Ice Point References
Ice Point References
Ice point references are temperature calibration standards that reproduce the ice point — 0°C (32°F) — as a fundamental fixed point of the International Temperature Scale (ITS-90). They provide a stable, reproducible 0°C reference without requiring external power or refrigeration, using a mixture of melting ice and water to maintain thermal equilibrium at precisely 0°C. This makes them an essential tool for verifying and offsetting temperature sensors, particularly thermocouples, which use cold junction compensation referenced to 0°C.
Ice point references are used in metrology, calibration laboratories, and field applications where a reliable, low-uncertainty 0°C reference is required. They are especially valued for their simplicity and natural traceability — the ice point is one of the most reproducible temperature reference points available, requiring no electrical power and subject to minimal drift.
Typical Applications
- Cold junction compensation verification for thermocouple calibration systems and data acquisition equipment
- 0°C fixed-point verification in accredited temperature calibration laboratories
- Verification of medical, clinical, and meteorological thermometers requiring a 0°C reference check
- Field calibration spot-checks for thermocouples in industrial and process environments
Popular Brands
AMETEK JOFRA produces reference temperature calibrators that complement ice point references in complete thermocouple calibration setups. Specialized ice point cells and maintenance kits are available from metrology equipment suppliers for use alongside platinum resistance thermometers and standard thermocouples in accredited calibration laboratories.
