XIQI Electric CG-WZP-035 PT100 Temperature Sensor - 1m Waterproof 3-Wire Cable

A 2-wire PT100 is simplest but includes lead wire resistance in the measurement, causing error over distance. The 3-wire configuration (like this CG-WZP-035) uses a third wire to measure and compensate for this lead resistance, significantly improving accuracy. A 4-wire PT100 provides the highest accuracy by completely eliminating the effect of lead resistance, typically used in laboratory-grade instruments.

No, you cannot connect it directly. A PT100 sensor changes resistance with temperature. You need a signal conditioning circuit or a dedicated RTD amplifier module (e.g., with a Wheatstone bridge and instrumentation amplifier) to convert the resistance change into a voltage that a microcontroller's ADC can read. Many ready-made PT100 transmitter modules are available for this purpose.

While the stainless steel probe is rated for up to 800°C, the waterproof cable and its insulation have a much lower temperature limit, typically in the range of 105°C to 200°C depending on the material (e.g., PVC, silicone). It is crucial to route the cable away from direct heat sources and high-temperature surfaces to prevent insulation meltdown and ensure long-term reliability.

Industrial calibration requires a precision temperature source (dry block calibrator, fluidized bath) and a high-accuracy reference thermometer. The sensor is placed in the stable temperature source, and its resistance is measured at specific points (e.g., 0°C, 100°C). The measured values are compared to the standard PT100 resistance table (IEC 60751), and any deviation is documented or compensated for in the connected transmitter or controller's software.