Thermocouples may be inserted into any heat source in different ways. Their placement, position, and method of securement, all have an effect on their accuracy and performance. Due to the solidity of ceramics and high temperature kiln firing needed to get it to that state, thermocouple usage has always been a challenge. The difference is, that this potting is not kiln fired. It merely dries, giving a loose placement to the thermocouple which may later crumble and cause the thermocouple to fall out.
Placement is also difficult and often inconsistent.
It is impossible to know just how close it comes to the surface of the element. This method assured secure positioning and accurate placement. The problem comes in the tolerance of the wire to the two, sometimes three, intense kiln firings. High heat can cause the fragile thermocouple wire to become brittle and break off easily, creating a high failure rate in manufacturing and a limited lifespan in the field. Infrared Internationale is, to date, the only manufacturer to offer a third possibility in our creation of the springform, interchangeable, thermocouple.