The temperature within a copper sulfate half cell has a direct effect on the voltage produced by the chemical reaction in the cell. It has been shown that for every degree of Fahrenheit, a change of 0.5mV occurs. If a cold reference electrode was used in winter at 40F and a warm one used in summer at 90F, a 25mV shift would occur based solely on the temperature of the half cell.

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Tinker & Rasor now offers temperature sensitve labels for half cells to show users of the potential for concern of ambient and half cell temperatures.

 

Common compensation formulas state that the temperature compensation arc is a linear function using Fahrenheit:

 

For every degree of temperature in Fahrenheit (°F), a 0.5mV of change should be made, with a baseline temperature of 62°F.

 

Further, some have suggested that ambient temperatures between 59F and 95F should not be a concern, and no compensation is necessary, while outside of this range it has been suggested that the user should determine the actual temperature and make corrections accordingly.

 

The Tinker & Rasor temperature label will give the user an idea of the temperature of the reference electrode body, allowing for a determination if temperature correction may be appropriate.

 

The T&R Temperature label uses degrees of Fahrenheit. A simple conversion from degrees Fahrenheit to degrees Celsius is shown in the table below.