The Centigrade temperature scale is the former name for the Celsius scale, a metric-based temperature system in which 0° marks the freezing point of water and 100° marks its boiling point under standard atmospheric pressure.
The Centigrade temperature scale was once the standard term for what is now universally known as the Celsius scale. The word “centigrade” derives from the Latin centum (hundred) and gradus (steps or degrees), referring to the 100 equal intervals between water’s freezing and boiling points. Although officially replaced in 1948, the term “centigrade” is still used informally in some regions to describe temperature in degrees Celsius.
Today, the Celsius scale remains foundational to industrial, commercial, and scientific measurements. In cable and wire manufacturing, temperatures expressed in Celsius define insulation, jacket, and conductor performance limits. These measurements ensure materials can withstand environmental fluctuations without compromising safety or efficiency. For example, specifications such as “operating temperature: -20°C to 75°C” rely on Celsius-based standards to maintain consistency across global production and testing environments.
The Centigrade scale’s alignment with the metric system made it especially valuable in engineering and manufacturing, where standardized units are essential for product specification, thermal testing, and quality assurance. Its continued use under the Celsius name supports international uniformity in technical documentation and regulatory compliance.
Standardized by the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM) and recognized under the International System of Units (SI).
The Centigrade scale was introduced in 1742 by Swedish astronomer Anders Celsius, who originally defined 0° as the boiling point of water and 100° as its freezing point. The modern orientation was later adopted for practical use. In 1948, the Conférence Générale des Poids et Mesures (CGPM) officially renamed the scale “Celsius” to prevent confusion with the term “grade,” which refers to angular measurement.