Lämpötilakynnystyyppikytkin

Lämpötilakynnystyyppikytkin, known in English as a temperature threshold type switch, is a type of electrical switch that activates or deactivates a circuit based on reaching a predetermined temperature. These devices are designed to respond to changes in ambient temperature and are commonly used in various applications for thermal control and safety.

The fundamental principle of operation for a lämpötilakynnystyyppikytkin involves a thermomechanically sensitive element. This element, often a bimetallic strip or a shape-memory alloy, undergoes a physical change, such as bending or snapping back, when it reaches a specific temperature threshold. This physical movement is then mechanically linked to electrical contacts, causing them to open or close the circuit.

There are two primary types of lämpötilakynnystyyppikytkimet: normally closed (NC) and normally open (NO). In a normally closed switch, the electrical contacts are connected by default and open when the temperature threshold is reached, interrupting the flow of current. In a normally open switch, the contacts are separated by default and close when the temperature threshold is reached, completing the circuit.

These switches find widespread use in appliances like ovens, refrigerators, and thermostats, where they regulate temperature by controlling heating or cooling elements. They are also employed in industrial machinery for overheating protection, automotive systems for engine temperature monitoring, and in safety circuits to prevent damage from excessive heat. The precise temperature at which the switch operates is factory-set or adjustable, depending on the specific model and its intended application.