• VIEW THE FLASH VERSION OF THIS GUIDE
• INTRODUCTION & PURPOSE OF
  THIS HOW-TO GUIDE
• DEFINING THERMOSTATS &
  THERMAL PROTECTORS
• TYPES OF THERMAL CONTROL DEVICES

• Cantilever Bimetallic Devices
• Disc-Type Bimetallic Devices
• Adjustable Temperature Type Devices
• Solid State And Electronic Type Devices
• Thermal Fuses

• FUNCTIONALITY OF THERMAL CONTROL DEVICES
• OPERATING CHARACTERISTICS AND APPLICATION USES
• CURRENT SENSITIVITY IN BIMETAL THERMAL CONTROLS - WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
• WHAT TO EXPECT FROM YOUR THERMAL CONTROL PARTNER

Versatility, Functionality & Reliability

Thermal Control Device Types

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There are many different basic types of what is generally classified as thermal control devices. Each type is designed to react to changes in temperature or current to make or break an electrical circuit. In fact, each of these basic types can be expanded into various sub-categories that are used in so many different applications, they are too numerous to mention.

The basic types of thermal controls include:

• Cantilever Bimetallic Devices (Auto. Reset, Self-Hold, and Non-Reset Types)
• Disc-Type Bimetallic Devices (Auto. Reset, Self-Hold, and Manual Reset Type)
• Adjustable Temperature Type Devices
• Solid State & Electronic Type Devices
• Thermal Fuses

Each of these control devices does some things better than others. There are no hard and fast rules and many application factors need to be considered. In many applications multiple thermal controls are used to offer the highest degree of product safety to the consumer. There are some general considerations that determine when certain types of devices are probably your best bet.