The Conductivity Probe (CON-BTA) is automatically temperature compensated between temperatures of 5 and 35°C. Note that the temperature of a solution is being read by a thermistor that extends into the space between the graphite electrodes. Readings are automatically referenced to a conductivity value at 25°C; therefore, the Conductivity Probe will give the same conductivity reading in a solution that is at 15°C as it would if the same solution were warmed to 25°C. This means you can calibrate your probe in the lab, and then use these stored calibrations to take readings in colder (or warmer) water in a lake or stream. If the probe were not temperature compensated, you would notice a change in the conductivity reading as temperature changed, even though the actual ion concentration did not change. If the solution temperature is higher than 35°C. The probe will see it as a 35°C solution and compensate to that max 35°C temperature.

This temperature compensation is calculated by applying an industry standard 2% to the conductivity value for every degree away from 25°C the temperature reads.

Some instructors may want to remove this temperature compensation from their measurements to do a study of how temperature alters conductivity. To do this, you will have to make sure you are collecting temperature at the same time as conducting with a temperature probe. Once you are finished collecting data, set up a calculated column with the following expression:
Uncompensated conductivity = compensated conductivity / (1 + ((25 – Temperature in °C) * 2 / 100))

We also offer the following sensors that allow the user to turn on and off the temperature compensation feature:
Platinum-Cell Conductivity Probe (CONPT-BTA)
Go Direct^® Conductivity Probe (GDX-CON)
Go Direct^® Platinum-Cell Conductivity Probe (GDX-CONPT)