Lämpötilärele

Lämpötilärele, also known as a thermal relay or temperature switch, is a device designed to detect and respond to changes in temperature. It functions by utilizing a material whose physical properties change significantly with temperature. Commonly, this involves a bimetallic strip, composed of two different metals with varying thermal expansion coefficients. As the temperature rises or falls, the bimetallic strip bends due to the differential expansion, eventually making or breaking an electrical contact.

These relays are employed in a wide range of applications for safety and control. In electric motors, they protect against overheating by interrupting the power supply if the motor's temperature exceeds a safe limit. They can also be found in heating systems, refrigeration units, and various appliances to maintain desired temperature ranges or to prevent damage from extreme temperatures.

The activation temperature of a lämpötilärele is typically set during manufacturing, though some models may feature adjustable settings. Their operation is generally electromechanical, relying on physical movement to activate the switch. They are valued for their simplicity, reliability, and cost-effectiveness in temperature-sensitive control and protection circuits.