Lämpötilakytkin

Lämpötilakytkin, known in English as a temperature switch or thermostat, is a device that automatically operates an electrical circuit when a predetermined temperature is reached. It functions by responding to changes in temperature, either opening or closing a contact to control a connected device.

There are several types of temperature switches, each utilizing different physical principles. Bimetallic strip thermostats are common, where two metals with different thermal expansion rates are bonded together. As temperature changes, the strip bends, activating a switch. Other types include liquid-filled bulb thermostats that use the expansion of a liquid or gas, and electronic thermostats that employ semiconductor sensors like thermistors or thermocouples to detect temperature and signal a control circuit.

The primary application of a lämpötilakytkin is in temperature regulation. They are widely used in heating and cooling systems for buildings, ovens, refrigerators, and automobiles to maintain desired temperature ranges. They can also serve as safety devices, preventing equipment from overheating by shutting it down if a critical temperature is exceeded. In simpler applications, they might be used to activate a fan when a component gets too hot or to turn on a heater when the ambient temperature drops below a set point. The specific design and sensitivity of a lämpötilakytkin are tailored to its intended use.