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Learn about temperature sensors-from thermistors to ICs and thermocouples-including specs, applications, and South African buying tips from Communica.
Explore thermistors, RTDs, thermocouples, and digital sensors for diverse SA environments.
Compare specs, signal types, wiring, and calculate real-world accuracy for your application.
Find stocked brands, lead times, and branch collection details at Communica.
Temperature sensors play a critical role in South African electronics, ranging from student robotics builds to HVAC, process control, and IoT monitoring. Selecting the right temperature-sensing component ensures your system is safe, accurate, and cost-effective. Popular projects include Arduino-based weather stations, industrial ovens, environmental data logging, and energy management in solar or battery installations.
| Sensor Type | Principle | Typical Range | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| NTC/PTC Thermistor | Resistance changes with temperature | -40 to +125°C | Prototyping, battery packs, HVAC |
| RTD (e.g. PT100) | Linear resistance increase | -200 to +500°C | Industrial process, lab, food |
| Thermocouple (K, J, etc.) | Voltage across junction | -200 to +1200°C | Kilns, boilers, HVAC, 3D printing |
| Silicon/IC sensors (e.g. LM35, DS18B20) | Voltage/digital output proportional to temperature | -55 to +150°C | Arduino, Raspberry Pi, IoT, data logging |
| Integrated Digital Sensors | I2C/SPI/1-Wire communication | -40 to +125°C | Wireless sensor networks, industrial automation |
Popular stocked brands at Communica include Texas Instruments (LM35, TMP36), Maxim (DS18B20), Vishay and EPCOS (thermistors), and Omega (thermocouples). For microcontroller integration, consider Adafruit and SparkFun breakout boards for rapid prototyping.
Communica's Samrand warehouse and branches in Pretoria CBD and Cape Town stock a broad range of analog and digital temperature sensors, suitable for school labs, university engineering projects, PLC maintenance, and replacement parts. Bulk orders for industrial uses or ongoing production can be pre-arranged for optimal lead times and VAT invoicing.
Thermistors are commonly read using a voltage divider circuit:
Vin o---[R1]---o---[NTC]---o GND
Where the voltage at the midpoint relates to temperature via the Steinhart-Hart equation. Example: For a 10kOhm NTC at 25°C, with R1 = 10kOhm, Vin = 5V:
Vout = Vin x (NTC) / (NTC + R1) = 5 x 10k / (10k + 10k) = 2.5V
Use the manufacturer's resistance vs temperature table to convert readings. DS18B20 digital sensors, meanwhile, output temperature directly as a digital value, simplifying code for IoT projects (popular with Raspberry Pi and Arduino).
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Very friendly and helpful; and a wide selection of items (at their location). You can also purchase via their WebSite; I have never been disappointed...
Review for Communica Samrand Security Wanted to share a heartfelt thank you to the security team at Communica Samrand! Yesterday, I had a personal ex...
Quick service from Layla and her team in providing technical assistance and getting my order together. This is the best service I have received in a l...
I love this place and have been purchasing my electronic parts over 25 years . Layla has been a super sales lady ..friendly and knows her products .
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Visited a couple of times for supplies and specialised parts Staff is extremely friendly and always helpfull
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What an absolute gem Layla is! She went out of her way to source my requested items from another branch, without me asking, and done so with a great b...
I was assisted by Fatima. She was friendly, patient and professional. Thanks for the great service!
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Verified customerI had a fantastic experience at Communica, thanks to the exceptional service provided by Rehaan in sales and Nicole at the cashier. Rehaan was incredi...
Got assisted by a very patient and diligent gentleman by the name Sydney. He was patient in getting me what I needed from the little information I gav...
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Can i give Fatima her flowers.... 10 000 out of 100. Customer service-100% Patience-100% Product knowledge-100% Had the best shopping experience there...
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Fatima was very helpful and patient with my many queries. The shop itself has seen better days but the service was great.
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Great experience with every purchase thanks to Sydney and nicole
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Sydney was an awesome help, he approached as we walked in for assistance. Nicole was such a darling and very helpful as well. Awesome first time exper...
Ordered online, was just after 6am. Asked if I can pick items up as I wanted to install over the weekend and delivery stated 2-4 working days. Though...
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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Best service received from Rocket! What a pleasure dealing with him. Thank you Rocket
Verified customerFast good price service. Thank you Sydney.
Verified customerThanks Fatima for an excellent service
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Excellent service so far
Verified customerSydney offered exceptional service. He took me step by step on what I needed to buy. Thank you Nicole for the service
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Leburu and nicole were both very helpful my boss send me to get few items as I wasn't very familiar with the items Leburu and my boss spoke with each ...
Sydney and Nicole were amazing I came in and finished within no time thank you so much keep up the friendly service
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Verified customerThe service I always get from Sydney And Lacy the Cashier is amazing. Those are my guys...keep up the good works gentlemen.
Verified customerOrdered online. Got my order in less than 24 hrs. I was updated all the time on the progress. I have never seen service like this. Thanks and well don...
Sydney and Nicole were absolutely fantastic and helped me with my purchases. Thank you.
Verified customerLovely service received from nicole at the cashier point....it was my first time here and i will be back for certain
Verified customerAwesome service, very friendly and helpful people. Best help and assistance from Avi, and such lovely chats with Nicole.
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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...
azul and Nicole were very helpful and very efficient
Verified customerCynthia at the counter is always very helpful, in fact, all the counter sales ladies are very helpful. Can't say the same for the staff when calling ...
They have mostly any electronic tool and components that you may require - Thanks to Nicole for helping me.
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Verified customerFatima is the best. She has great product knowledge.
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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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Great service, Rehaan and Layla were spectacular with assistance. 10/10 Would definitely recommend.
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Mohamed Sharief is a great asset to Communica. He provides a 5 star service and good product knowledge. Keep up the good work.
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I received a great service from Rehaan, Windy and Nocole. Excellent customer service.
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Quick quality customer service.
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Very good service and a happy welcoming smile from the cashier Nicole
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Verified customerReceived good service Nicole and Cynhtia thanks you so much
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Anyone that seriously loves technology ought to spend time here. They definitely have what you want. Best tech store!
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Verified customerFatima & Nicole delivered an excellent customer service
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Verified customerMpho was very help full. Great service
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Verified customerMpho helped us quickly and with knowledge Excellent
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Verified customerVery good service from Nicole
Verified customerPatient and kind
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Verified customerCHAT RESPONSE TIME DEFINITELY WAY ABOVE GENERAL AVERAGE, WELL DONE.
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Verified customerAlways very good service
Verified customerEXCELLENT SERVICE FRONT JACQUELINE AND Windie
Verified customerGreat service as always
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Verified customerMy electronics go to place
Verified customerGreat service
Verified customerSydney en Lacy was baie hulpvaardig. Goeie diens!
Verified customerNicolene
Verified customerGreat place to purchase electronic components at a fair price. They have a wide range of products and a well functioning ticketing system that ensures...
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
Verified customerGreat inventory. Very slow service, though the staff seem to do their best. Single till open mostly with overbearing security measures. Can do with so...
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
Verified customerExcellent range of items, with technical staff that know their stuff. Unfortunate location that makes it a bit difficult to get to, but worth the tre...
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
Verified customerI had some electronic work to be done.Personell very friendly and helpful .Topclass business
Verified customerElectronic supply store if you like tinkering it's got the goods the tills are slow so don't expect a in and out visit especially if there is two or m...
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.
Verified customerGood job Nicole! Well done!
Verified customerSlowest service ever! Even worst cashiers. I shudder to go. Good products though.
Verified customerGood service, would recommend.
Verified customerWide range of electronics for the diy enthusiastic, ranging from solar systems to alarms and cctv.
Verified customerGreat for electronics but stock is a problem quite often so call before going through.
Verified customerService has improved but still a long way to go to actually sort it out.
Verified customerFriendly service and a vast range of electronic components, devices etc.
Verified customerThe is a computerised quing system and you can pick n pay....but the problem is the is no lift and the only way to get up is using steps
Verified customerFor Sonoff ewelink WiFi switch.
Verified customerThank you for your patience ma'am Mpho
Verified customerGood verity of products. Helpful staff albeit a bit slow
Verified customerLots and lots of interesting things here. From home security to robots to electronic kits. Always like coming here.
Verified customerGreat service from Cynthia and Nicole
Verified customerBest prices for cameras and alarm systems and very helpful staff
Verified customerSomethings are getting pricey, but still a good place to pick up components
Verified customerNicole and Sydney were very helpful
Verified customerElectronic store for DIY electronics and prototyping guys. Doesn't look all that great but should have what you're looking for.
Verified customerA good electrical/electronic sales store packed with almost every component you require
Verified customerIf you love engineering you'll love this shop apart from the terrible queues and long waiting times
Verified customerAlmost all electronic spares available at reasonable prices.
Verified customerVery fast and friendly service, avoid it in friday afternoon if possible.
Verified customerExcellent, ask for Sydney. Solved immediately
Verified customerThey have everything you would need. Service is good
Verified customerBig electronic component shop. Counter can be very busy. Lots of parking.
Verified customerClose to closing time so i was in and out quickly
Verified customerAll the goodies in one place and Mohamed is always willing to help
Verified customerWide variety of electronic goods. Staff helpful with good advise.
Verified customerGood verity, lots of stock, mostly helpful staff
Verified customerVery helpfull. Thank you
Verified customerWide variety of components and electronic goods. Helpfull personel.
Verified customerExcellent service Nicole
Verified customerLarge selection, low on staff during lunch time when they are busy.
Verified customerGreat for your electronic needs - Prices are a bit expensive
Verified customerGreat showroom, electronics hobbyist's paradise
Verified customerGreat place to find electronic stuff.
Verified customerDefinitely will have what you're looking for.
Verified customerCheap electronics and great educational goodies for the kids
Verified customergood selection of electronic supplies accessible
Verified customerGreat variety of stock on hand
Verified customerGood variety of electronic components available
Verified customerWide variety of electronic supplies available here
Verified customerVery good
Verified customerBig variety and good prices
Verified customerAll your electronics requirements under one roof, and more!
Verified customerThe place to go whatever your electrical and electronics needs.
Verified customerExcellent range of electronic products
Verified customerInteresting & you can find everything here
Verified customerGreat selection of electronic components
Verified customerGreat electronics and hobbiest shop
Verified customerAmazing range of products.
Verified customerVery helpful and professional
Verified customerGood range of electronic components
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Verified customerVery wide variety of electronic components
Verified customerFantastic range of goods
Verified customerTidy store with a lot of variety
Verified customerLove everything here...
Verified customerGood range of products
Verified customerWhatever you need they have
Verified customerLarge number of electronic components
Verified customerCan spend hours in there
Verified customerRather a slow process
Verified customerExcellent merchandising
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Verified customerHelpful and efficient
Verified customerPlace if definite interest
Verified customerGet electronic kits
Verified customerWide range of components
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Verified customerloads of electronic components
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Verified customerFascinating
Verified customerWaiting time can be annoing.
Verified customerCommunica supplies semiconductors and electronic components to industries such as automotive, electrical, automation, mining, and education.
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