lämpötilakytkimen

Lämpötilakytkin, known in English as a temperature switch or thermostat, is a device that senses temperature and activates or deactivates an electrical circuit when a set temperature is reached. These switches are commonly used to control heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, refrigeration units, and various industrial processes. They play a crucial role in maintaining desired temperature levels, ensuring efficiency, and preventing damage to equipment.

The operation of a lämpötilakytkin relies on the thermal expansion or contraction of a material. A common type utilizes a bimetallic strip, composed of two different metals with varying coefficients of thermal expansion. As the temperature changes, the strip bends, making or breaking electrical contact. Other types might use gas-filled bellows or electronic sensors like thermistors or thermocouples, which change their electrical resistance with temperature.

Lämpötilakytkimet can be designed to operate in different modes. Some are normally closed, meaning the circuit is complete at lower temperatures and opens when a specific high temperature is reached. Others are normally open, closing the circuit when the temperature drops to a predetermined level. This versatility allows them to be used for both heating and cooling applications. Their applications are widespread, from simple home thermostats to complex industrial control systems.