Lämpökatkaisijoita

Lämpökatkaisija, often translated as thermal cutout or thermal fuse, is a safety device designed to interrupt an electrical circuit when a specific temperature is exceeded. This prevents overheating and potential damage or fire hazards in electrical appliances and systems. They are typically single-use devices, meaning once they have tripped due to excessive heat, they must be replaced.

The operation of a lämpökatkaisija relies on a bimetallic strip or a fusible alloy. In a bimetallic strip design, two different metals with varying thermal expansion coefficients are bonded together. When heated, one metal expands more than the other, causing the strip to bend. This bending action eventually breaks the electrical contact, opening the circuit. In fusible alloy designs, a low-melting point alloy holds the electrical contacts together. When the temperature reaches the alloy's melting point, it liquefies, allowing a spring or other mechanism to separate the contacts and break the circuit.

Lämpökatkaisijoita are commonly found in a wide range of applications, including hair dryers, coffee makers, motors, transformers, and power supplies. Their primary function is to protect against malfunctions that could lead to dangerous temperature rises. The specific tripping temperature is determined by the device's design and intended application. Regular inspection and ensuring the correct type of lämpökatkaisija is used are important for maintaining electrical safety.