MWS Wire /
Connecting Environments to Realtime Intelligence
Sensors are precision wire-based devices that are designed to detect changes in a given environment through electrical signals that can be interpreted by instruments and data analysis and control systems. Sensors play a crucial role in both simple and advanced interfaces, from touch-sensitive buttons to high-precision instruments used in aerospace, medical, and industrial applications.
MWS provides sensor wire for a variety of sensor types whether the sensor functions from dissimilar metals (thermocouples), or magnet wire windings (RTD sensors).
- Sensor wire available in sizes 30 to 52 AWG
- Parallel bonded or twisted wire constructions
- Available in two or three wire configurations (depending on sensor type)
- Available in a variety of film insulations including polyimide in colors red, green, black, and natural
Sensor Types
Thermocouple
Thermocouples generate a voltage from the "Seebeck effect," which occurs when two different metals are joined at one end and exposed to heat or cold.
- Can measure a wide temperature range, including extreme temperatures, from -270°C to 2300°C
- Fast response time, especially for bare or grounded types
- Very rugged and durable, making them suitable for harsh industrial environments
RTD Sensors
An RTD Sensor is a type of temperature sensor that operates on the principle that the electrical resistance of a metal changes predictably with temperature. Although some RTD sensors are made from platinum, MWS focuses on nickel/copper or nickel/iron based RTD sensor wire. Sensor wire can also be made from ETP copper for specialty applications.
- Higher accuracy and better stability and repeatability than thermocouples
- Best for moderate temperature ranges, typically from -200°C to 850°C
- Slower response time and less durable in harsh environments but designed for more controlled repeatable processes like measuring mass flow
- Can be a 2 wire, a 3 wire, or a 4 wire RTD sensor
Cryogenic Sensors
Cryogenic sensors measure temperature, pressure, strain, and other parameters at extremely low temperatures. These sensors typically use special non-magnetic wires with low thermal conductivity to minimize heat leaks and electrical noise.
- Can be based on thermocouples, RTD sensors, or other designs
- Cryogenic wire typically uses metal alloys that have low thermal conductivity or low thermal contact resistance
Common Sensor Applications
- Meters and Monitors
- Valves
- Actuators
- Regulators
- Quality detectors for Radiation Monitoring
- Emissions measurement
- Conditions monitoring
- Magnetometers
- Geological meters
- Cryogenic Sensors
- Thermal Sensors for mass flow controllers and mass flow meters
Product Spotlight
Thermocouple Sensor Wire
Type E Thermocouple
Positive Lead: Chromel
Negative Lead: Constantan
- Highest sensitivity
- Best for temperatures down to 40 K
Type T Thermocouple
Positive Lead: OFHC Copper
Negative Lead: Constantan
- Low temperature and cryogenic applications
- Effective where moisture is present
Type K Thermocouple
Positive Lead: Chromel
Negative Lead: Alumel
- Largest temperature range
- Recommended for use in an inert atmosphere
RTD and Coil Based Sensor Wires
Nickel-Iron based Alloys
MWS-42 | MWS-52 | MWS-120
- Voltage regulator, sensors, temperature sensitive resistors, potentiometers, timing devices and temperature compensating devices
- Measure flow of fluids at a certain flow rate range including mass flow sensors and mass flow controllers
Nickel-Copper based Alloys
MWS-30 | MWS-60 | MWS-90
MWS-180 | MWS-294
- Used for both thermocouples and RTD sensor types
- Applications include wire wound precision resistors, rheostats, and voltage control relays
ETP Copper
CDA 11000
- Used for small micro-coils, proximity sensors, and RF applications
- Can be made to resistance
Cryogenic Sensor Wire
Phosphor Bronze
CDA 51000
- High strength
- Good resistance to corrosion and fatigue.
- Low thermal conductivity
Other Alloys
Manganin | Inconel*
MWS-294R
- Low temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR)
- Suitable for low temperature applications
* Registered trademark of INCO family of companies
Special Processes
Ask a sales representative about any special temper or wire finish.
- Insulations available including formvar and polyimide
- Can be made to resistance
- Laser ablated
- Discrete lengths cut to size
Looking for something specific?
We probably have it in stock. If we don't, we can make it faster than you'd think!
Why Choose MWS?
Quick and Right Answers.
We invest heavily in our customer service and engineering team so that we can give you the right answers and the most effective customized solutions. Our success, as well as our very purpose, is directly linked to the long-term satisfaction of our customers using our wire products.
Unrivaled Availability, Low Minimum Order Quantity, and Quick Delivery.
MWS has one of the largest inventories of stainless-steel wire and other wire products. We provide wire from 1/4lb to 50lb spools. Ninety percent of our stock orders go out within a week. Short production runs and quick turnarounds are our specialty.
Pre-cut Wire Lengths and Other Custom Orders.
We can provide straight wire cuts from one inch to 6-foot lengths holding the tolerances you require for your specific application. Need shaped wire? We have a variety of special shapes including square wire, flat wire, and ribbon wire. Special coatings and finishes are available as well.
Headache Free Compliance Documentation.
Let us help you satisfy your customer's needs for clear and comprehensive compliance documentation including RoHS, REACH, DFARS, MADE IN USA, USMCA, etc. Chemical and physical testing reports are also available upon request.
Let Us Manage Your Inventory for You.
With 40,000 sq. ft. of warehouse space and thousands of products in stock, inventory management is our specialty. It doesn't have to be yours. Whether it's same day shipment from inventory or producing a wire to meet just-in-time schedules, we can get what you need when you need it. Ask about scheduled shipments synchronized to work with your inventory control, JIT, or Kanban system.