A water heater is an essential appliance in every home – whether it’s to take a warm shower, to power your dishwasher or to help clean your laundry. While we may all be familiar with hot water heaters, do you know about thermo switches?
What is a thermo switch in a water heater and what purpose does it serve? In this article, we’ll explore the tech behind water heater thermo switches and how they work to keep the appliance running efficiently.
What is a Thermo Switch in Water Heaters?
A thermo switch in water heater is a safety device that is responsible for controlling the heating coils in water heaters.This switch turns on and off the heating elements in the water heater to prevent it from overheating and protect it from thermal damage.
How Does a Thermo Switch Work?
The thermo switch works by sensing the water temperature and turning off the heat when the temperature reaches a certain level.The switch is usually pre-set to a certain temperature, usually ranging from 140°F to 160°F. When the water temperature reaches the set temperature, the thermo switch cuts off the power to the heating element, thus preventing the water from getting too hot or boiling.
Benefits of Using a Thermo Switch
Using a thermo switch in a water heater provides several important benefits:- It keeps the water temperature from getting too hot, thus preventing scalding or boiling.
- It helps conserve energy by cutting off the power to the heating coils when the desired temperature is reached.
- It can extend the life of the water heater by protecting it from thermal damage caused by excessive heating.
- It can provide a safety feature to ensure that children and infants are not exposed to hot water.
Types of Thermo Switches
Thermo switches are available in various forms and styles, depending on the type of water heater and its specific heating elements. Some of the most common types include:- Mechanical Thermo Switch: This switch is operated by a manual switch and uses a bi-metal spring to measure the temperature and turn off the heating element when the desired temperature is reached.
- Thermistor Thermo Switch: This switch uses a thermistor to measure the temperature and turn off the heating elements when the desired temperature is reached.
- Electronic Thermo Switch: This switch uses an electronic circuit to measure the temperature and turn off the heating element when the set temperature is reached.