Cold treatment instrumentation

USDA Temperature Sensors for Reefer Cold Treatment

We manufacture USDA temperature sensors, also known as USDA probes, for fruit pulp temperature monitoring during refrigerated-container cold treatment. Explore specifications and request a configuration for your reefer application.

NTC thermistor precision sensingSS316 probe bodyPUR cableBatch traceability
USDA temperature sensor and pulp probe with black cable and stainless steel sensing tip
Product

USDA sensors: precision, sealing and traceability.

Electrical consistency, fast thermal response, robust sealing and traceable production are designed into every probe.

01

Precision sensing

NTC thermistor-based sensing platform designed for the narrow temperature band where cold-treatment accuracy matters most.

02

Sealed construction

Stainless probe body and protected cable transition designed for repeated reefer handling and refrigerated environments.

03

Production traceability

Batch-level inspection and electrical verification can be documented for OEM, depot and distributor supply programs.

Typical production specification

Engineered for cold-chain service.

Standard configuration shown below. OEM and project-specific versions can be discussed.

Accuracy at 0°C
±0.10°C
At 0.00°C
Sensor
NTC thermistor
For cold treatment
Interchangeability
±0.10°C
At 0.00°C
Probe body
SS316
2.5 mm OD
Cable
PUR
Black, cold-chain duty
Cable length
15 m
Standard length
Temperature range
−40 to +105°C
Specified range
Response in water
< 50 s
Response time
Request datasheet
Reefer systems

USDA probe applications across major reefer platforms.

Cold-treatment reefers use dedicated temperature channels and calibration procedures. Compatibility must be confirmed for the specific controller, electrical characteristic and connector configuration.

Carrier Transicold

Applications for compatible DataCORDER-equipped reefers using USDA cold-treatment temperature channels.

Thermo King

USDA probe applications for compatible Thermo King reefer controllers and cold-treatment configurations.

Star Cool

USDA temperature-probe applications on compatible Star Cool cold-treatment installations.

Daikin

USDA temperature-probe applications for compatible Daikin reefer equipment and treatment programs.

Compatibility is confirmed case by case according to reefer model, controller, sensor characteristic and connector configuration. Carrier Transicold, Thermo King, Star Cool and Daikin are referenced only to identify equipment platforms and do not imply affiliation, approval or endorsement.
Production & quality

A probe should be easy to verify before it ever reaches a container.

Our process is structured around repeatable checks and documented production batches.

✓
Electrical verificationResistance and sensor-curve checks.
✓
Insulation checksVerification against shorts or leakage to the probe body.
✓
Mechanical inspectionProbe, cable transition, connector and finish.
✓
Calibration supportCalibration documentation can be arranged for project requirements.
Reefer controller showing USDA 1, USDA 2, USDA 3 and cargo probe calibration channels
Field image: USDA 1, USDA 2, USDA 3 and cargo-probe channels during calibration on a reefer control system.
Calibration workflow

A real calibration workflow, not a marketing diagram.

This field photo shows a reefer controller reading the individual USDA channels and the cargo probe while calibration values are checked. Cold-treatment programs depend on valid temperature records, which is why probe stability, sealing, repeatability and correct calibration are critical.

Compatibility is confirmed case by case. Brand names are used only to identify equipment platforms and do not imply affiliation, approval or endorsement.
Applications

Made for the cold-treatment ecosystem.

For organizations that need consistent pulp-temperature sensing in reefer and export operations.

Exporters

Fresh-fruit cold treatment programs and replacement probe requirements.

Reefer depots

PTI, repair, service and sensor replacement inventories.

Cold-chain operators

Temperature monitoring for refrigerated transport programs.

OEM & distributors

Volume supply, technical documentation and project-specific configurations.

Cold-treatment context

Why dependable pulp-temperature measurement matters.

USDA APHIS recognizes cold treatment as a non-chemical phytosanitary treatment. Reefer cold-treatment systems use remote temperature probes placed in cargo to record product temperature during the treatment period. Carrier service documentation, for example, describes three remote USDA probes connected to the unit DataCORDER and calibrated in an ice bath before use.

Product questions

USDA sensors and probes: frequently asked questions

What is a USDA sensor?

A USDA sensor, also called a USDA probe or pulp probe, measures temperature inside fruit during cold treatment. Connected to the reefer data logger, it supports the temperature record for the treatment.

How is the probe used?

Before loading, the probes are checked and calibrated following the equipment manufacturer’s procedure and the applicable treatment protocol. They are then placed in the fruit at the required cargo locations.

How do I confirm compatibility?

Send us the reefer make, model, controller and connector requirements. The NTC thermistor resistance–temperature characteristic and connector configuration must match the specific equipment; compatibility is confirmed case by case.

USDA PROBE · SAMPLES

Request USDA probe samples for technical evaluation

Each request will be reviewed individually. Availability, pricing and shipping terms will be confirmed after reviewing your request.

Requests are reviewed individually. Do not submit identity documents or sensitive information here.
Contact

Ask a technical question or request a quotation.

Send us your application details and we will review the most suitable probe configuration for your reefer, depot or cold-treatment program.

Direct contact

For faster technical review, include the reefer platform, quantity required, destination market and any calibration or connector requirement.

1
Tell us the reefer platform or equipment model.
2
Add the required quantity and destination country.
3
Mention calibration, connector or project-specific requirements.

Technical inquiry

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USDA PROBE is an independent manufacturer and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the United States Department of Agriculture, Carrier, or other reefer equipment manufacturers. “USDA” refers to the regulatory cold-treatment context in which this type of probe is used. Product suitability should be verified for each equipment model and treatment program.