WarmGlass.com

I'm about to replace the K type thermocouple in my brick kiln and have read everything I can find here on the WGB and see that Bert recommends an iconel-sheathed thermocouple and there don't seem to be any contraindications mentioned, so... will it just connect to the existing thermocouple leads to the sending unit or is it more complicated than that, please? This is the one I am thinking of getting:

http://www.tcdirect.net.au/deptprod.asp?deptid=190/2#1 Order code 608-410
Update:
The company tech just called me back and mentioned that the leads should not get hot. Maybe I'm better sticking to the old-type ceramic-cased thermocouple as there would probably be some heat transfer through the hole where the thermocouple is inserted through the brick, even if it is stuffed with insulation? He invited me to send him some pics, which I'll do if there isn't a python draped over the top of the kiln, as there was yesterday....bit of a shock after congratulating ourselves for snake-proofing the workshop!

Thanks, Jen

Jen,
Maybe you could use the python as a new thermocouple.
Warren

Jen, if that were the case, it would be impossible to use these thermocouples. I have used them for decades. Just hook the red wire and the yellow wire to the proper terminals and it works. I am told that the first couple of firings will be a bit off and then it will work well for a long time to come.

As to those first couple of firings, just do them. I wouldn't settle on schedules you use over and over until after that initial break in period is over.

Warren, I discussed that with the python and apparently it's not on. There was some muttering about the comparative likelihood of inserting a marshmallow into a wildcat's a*%%. I'll follow Bert's advice first and revisit the python option if that doesn't work. He was assisted out of the workshop and a gap over the workshop door was closed. I hope he gets the message. I know I need recalibrating every time one appears.