Find product HS Code and trade information for water temperature gauge sensor

Water Temperature Gauge Sensor

A water temperature gauge sensor is a device used to measure the temperature of a fluid, most commonly water or engine coolant, and provide an output signal that can be interpreted to display the temperature reading. These sensors are critical components in internal combustion engines, HVAC systems, and various industrial processes.

Material

Water temperature gauge sensors are constructed from materials chosen for their durability, corrosion resistance, and accuracy in fluid environments. Common materials include:

• Stainless Steel: The housing is often made of stainless steel (typically 304 or 316) to resist corrosion from coolant and water.
• Brass: Used in some sensor bodies, offering good thermal conductivity.
• Thermistor/Semiconductor: The sensing element itself is typically a thermistor (Negative Temperature Coefficient - NTC) or a semiconductor-based integrated circuit.
• Epoxy/Polymer: Used for encapsulation and insulation of the sensing element.
• PTFE/Rubber: Seals and o-rings are often made from PTFE or rubber compounds for fluid compatibility.

Purpose

The primary purpose of a water temperature gauge sensor is to provide accurate temperature data for:

• Engine Management: In vehicles, this data is crucial for the engine control unit (ECU) to adjust fuel mixture, ignition timing, and cooling fan operation, optimizing performance and preventing overheating.
• Temperature Monitoring: Monitoring temperature in boilers, cooling systems, water heaters, and industrial machinery to ensure safe and efficient operation.
• Safety Systems: Triggering alarms or shutting down systems in the event of overheating or excessively low temperatures.

Function

The sensor operates on the principle that the electrical resistance of a semiconductor material changes predictably with temperature.

• Resistance Change: As the temperature of the fluid increases, the resistance of the sensing element decreases (for NTC thermistors).
• Signal Conversion: An electronic circuit within the sensor converts this resistance change into an electrical signal (voltage or current).
• Output Signal: This signal is then sent to a gauge, controller, or data acquisition system for interpretation and display.

Usage Scenarios

• Automotive: Engine coolant temperature monitoring for dashboard gauges and ECU control.
• HVAC Systems: Measuring water temperature in boilers, chillers, and cooling towers.
• Industrial Processes: Monitoring temperature in chemical processing, food and beverage production, and pharmaceutical manufacturing.
• Water Heaters: Controlling water temperature and preventing overheating.
• Aquariums/Reptile Habitats: Maintaining optimal water temperature for aquatic life.

Common Types

• NTC Thermistor Sensors: These are the most common type, known for their accuracy and cost-effectiveness. They provide a negative temperature coefficient, meaning resistance decreases with increasing temperature.
• Linear Temperature Sensors (e.g., LM35): These sensors provide a voltage output that is directly proportional to the temperature.
• Integrated Circuit Sensors: These sensors combine the sensing element and signal conditioning circuitry into a single package.
• Resistive Temperature Detectors (RTDs): While less common in typical automotive applications, RTDs offer high accuracy and stability. They utilize the change in resistance of a metal wire (e.g., platinum) with temperature.
• Magnetic Sensors: Used in some automotive applications to detect the presence of coolant and provide a signal to the gauge.

Water temperature gauge sensors fall under instruments used for measuring temperature. Based on the provided information, the following HS codes are relevant:

• 9025805000: This HS code covers “Hydrometers and similar floating instruments, thermometers, pyrometers, barometers, hygrometers and psychrometers, recording or not, and any combination of these instruments; parts and accessories thereof: Other instruments: Other: Other”. This is a broad category encompassing various temperature measuring instruments not specifically defined elsewhere.

  • 90: Chapter 90 covers Instruments and apparatus which measure, check, test, navigate or control.
  • 25: Heading 9025 specifically relates to Hydrometers, thermometers, pyrometers, barometers, hygrometers and psychrometers.
  • 80: Subheading 902580 covers other instruments.
  • 50: Further specifies "Other" within the "Other" instruments category.
  • The total tax rate is 39.1% (Base tariff: 1.6%, Additional tariff: 7.5%, Additional tariff after 2025.4.2: 30%).

• 9025112000: This HS code covers “Hydrometers and similar floating instruments, thermometers, pyrometers, barometers, hygrometers and psychrometers, recording or not, and any combination of these instruments; parts and accessories thereof: Thermometers and pyrometers, not combined with other instruments: Liquid-filled, for direct reading: Clinical”. While described as "Clinical", this could potentially apply if the sensor is used in a medical or laboratory setting.

  • 90: Chapter 90 covers Instruments and apparatus which measure, check, test, navigate or control.
  • 25: Heading 9025 specifically relates to Hydrometers, thermometers, pyrometers, barometers, hygrometers and psychrometers.
  • 11: Subheading 902511 covers Thermometers and pyrometers, not combined with other instruments.
  • 20: Further specifies "Liquid-filled, for direct reading: Clinical".
  • The total tax rate is 30.0% (Additional tariff after 2025.4.2: 30%).

• 9032896040: This HS code covers “Automatic regulating or controlling instruments and apparatus; parts and accessories thereof: Other instruments and apparatus: Other: Process control instruments and apparatus: Other: Temperature control instruments”. If the water temperature gauge sensor is part of an automatic control system, this HS code may be applicable.

  • 90: Chapter 90 covers Instruments and apparatus which measure, check, test, navigate or control.
  • 32: Heading 9032 specifically relates to Automatic regulating or controlling instruments and apparatus.
  • 89: Subheading 903289 covers other instruments and apparatus.
  • 60: Further specifies "Process control instruments and apparatus".
  • 40: Further specifies "Temperature control instruments".
  • The total tax rate is 56.7% (Base tariff: 1.7%, Additional tariff: 25.0%, Additional tariff after 2025.4.2: 30%).

It is important to determine the specific function and application of the water temperature gauge sensor to select the most appropriate HS code. If the sensor is used as part of an automatic control system, HS code 9032896040 may be applicable. Otherwise, HS code 9025805000 is a broader option. If it is a liquid-filled clinical thermometer, HS code 9025112000 may be applicable.