lämpökytkimien

Lämpökytkin, known in English as a thermal switch or thermal cut-off, is a safety device designed to protect electrical equipment from overheating. It typically consists of a bimetallic strip that bends when a specific temperature is reached. This bending action opens or closes an electrical contact, interrupting the circuit and stopping the flow of current.

There are two main types of lämpökytkimet: normally closed (NC) and normally open (NO). A normally closed thermal switch is in a closed circuit state at normal operating temperatures. When the temperature exceeds its set point, the bimetallic strip bends, opening the circuit. A normally open thermal switch, conversely, is in an open circuit state at normal temperatures and closes the circuit when the temperature rises.

Lämpökytkimet are widely used in various applications to prevent thermal runaway and potential fire hazards. Common uses include protecting electric motors, transformers, heating elements, and appliances such as coffee makers, hair dryers, and power supplies. They act as a failsafe mechanism, ensuring that if a component overheats due to a malfunction or overload, the power supply is automatically disconnected.

These devices are often designed to be resettable, either manually or automatically. Manual reset switches require the user to press a button to close the circuit after it has cooled down. Automatic reset switches will close the circuit once the temperature returns to a safe level. Lämpökytkimet are a simple yet effective method for enhancing the safety and longevity of electrical systems by monitoring and controlling temperature.