Monimetallilämpöilmaisimet

Monimetallilämpöilmaisimet, often abbreviated as bimetallic thermostats, are temperature-sensitive switches that utilize the principle of differential thermal expansion of two dissimilar metals. These metals, typically brass and steel or copper and steel, are bonded together to form a bimetallic strip. When subjected to a change in temperature, the two metals expand or contract at different rates. This difference in expansion causes the bimetallic strip to bend or warp.

The bending action of the bimetallic strip is then used to activate or deactivate an electrical circuit. In a typical configuration, the strip is designed to make or break contact with a set of electrical terminals. As the temperature rises, the strip bends, and if it reaches a predetermined point, it will either push a contact open, breaking the circuit, or pull a contact closed, completing the circuit. Conversely, as the temperature falls, the strip straightens or bends in the opposite direction, returning the contacts to their original state.

Monimetallilämpöilmaisimet are widely used in various applications due to their simplicity, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. They are commonly found in home appliances such as toasters, ovens, refrigerators, and washing machines to control heating elements or cooling systems. They also serve as safety devices, preventing overheating in electrical components and machinery. In automotive applications, they can be used to control cooling fans or monitor engine temperature. The precise temperature at which the switch operates is determined by the properties of the metals used and the design of the bimetallic strip.