Cantilever Bimetallic Thermal Controls
Since bimetal devices are resettable they can be tested before and after installation. This not only improves the safety and reliability of the product, but enhances the peace of mind of product designers. This is an especially important feature when comparing these types of devices to thermal fuses which are only effective for a single use and, therefore, cannot be tested. In fact bimetallic devices, with very low reset temperatures, are sometimes used in the same manner as a thermal fuse. Bimetallic thermal controls produced with a low temperature reset point will open an electrical circuit in a fault condition just like a thermal fuse. However, these devices can be tested for function prior to being installed in the end application. This provides design engineer with an extra layer of protection that is not available with single use devices.