What type of tape is best for attaching thermocouples to a light?

  • Thread starter vandrop
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Thermal
In summary, the person is looking for a way to attach a thermocouple to a light to measure how it heats up over time. They are considering using a zip-tie, conductive tape, thermal grease, or an IR thermometer.
  • #1
vandrop
6
0
Hello all,

Sorry if this is under the wrong section. I need to attach some thermocouples to a light to test how it heats up over time, and I was wondering what type of tape I should use to attach them. I was thinking some kind of conductive tape. Has anyone done this before/have a suggestion for a specific tape that I can use?
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
  • #2
Welcome to Physics Forums!

That's a pretty broad question. Can you post a picture / diagram of what your light source looks like, and where you want to attach it? You can probably use something as simple as a zip-tie, or as elaborate as a tapped and threaded socket. If you're just worried about getting good contact between the thermocouple and the heat source, you can try a little thermal grease or silicone oil (or a temperature conductive potting compound or epoxy for more permanent applications):
http://www.mgchemicals.com/products/thermal.html
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #3
I can't post a picture of what the light source looks like, but imagine a high powered pool light (about 500W). The surface I'm going to be attaching it to is plastic. This is also going to be temporary... I want to be able to remove it. I basically want to ensure that I'm getting an accurate reading to the plastic surface (which is directly on the back cone of the light).
 
  • #4
I'd probably go with a little bit of a high-quality thermal grease along with some way to secure it (if the grease isn't enough). If you have a ballpark for how hot the lamp is getting, then you can find an appropriate tape. If it's warm: scotch tape will probably work. Since it's probably hot, you probably want something like silicone-adhesive kapton tape (it comes off clean, even when used to mask contacts that undergo wave soldering at 200-250 C) For less extreme applications, the metal foil tape they use for ducting (NOT duct tape!) may also work, depending on the adhesive.
 
  • #5
Thanks very much. I'll try out that silicone-adhesive tape.
 
  • #6
Isn't the kapton tape insulating though? Won't this screw up my measurements?
 
  • #7
It's ELECTRICALLY insulating, yes. It's not a great thermal conductor, but, since you're taping the thermocouple so that it's in contact with the surface (and not with a tape loop) and you're not using very much of an already thin material (NOTE: don't use very much), it should be fine.

EDIT: if you're really, really concerned, you could use an IR (non-contact) thermometer.
 
  • #8
Oh ok, I thought it was thermally insulating. Should be fine.
 
  • #9
Also, what did you mean by high-quality thermal grease? The only stuff I could find online is thermal grease which cools down computers. I'm guessing that would be bad for me, because I want to just measure the temperature.
 
  • #10
vandrop said:
Also, what did you mean by high-quality thermal grease? The only stuff I could find online is thermal grease which cools down computers. I'm guessing that would be bad for me, because I want to just measure the temperature.
The grease doesn't cool it down, it is a thermal conductor that connects the CPU package to the heat sink and let's the heat flow quicker.

It's exactly the sort of thing you want.
 
  • #11
Plain old silicon rubber like you get in a tube at the hardware store might also work.

There are temperature sensitive paints that change color at different temperatures that might work.
 
  • #12
vandrop said:
Also, what did you mean by high-quality thermal grease? The only stuff I could find online is thermal grease which cools down computers. I'm guessing that would be bad for me, because I want to just measure the temperature.

As Jiggy-Ninja says, that's the point! To smooth out gaps in the contact between the CPU and the heatsink, and ensure effective heat transfer between the two.

The thermal grease will ensure that your thermocouple is at (or very near) the temperature of the casing. You just have to find thermal grease that's effective (and won't melt / run) at the temperatures you're using it at (do you have a ballpark?) and which has good thermal conductivity.

Even good CPU thermal grease (like the stuff made by Arctic Silver) is only good up to 125 C long-term:
http://www.arcticsilver.com/as5.htm

If that's enough for your purposes, that's great! If not, you'll have to keep looking (for instance, this product which isn't as good of a conductor, but which will last long-term at 200C):
http://www.mgchemicals.com/products/860.html
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Related to What type of tape is best for attaching thermocouples to a light?

1. What is a thermocouple and how does it work?

A thermocouple is a temperature sensor that consists of two different types of metal wires joined together at one end. When the joined end is exposed to a temperature difference, it creates a small voltage that can be measured and used to determine the temperature. This is known as the Seebeck effect.

2. What are the advantages of using a thermocouple?

Thermocouples are known for their durability and reliability in harsh environments, making them suitable for a wide range of industrial and scientific applications. They are also relatively inexpensive and can measure a wide range of temperatures.

3. How do I choose the right thermocouple for my application?

The type of thermocouple you choose depends on the temperature range you need to measure, the accuracy required, and the environment in which it will be used. Different types of thermocouples have different temperature ranges and accuracy levels, so it's important to consider these factors before selecting one.

4. What is thermal tape and how is it used with thermocouples?

Thermal tape is a type of adhesive tape that is designed to provide a strong, thermally conductive bond between a thermocouple and a surface. It is often used in applications where the thermocouple needs to be attached to a curved or irregular surface, as it can conform to the shape and provide a stable connection for accurate temperature readings.

5. How do I properly install and maintain thermocouples and thermal tape?

Proper installation and maintenance of thermocouples and thermal tape is crucial for accurate temperature readings. It is important to ensure that the thermocouple is securely attached to the surface being measured and that the thermal tape is applied evenly and without air bubbles. Regular calibration and replacement of worn out or damaged components is also necessary to ensure accurate and reliable temperature measurements.

Similar threads

Calculating the Power Dissipation of a Wire
    • Electrical Engineering
Replies
23
Views
6K
Thermal Dissipation of High-Power Electronic Subassemblies
    • Electrical Engineering
Replies
15
Views
1K
Surface oxidation of aluminum alloy and electrical continuity
    • Electrical Engineering
Replies
14
Views
504
Thermal Printing and Ink fading
    • Materials and Chemical Engineering
Replies
10
Views
3K
How do you use electrical components adequately?
    • Electrical Engineering
Replies
13
Views
1K
CE Mark Surge Testing: Protecting Wireless Products
    • Electrical Engineering
Replies
5
Views
845
I How to measure average thermal conductivity of a metallic material?
    • Classical Physics
Replies
1
Views
558
K type thermocouple malfunction at 800-1000K
    • Electrical Engineering
Replies
4
Views
3K
Construction Temperature inside a weather station enclosure
    • DIY Projects
Replies
26
Views
3K
Fundamentals of the PN Junction
    • Electrical Engineering
Replies
12
Views
1K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top