1.1 This test method describes the principles, apparatus, and procedure for calibrating thermocouples by comparison with a reference thermometer. Calibrations are covered over temperature ranges appropriate to the individual types of thermocouples within an overall range from approximately −195 °C to 1700 °C (−320 °F to 3100 °F).
1.2 In general, this test method is applicable to unused thermocouples. This test method does not apply to used thermocouples due to their potential material inhomogeneity— the effects of which cannot be identified or quantified by standard calibration techniques. Thermocouples with largediameter thermoelements and sheathed thermocouples may require special care to control thermal conduction losses.
1.3 In this test method, all values of temperature are based on the International Temperature Scale of 1990. See Guide E1594.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
ASTM E220-19 Referenced Document
ASTM E1 Standard Specification for ASTM Thermometers
ASTM E1129/E1129M Standard Specification for Thermocouple Connectors
ASTM E1594 Standard Guide for Expression of Temperature
ASTM E1684 Standard Specification for Miniature Thermocouple Connectors*, 2024-04-21 Update
ASTM E1751 Standard Guide for Temperature Electromotive Force (emf) Tables for Non-Letter Designated Thermocouple Combinations *, 2024-04-21 Update
ASTM E230 Standard Specification and Temperature-Electromotive Force (EMF) Tables for Standardized Thermocouples
ASTM E2846 Standard Guide for Thermocouple Verification*, 2020-01-01 Update
ASTM E344 Terminology Relating to Thermometry and Hydrometry*, 2023-12-01 Update
ASTM E452 Standard Test Method for Calibration of Refractory Metal Thermocouples Using a Radiation Thermometer
ASTM E563 Standard Practice for Preparation and Use of an Ice-Point Bath as a Reference Temperature
ASTM E644 Standard Test Methods for Testing Industrial Resistance Thermometers
ASTM E77 Standard Test Method for Inspection and Verification of Thermometers
ASTM E220-19 history
2019ASTM E220-19 Standard Test Method for Calibration of Thermocouples By Comparison Techniques
2013ASTM E220-13 Standard Test Method for Calibration of Thermocouples By Comparison Techniques
2007ASTM E220-07a Standard Test Method for Calibration of Thermocouples By Comparison Techniques
2007ASTM E220-07e1 Standard Test Method for Calibration of Thermocouples By Comparison Techniques
2007ASTM E220-07 Standard Test Method for Calibration of Thermocouples By Comparison Techniques
2002ASTM E220-02 Standard Test Method for Calibration of Thermocouples By Comparison Techniques
1986ASTM E220-86(1996)e1 Standard Test Method for Calibration of Thermocouples By Comparison Techniques