Difference Between 2 wire RTD, 3 wire RTD,

and 4 wire RTD’s

Difference Between 2 wire RTD, 3 wire RTD, and 4 wire RTD’s

RTDs (Resistance Temperature Detectors) are offered with 2, 3, or 4 lead configuration.

The best configuration for a specific application depends on a number of factors, how-
ever the sensor configuration must match with Transmitter, otherwise leadwire
resistance cancellation circuitry may be ineffective.

Also Read: Introduction to RTD’s

Factors to consider:

• Cost of installation – more wires generally means higher cost

• Available space – more or larger wires require more space
• Accuracy requirements – 2 wire configurations may provide the required
accuracy, especially with high resistance elements

Types of RTD Constructions:

1. 2 Lead Construction
2. 3 Lead Construction
3. 4 Lead Construction

RTD Wiring Diagram

2-lead constructions result in leadwire resistance getting added to the element
resistance. Consequently, the temperature reading is artificially high. The graph below
shows the temperature error, from 2 leads of various sizes and lengths, for a 100-ohm
platinum RTD at 100°C.

2-wire construction is the least accurate of the 3 types since there is no way of eliminat-
ing the lead wire resistance from the sensor measurement. 2-wire RTD’s are mostly used
with short lead wires or where close accuracy is not required.

3-lead constructions result in canceled leadwire resistance error only if the trans-
mitter can measure true 3-wire resistance.

• Leadwire resistance error cancelation is most effective when all the lead wires
have the same resistance. Using 3 wires of the same AWG, length, and
composition will typically result in leadwire resistances matched within 5%.
The graph below shows the temperature error from leadwire of various sizes
and lengths, for a 3-lead 100-ohm platinum RTD at 100°C.
3-wire construction is most commonly used in industrial applications where the third
wire provides a method for removing the average lead wire resistance from the sensor
measurement. When long distances exist between the sensor and measurement/control
instrument, significant savings can be made in using a threewire cable instead of a four-
wire cable

The 3 wire circuit works by measuring the resistance between #1 & #2 (R 1+2) and sub-
tracting the resistance between #2 & #3 (R 2+3) which leaves just the resistance of the
RTD bulb (R b). This method assumes that wires 1,2 & 3 are all the same resistance

4-lead constructions result in canceled resistance only if the transmitter can measure
true 4-wire resistance. True 4-wire resistance measurement will effectively cancel
leadwire resistance error even if all 4 wires are not the same AWG, length, and/or com-
position.
4-wire construction is used primarily in the laboratory where close accuracy is required.
In a 4 wire RTD the actual resistance of the lead wires can be determined and removed
from the sensor measurement.

The 4-wire circuit is a true 4-wire bridge, which works by using wires 1 & 4 to power the
circuit and wires 2 & 3 to read. This true bridge method will compensate for any differ-
ences in lead wire resistances.

Are any configurations interchangeable?

• 4-lead RTDs can generally be used as 3-lead RTDs by eliminating (or tying off)
one of the leads
• 4-lead RTDs can be used as 2-lead RTDs, by combining (shorting) the common
leads (usually of like color – white/white and red/red)
WARNING: combining the common leads eliminates leadwire resistance
cancellation benefits
• 3-lead RTDs can be used as 2-lead RTDs, by combining (shorting) the common
leads ((usually of like color)
WARNING: combining the common leads eliminates leadwire resistance
cancellation benefits
Also Read: Difference Between RTD, Thermocouple & Thermistor