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Step-by-step thermal sensor installation: sensor types, wiring diagrams, placement, and troubleshooting. Local tips for sourcing and use in South African electronics projects.
NTC, thermistor, and IC-based sensor pros and cons explained.
Learn correct circuit integration for accurate readings.
Find popular sensors and accessories at Communica branches.
Thermal sensors allow your electronics projects to monitor and respond to temperature changes - from protecting batteries to controlling fans or logging ambient conditions. Whether you're building with Arduino, Raspberry Pi, or designing embedded circuits, understanding how to choose, wire, and calibrate thermal sensors is essential for reliability.
Thermal (temperature) sensors come in several major types:
| Sensor Type | Accuracy | Output | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| NTC Thermistor | 0.2 degreesC to 1 degreesC | Analogue (resistive) | Battery sensing, basic hobby projects |
| LM35 (IC) | 0.5 degreesC | Analogue (V/ degreesC) | Microcontroller interfacing |
| DS18B20 (IC) | 0.5 degreesC | Digital (1-wire) | IoT, remote temperature logging |
| RTD (PT100/PT1000) | 0.1 degreesC or better | Analogue (resistive) | Industrial, lab instrumentation |
When selecting a thermal sensor for your project, consider:
Most hobby and educational builds use either a thermistor voltage divider circuit or connect an IC sensor directly to a microcontroller/generic board. Here's a typical wiring approach:
Thermistor Voltage Divider Example:
[Vcc]---[10kOhm Pull-up]---+---[NTC Thermistor]---[GND]
|
Analog In (MCU)
For IC sensors like LM35 or DS18B20, follow manufacturer datasheets for pinout; the most common arrangement is:
-- LM35 Typical Wiring -- Pin 1: Vcc (e.g., 5V) Pin 2: Analog Out (to MCU) Pin 3: GND
For a voltage divider using an NTC thermistor, the sensor output voltage varies with temperature. The temperature (T) can be estimated using the Beta parameter formula for an NTC:
1/T = 1/T0 + (1/beta) x ln(R/R0) Where: T = Temperature in Kelvin T0 = Reference temperature (Kelvin, e.g., 298K for 25 degreesC) beta = Beta constant (from datasheet) R0 = Resistance at T0 (e.g., 10kOhm at 25 degreesC) R = Measured resistance
For digital sensors like DS18B20, your microcontroller reads the temperature value directly. Libraries are available for Arduino, Raspberry Pi, etc., making integration straightforward for South African students and makers.
Visit the Sensors category at Communica for a wide selection of thermistors, digital IC sensors, accessory kits, and mounting solutions. Check branch hours for local pickup, and consider browsing the brands index for compatible parts. VAT invoices are available for institutions and education projects.
Free shipping for orders over ZAR 1,000.00.
Get a full refund if you had the product for less than 7 days.
Nationwide delivery within 2 - 4 working days.
Communica supplies semiconductors and electronic components to industries such as automotive, electrical, automation, mining, and education.
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only. Product availability, pricing, and specifications are subject to change. Always verify current details on the retailer's website before making a purchase. We may earn affiliate commissions from qualifying purchases.
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Online support and communication is next level - great communication, fast response - very helpfull, recomended supplier - online payment was no hasse...
He's polite, good with people and made me feel free to talk.. all in all he's helpful
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Excellent service so far
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Sydney and Nicole were absolutely fantastic and helped me with my purchases. Thank you.
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Needed to buy a bluetooth GPS receiver. The staff was friendly, knowledgeable and assisted without any issues. This is a toys tore of note for peopl...
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They have mostly any electronic tool and components that you may require - Thanks to Nicole for helping me.
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One of the cashier services rendered to me was here at communica by the lady named Nicole and her manager dolly they were both willing to go above and...
The service was excellent, Nicole and Rehaan were very helpful and professional in their work.
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Quick quality customer service.
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Verified customerNicolene
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After being supplied the incorrect track for my garage motor, despite me asking twice if it was the correct track, I had to return to the store to exc...
They have most every electronics component you might need. Staff are knowledgeable and friendly. I was looking for a bespoke miniature item for a lapt...
Great service as always from Nicole and Sydney especially Mpho at the sales desk
Verified customerGood Array of products and sound advice
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I visit Communica once in a blue moon. Always wish i have more time to look at everything. Good & friendly service. Nothing wrong with a queuing syste...
Currently have only purchased items from their on-line store. Received what I ordered plus quick delivery. No complaints to date.
Verified customerThe new ticketing system is great, but the queues are still exceedingly long, and there are hardly any staff on hand in the shop to assist with questi...
I needed a heat-sensitive diode as one of my Philips appliances had had a failure. Philips wants you to throw the entire thing away, but I tried look...
I got the most pleasant service from Sydney and Windie
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Wide range of electronic components. Very likely to find what you are looking for. Arthur was very helpful. Don't bother trying to call for informatio...
Great place. Reasonable prices. Keeps component level items as well as security, surveillance and electrical items and tools
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Great pricing and a wide variety of products to choose from. A must visit if you've ever been to the Pretoria branch.
Verified customerNicole was very helpfull and friendly.
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