Self-Hold Device
Self-Hold devices are an innovative new type of thermal controls which again are generally used as an over temperature protector in applications. These devices offer functionality similar to manual reset and non-reset types in that they offer an extra degree of safety in many different consumer applications but will automatically reset once the consumer disconnects the power source to the application. Again, the primary function of these devices is to interrupt an electrical load based on increases in the operating temperature or an increase in the electrical load in the application. In a fault condition, the bimetallic element activates at a preset temperature which interrupts the flow of power to the application. Once the thermal control device opens the electrical circuit, a heat source that has been incorporated into the design of the self-hold device is activated preventing the thermal control from resetting as long as the application is connected to a power source. Once the power source is removed (turning off the power switch or pulling the plug from the electrical socket), the heat source is deactivated allowing the thermal control to cool which permits the device to reset.