-
Temperature switches play a vital role in numerous industrial applications, particularly in preventing overheating or overcooling of machinery used in sectors such as agriculture, construction, and material handling. While temperature measuring devices like thermocouples or resistance temperature detectors (RTDs) are often the first tools considered for monitoring temperature, simply knowing the temperature is insufficient in many scenarios. Maintaining a specific temperature range is critical, and temperature switches are designed to achieve this by actively managing system conditions to ensure optimal performance.
A temperature switch, also known as a thermal switch, is a device that monitors temperature and adjusts switch contacts to maintain appropriate operating conditions. By opening or closing circuits, these switches prevent equipment from overheating or overcooling. There are two fundamental categories of temperature switches: mechanical and electronic. Mechanical switches include bimetal and gas-actuated varieties, while electronic switches require an external power source to function. Each type offers distinct advantages depending on the application requirements.
Mechanical temperature switches are widely used in industrial and mobile machinery across agriculture, construction, and material handling industries. These switches are typically employed to regulate system temperatures by triggering cooling mechanisms, such as fans, for engine, transmission, hydraulic, cutting tool, or brake systems. Their key benefits include affordability, durability, straightforward operation, and the ability to function without an external power source, making them a reliable choice for demanding environments. Bimetal mechanical switches utilize a disc made of two different metals that deforms when the designated switching temperature is reached, causing the circuit to open or close. Although less precise, these switches are compact and cost-effective. Gas-actuated switches, on the other hand, rely on a temperature-sensitive vapor to activate a mechanical microswitch, making them suitable for safety-critical applications in industries like chemical, petrochemical, oil and gas, power generation, and water/wastewater, where reliability is paramount.
In contrast to mechanical switches, electronic temperature switches require an electrical power source to operate, which may pose a slight inconvenience but offers significant advantages in terms of precision and flexibility. These switches provide higher accuracy and allow users to adjust limit values and configure multiple switch points, making them well-suited for complex applications such as machine building and hydraulics. Their ability to fine-tune temperature control ensures they meet the demands of sophisticated systems where precise monitoring and adaptability are essential.
The TFS35 bimetal temperature switch is an example of a mechanical switch designed for reliable temperature regulation. It employs a bimetal disc that snaps over to open or close a circuit when the nominal switching temperature is reached. Once the system cools to the reset switching temperature, the disc returns to its original state. The bimetal disc in the TFS35 does not carry current, eliminating the risk of inaccurate switching due to arcing. Available in two contact configurations—normally closed, which opens the circuit at the switching temperature, and normally open, which closes the circuit at the switching temperature—the TFS35 ensures versatility. In both designs, the contacts revert to their initial state when the reset switching temperature is reached, providing consistent and dependable performance.
Both mechanical and electronic temperature switches offer valuable solutions for industrial temperature management, helping to reduce costs, enhance safety, and improve the accuracy of machine temperature monitoring. For tailored advice or further details on smart sensing solutions, reaching out to experts in the field can provide the guidance needed to select the right switch for specific applications.
Related BST Position Sensors
