All You Need To Know About Thermostats

By Author: Control Products
Total Articles: 33
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There are a few basic facts that you need to know about thermostat switches. A thermostat’s main function is to keep a room at a desirable temperature. They should be able to turn the radiator or furnace on when temperatures drop, and turn the cooling system or AC on when the temperatures rise.

This should happen effectively without having to keep checking due to radical changes. The owner chooses the ideal temperature and the thermostat maintains this temperature. The thermostat should have the capability of being set to a desirable temperature.

How do thermostat switches work?

Mechanical thermostats

The principle for the mechanical ones is simple. You will find a number of components inside the switch box if you open it. The most important are the two coils with bimetallic strips. These strips are sensitive to temperature changes and will contract or expand with every change in the room. They are connected to a vial filed with mercury that is balancing. This vial tilts on either side to connect or disconnect the circuit, which creates the change in temperature. This reader will move ...
... the coils or adjust the strips to a certain level for an early or late connection due to temperature changes. They are not as accurate as the digital thermostats but are still a popular option today. They are mainly wired with 240 volts and in some instances120 volts are used.

These thermostats also come in two different connection configurations, single pole and double pole. Single pole connections have two wire connections. These connections allow you to reduce the amount of heat to a minimum without switching it off. The double pole comes with four wire connections. This will allow you to completely switch off the thermostat giving you a click sound. The wiring is done directly from the radiator.

Digital Thermostats

The digital thermostats are more sophisticated in the interior design than the mechanical ones. They are also much more accurate. These thermostats will deliver temperatures with an allowance of up to -1 or +1 degree. They use resistors instead of the bimetallic strips used in the mechanical configurations. They are also easier to read because they provide digital readings.

Recent Innovations

Programmable thermostats can be set much easier and can help save you money in the long run. You can indicate when you want it off or on, and at what temperatures. Set your thermostat to turn on and off depending on your schedule and individual preference.

You should be careful when installing thermostat switches because the wrong connections could cause electric damage or start a fire. You should use a professional electrician to get your connections right and avoid any issues.
 
The author of this article is currently associated with Control Products Inc, an expert on sealed switch, thermal switch and linear position sensor.