Not the same: temperature range and temperature limit

Temperature range and temperature limit for pressure sensors ? is there an improvement? My intuitive answer would be: Yes! The first term describes a section and the second its border. On second glance, however, I must conclude that both words ultimately express a similar thing in relation to temperatures: Range and limit are defined by way of a lower and upper value, for instance 0 ? 100 �C. The relevant standard nevertheless defines a difference. Why?
IEC 61987 speaks of two different specification characteristics
The standard referred to is IEC 61987. This deals, among other activities, with the properties of fluid sensors, which likewise incorporate pressure sensors. With ?range? and ?limit?, the typical designates two different specification characteristics. Accordingly, the temperature range describes the span in which the instrument specifications must apply ? first and foremost, the accuracy. The temperature limit, on the other hand, indicates the min/max values between which the instrument may be operated without damage. With this particular, the instrument specifications don’t need to be adhered to at all.
What may sound a bit pedantic, makes sense from a technical point of view. This can be illustrated by the next example of a pressure sensor: The instrument is meant to provide solid measured values at an ambient temperature range of 0 ? 100 �C. As well, the sensor must not suffer any damage at ambient temperatures between -20 �C and 0 �C. In this range, however, it does not need to provide accurate measuring results, or even measure.
The difference between temperature range and temperature limit is plausible
This sounds paradoxical at first, but is plausible on closer inspection. Pressure sensor elements, i.e. the specific measuring components, exhibit a relatively large, often non-linear temperature error. Without further measures, a trusted pressure measurement will be impossible. Therefore, the maker must compensate for the temperature to be able to bring the error right down to an acceptable level. From an economic point of view, the limitation to a selected temperature range makes sense, or is even essential.
The distinction between temperature range and temperature limit applies to both the ambient temperature and the medium temperature. It is also useful for other specification characteristics, for example overpressure.
Conclusion
Yes, there exists a difference between range and limit in the normative world of pressure sensor technology. And yes, it creates technical sense. However, I doubt if the normal user, without understanding of standards, understands it intuitively. Which inevitably results in the question of whether you will find a better linguistic distinction. But, I have to admit, the solution is outside my ?range?.
Note
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