What is a compensating cable and an extension cable?

Compensating cable is a thermocouple measuring circuit cable, which is identified by the letters CA (Compensating Alloys), e.g. for thermocouple type K cable type is KCA. Wires of the compensating cable have the same electrical features, but not the same materials, as the thermo wires of the TC sensor. Compensating cable is a more cost effective solution than extension cable, but the maximum ambient temperature allowed is lower, approximately 100…200 °C depending on the insulation material.

Extension cable is a thermocouple cable which is identified by the letter X (eXtension) e.g. for thermocouple type K cable type is KX. Wires of the extension cable are of exactly the same materials as the thermo wires of the TC sensor. These cables can achieve even the same ambient temperatures as the thermocouple can.