hittecontact

Hittecontact is a Dutch term used in electrical engineering and related disciplines to refer to a heat-activated electrical contact, i.e., a switch, relay, or sensor whose operating state is determined by temperature. In practice, a hittecontact closes or opens a circuit when a defined temperature is reached, providing overheating protection or temperature control.

Definition and operation: A hittecontact changes its state as temperature changes. This can be achieved with a bimetal strip that bends with heat to mechanically open or close the contact, with a solder pellet or alloy that melts at a set temperature to release a latch, or with other thermally sensitive elements that drive a snap-action mechanism. The key concept is that the electrical contact is activated by thermal effects rather than by an electromagnetic coil alone.

Types and variants: Common implementations include thermal switches (also called thermal or heat-operated switches), temperature-controlled relays, and thermal fuses. Some designs are designed for safety applications, providing overheat protection, while others serve as part of a control loop to regulate temperature in equipment such as motors, heaters, or appliances.

Applications: Hittecontact devices are found in household appliances, heating and cooling systems, automotive components, and industrial equipment. They help prevent damage from overheating, regulate temperature in devices, and provide fail-safe mechanisms in electrical circuits.

Terminology and usage: The term is primarily used in Dutch-language technical literature. In English, equivalent terms include thermal contact, temperature-activated switch, or thermally operated switch. See also thermal switch, thermostat, bimetal strip, and thermal fuse.