diff --git a/adafruit_mcp9600.py b/adafruit_mcp9600.py
index a4c48d0..fca5df9 100644
--- a/adafruit_mcp9600.py
+++ b/adafruit_mcp9600.py
@@ -224,7 +224,7 @@ def __init__(
         self.type = tctype
         # is this a valid thermocouple type?
         if tctype not in MCP9600.types:
-            raise Exception("invalid thermocouple type ({})".format(tctype))
+            raise ValueError("invalid thermocouple type ({})".format(tctype))
         # filter is from 0 (none) to 7 (max), can limit spikes in
         # temperature readings
         tcfilter = min(7, max(0, tcfilter))