Yes, the length of the sensor wire can be shortened or extended as long as:
Extending the sensor wire – The sensor wire can be extended up to 500 feet with #18 awg wire and 2000 feet with #12 awg wire. Click here to see more about sensor placement.
Shortening the sensor wire – The sensor wire can be shortened as long as the sensor remains outside the housing and exposed to the desired sense temperatures. Click here to see more about sensor placement.