Custom Temperature Probes

 

 
 

These are the same RTD (resistive thermal device) temperature probes that we use in our brewery, available for purchase in two forms:

• Pre-assembled and ready to use (no soldering or assembly required!)
• DIY Kit (assembly and soldering required, tools not included)

We use RTD instead of thermocouple probes in our brewery as they offer greater accuracy over the brewing temperature range. RTDs also remain more accurate over time (less drift which means less re-calibration).

We've partnered with various manufacturers to purchase these parts in volume, reducing the cost as compared to buying parts individually.

What temperature probes do I need and how many?

Our brewery has three kettles so three probes are used as follows:

• The Hot Liquor Tank & Mash Lauter Tun use a stainless steel liquid tight RTD sensor with 1/4" NPT thread, 2” long probe, and detachable connector. An NPT (tapered) thread is used as the probe tip screws into a 1/2" stainless steel "T" fitting.
• The Boil Kettle uses a stainless steel liquid tight RTD sensor with M14x1.5 Metric thread, 2" long probe, stainless steel nut with silicone washer, and detachable connector. A Metric (straight) thread is used as the probe is secured to the kettle wall with a nut. An NPT (tapered) thread will not work.

If you're building your brewery following our instructions, order all three (3) using the links to the left with the standard NPT probe size in whatever colours you prefer.

What NPT probe sizes are available?

The NPT probes come in two sizes:

• 1/4" NPT thread, 2" long probe: This the standard probe we used on our setup. A stainless steel bushing (reducer) is used in our instructions to thread this probe into the 1/2" NPT stainless steel "T".
• 1/2" NPT thread, 1.5" long probe: This is a newer probe that does not require a stainless steel bushing (reducer). It screws directly into a 1/2" NPT stainless steel "T". It is slightly shorter to avoid hitting the back wall of the "T".

There is no benefit to using one over the other. Custom sizes are also available. Email us for details.

How long are the cables?

The probe cables are 6 feet long. Custom lengths are also available. Email us for details.

What cable colours are available?

Brewers love their designer colours, so our temperature probe cables are available in seven different shades of expandable braided sleeving:

• White
• Blue
• Orange
• Green
• Red
• Yellow
• Black

Each cable comes with two layers of sleeving and a stainless steel wire rope to protect the wires. The inside sleeving is always black, the outside colour is up to you. Our probe cables are blue but feel free choose any colour you like or even mix and match.

Do the pre-assembled temperature probe kits require any work?

No, they are pre-assembled and ready to use. Simply plug them in. No soldering or assembly required, no special tools required.

I want to build my own. What's included in the DIY kits?

For each probe in the DIY Kits, we include everything you need:

• The stainless steel probe with detachable connector and 6 feet of cabling
• (6 feet) 1/8" expandable braided sleeving - black (inside layer)
• (6 feet) 1/8" expandable braided sleeving - your choice of colour (outside layer)
• (6 feet) Stainless steel wire rope, 1x7 strand, 1/32" diameter, 150 pound break strength
• (Qty: 1) Female XLR3 (3 pin) cable connector
• (2 inches) 5/8" black heat shrink tubing 
• (8 inches) 1/4" black heat shrink tubing 
• (Qty: 1) Small nylon cable tie

You'll also need to supply the following tools:

• 30-40W soldering iron or soldering station. We recommend the Weller WS51 if you want a good soldering station that will last a lifetime (Buy at: Amazon.com, eBay.com)
• Rosin core solder (60% tin, 40% lead). We recommend Kester 44 available in 1 lb spools and small 15' pocket packs (Buy at: Amazon.com, eBay.com)
• Wire cutter/stripper. We recommend the Klein 11055 or Irwin self-adjusting wire strippers (Buy at: Amazon.com, eBay.com)
• Heat gun (Buy at: Amazon.com, eBay.com)
• Screwdrivers (Buy at: Amazon.com, eBay.com)

Assembly instructions are available in our Complete Guide to Building your Home Brewery or online here.

Pictures

Six colours are available (white, blue, orange, green, red, yellow, black):

Finished probes in three colours (orange, white, and blue):

TEMPERATURE PROBE FOR THE BOIL KETTLE: 
Stainless steel liquid tight RTD sensor with 2” probe, M14x1.5 Metric thread, and detachable connector. Includes a stainless steel nut, silicone washer, 6 foot cable and female XLR connector.

TEMPERATURE PROBE FOR THE HOT LIQUOR TANK AND MASH/LAUTER TUN: 
Stainless steel liquid tight RTD sensor with 2” probe, 1/4" NPT thread, and detachable connector. Includes a 6 foot cable and female XLR connector.

Female XLR connector close-ups: 

Detachable connector at the probe end makes kettle cleaning simple!
  

Reviews/Testimonials

"When it came time for me to buy my temp probes I looked at how much they were at Auber vs how much all the other parts were off Amazon & whatever other suppliers I would of needed (at a minimum three different suppliers). In the end I felt I was getting a bargain buying from you, paying shipping only once, plus I knew that everything would come in one package (which I recieved in less than 3 days, thank you). I hate having everything I need to build something... minus one part. errr. On top of all that I was happy to support this site by buying directly from the same folk who inspired me to buy these parts in the first place." - Grandequeso (Fred), Journeyman Electrician

"I received my order today and want to give a BIG THANKS to Uncle Spike for a fantastic job! Spike went the extra mile on the temp probes, per my spec's. Excellent packing, great communication - a fantastic job! The end product is perfect, like I did it myself, except without the scraped knuckles! Keep up the great work and looking forward to MORE products (like the SS HLT coil)." - Sparky

For more information visit the official Custom Temperature Probe product thread in our forum.

Questions? Email us at SpikeInnovations@TheElectricBrewery.com

DISCLAIMERS: When purchasing you will be paying our manufacturer (Spike Innovations LLC) directly and the product will be shipped directly by them from Connecticut USA. We work with our manufacturer to ensure that you are completely satisfied with all purchases made through TheElectricBrewery.com.

Duties, taxes, and other customs fees charged on internationally shipped orders are the SOLE responsibility of the buyer. TheElectricBrewery.com or Spike Innovations LLC are unable to provide estimates for any customs fees, taxes, or duties; check with your country's local customs office for more information about importing goods into your country.

Product warranties may be revoked if TheElectricBrewery.com or Spike Innovations LLC determine that product faults are due to misuse, abuse, or improper connection. Buyer agrees that TheElectricBrewery.com, the owner, the webmaster, and Spike Innovations LLC shall not be liable for either specific performance or any liability, loss, tampering, abuse, damage, including consequential and incidental damages, arising out of buyer's purchase of the equipment, or any defects in the equipment.