Kapton. Special lengths, project-specific connectors or non-standard cross-sections are produced by our manufacturing department within 1 to 2 weeks. We process drawings and STEP files directly in our in-house technical development department.

Matching compression fittings made of stainless steel, ceramic, brass or Teflon can be ordered together with the compensating cable Type J Kapton. This way, you receive a ready-to-install configuration from a single source, without separate orders from different suppliers. All custom productions undergo the same quality control according to ISO 9001 as our standard products.

For technical questions and individual configurations, you can reach us by phone at +49 2266 487330-30 or by email at info@thermagmbh.de. Over 30 years of experience in temperature measurement technology and personal support from qualified German specialists ensure that your compensating cable Type J Kapton is a perfect match for your measurement project.