Abstract: A protective device for a support assembly for a thermocouple adapted for immersion into a molten metal bath to measure the temperature in the bath includes an elongated exterior protective tubular shield, preferably metallic. An interior spacing member is contained within or otherwise affixed to the shield. The spacing member may be in inset from the lower end of the shield to accommodate insertion of an end of a cardboard tube into the annular space between the pole and the shield. A thermocouple for measuring temperatures in a molten metal bath is affixed to the hollow cardboard tube. The shield may be provided with threaded holes, preferably also extending through the spacing member, to receive set screws so that the shield may be fixed at a desired location along the length of the pole.