Anritsu A series probes are general-purpose temperature sensors designed to measure the temperatures of stationary surfaces.
Specific components may be combined to customize products for the needs of a customer's specific application.
Anritsu VA Series Clip-Type Surface Temperature Probe
:
Anritsu VA Series clip-type surface temperature probes for measuring the temperature of small heat pipes and cylindrical surfaces.
- Heat pipe sizes: Ø3, Ø4, Ø5 and Ø6 mm.
- Temperature range: -50°C to 300°C.
- Thermocouple: Type K or Type E.
- Response time: Approx. 2 seconds.
Anritsu VA Series Clip-Type Surface Temperature Probe
The Anritsu VA Series consists of clip-type surface temperature probes designed for measuring the external surface temperature of small heat pipes and cylindrical tubes.
The probe clips around the target pipe, positioning the temperature sensing element directly against the surface. This provides a convenient way to make repeatable contact measurements on small-diameter tubing without having to hold a conventional hand probe continuously against the target.
VA Series probes are available for Ø3, Ø4, Ø5 and Ø6 mm heat pipes and can be configured with Type K or Type E thermocouples, different cable lengths and connector options.

Clip-Type Measurement for Heat Pipes
The VA Series uses a spring clip to hold the sensing element against the outside surface of the pipe.
Once fitted to the correct pipe diameter, the clip maintains contact between the sensor and the measurement surface. This is particularly useful for temperature checks where the probe needs to remain attached during testing or where maintaining hand pressure would be inconvenient.
The correct VA head size should be selected to match the outside diameter of the heat pipe being measured.
Available Heat Pipe Sizes
| Head Code | Heat Pipe Diameter | Typical Type K Model |
|---|---|---|
| 03 | Ø3 mm | VA-03K-01 |
| 04 | Ø4 mm | VA-04K-01 |
| 05 | Ø5 mm | VA-05K-01 |
| 06 | Ø6 mm | VA-06K-01 |
Typical VA Series Probes
The VA Series is available with both Type K and Type E thermocouple elements. Typical configurations include probes for Ø3 mm and Ø5 mm heat pipes.
| Heat Pipe | Type K Model | Type E Model |
|---|---|---|
| Ø3 mm | VA-03K-01-TS1-ANP | VA-03E-01-TS1-ANP |
| Ø5 mm | VA-05K-01-TS1-ANP | VA-05E-01-TS1-ANP |
VA Series Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Measurement Type | Clip-type surface temperature measurement |
| Target | Small heat pipes and cylindrical surfaces |
| Temperature Range | -50°C to 300°C |
| Tolerance | ±2.5°C at 100°C surface temperature |
| Response Time | Approx. 2.0 seconds |
| Durability Rank | S |
| Thermocouple | Type K or Type E |
| Maximum Temperature | 300°C |
The published specifications apply under the manufacturer's specified measurement conditions. Actual performance can also depend on contact condition, pipe material, surface finish and installation.
VA Series Model Configuration
The complete VA model number identifies the selected head size, thermocouple, probe length, cable and connector.
A typical model number is: VA-03K-01-TS1-ANP.
1. Head Form
Select the clip according to the outside diameter of the heat pipe.
| Code | Target Diameter |
|---|---|
| 03 | For Ø3 mm heat pipe |
| 04 | For Ø4 mm heat pipe |
| 05 | For Ø5 mm heat pipe |
| 06 | For Ø6 mm heat pipe |
2. Thermocouple Type
| K | Type K — Chromel / Alumel |
|---|---|
| E | Type E — Chromel / Constantan |
The thermocouple type must match the input of the thermometer or temperature indicator used with the probe.
3. Probe Length
The standard VA configuration shown in the manufacturer catalogue uses a 100 mm probe length.
| 01 | 100 mm |
|---|
4. Cable Type and Length
The VA Series uses the specified thermocouple extension cable between the probe and measuring instrument.
| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| TS1 | TS cable, 1 m |
| TS1.5 | TS cable, 1.5 m |
| TS2 | TS cable, 2 m |
| TS2.5 | TS cable, 2.5 m |
Additional cable lengths can be specified where required.
5. Connector
| Code | Connection |
|---|---|
| ANP | Miniature thermocouple plug |
| ASP | Anritsu standard plug |
| W | Without plug / wire termination |
How the VA Series is Selected
Selection starts with the outside diameter of the heat pipe. The clip size must match the target so that the sensing element is held correctly against the surface.
After selecting the head size, confirm the thermocouple type, cable length and connector required by the temperature measuring instrument.
| Requirement | Selection |
|---|---|
| Ø3 mm pipe | VA-03 |
| Ø4 mm pipe | VA-04 |
| Ø5 mm pipe | VA-05 |
| Ø6 mm pipe | VA-06 |
| Type K instrument | Select K thermocouple |
| Type E instrument | Select E thermocouple |
Surface Contact Measurement
The VA Series measures the outside surface temperature of the pipe rather than the temperature of the fluid or gas inside it.
For consistent measurements, the clip should be installed so that the sensing element makes proper contact with the target surface.
Oil, dirt, coatings, oxidation or an incorrect clip diameter can affect thermal contact and should be considered when interpreting the measured temperature.
Typical Applications
- Heat pipe temperature measurement
- Small refrigeration tubing
- Small process tubes
- Thermal equipment development
- Heating and cooling system testing
- Research and development
- Production inspection
- Equipment temperature verification
Advantages of a Clip-Type Probe
A conventional handheld surface probe normally requires the operator to maintain pressure and angle during measurement. The VA clip holds the sensor against the small pipe once it has been attached.
This can be useful where the temperature needs to be observed for a period of time or where both hands are required for other measurement work.
It also provides a repeatable mechanical position when repeated measurements are made on pipes of the specified diameter.
Before Ordering
Please provide the following information:
- Outside diameter of the heat pipe or tube
- Expected temperature range
- Required thermocouple Type K or Type E
- Required cable length
- Temperature meter or indicator being used
- Required connector type
The most important dimension is the outside diameter of the target pipe, as this determines the correct VA clip head.
Ordering Information
Specify the complete VA model configuration where known. If the model number is not available, provide the pipe diameter, thermocouple type, required cable length and connector.



























