About thermal controls
Bimetallic thermostats and thermal controls basically fall into two broad categories: 1) creep action devices with slow make/slow break switching action; and 2) snap action devices with quick make/quick break switching action.

Creep action devices are excellent in either a temperature control application or as a high limit control. They have a narrow temperature differential between opening and closing, and generally have more rapid cycling characteristics than snap action devices.

Snap action devices are most often used for temperature limiting applications, as their fairly wide differential between opening and closing temperature provides slower cycling characteristics. We have been able to control the amount of differential in many of our snap action controls, that enables them to be used for temperature control applications, especially in dual voltage applications.

Choosing the right thermal control
The rate of temperature rise, location of the thermal control, the electrical load, and the mass of the application can each greatly affect cycling (operational) characteristics of a thermal control. Because of these variables, we recommend that you conduct testing of our products specifically in your application.

Included in this web site are the specification sheets for each of our models of thermal controls. These describe the basic features of our thermostats and thermal protectors. We have included outline drawings which give the relative sizes of our controls. Unless noted, all dimensions are nominal with English dimensions shown in black type and metric dimensions, given in millimeters, are shown in green. We have also listed representative electrical ratings for each model, based on the end application.

Getting what you want, when you want it
We have realized that each application for our thermal controls is unique in one form or another. Because of this, we do not offer what is considered a "standard" product. We offer a wide range of options including the calibration temperature range and tolerances. The length of the lead wires and the type of insulation material that you require is determined by you. Need a device that has increased sensitivity under short circuit conditions? Not a problem. In many models, we offer a choice of bimetallic elements that enhances the circuit-breaker characteristics of the device. We will customize our thermal controls to fit the individual requirements of your application. Should you require samples for your application testing, please complete the Sample Request Form that can be found in this site.

Should you be unsure of which of our models to use in your application, please feel free to contact one of our Sales Engineers with the necessary information, and we will gladly suggest a model for you. We normally ship your customized samples within 3-5 working days from the date of your request. That is truly getting what you want, when you want it.

Please note that we are happy to provide customer assistance and technical advice in a variety of areas. We appreciate the opportunity to assist you and to better understand your needs; however, since Portage Electric Products, Inc., does not possess full access to data concerning all of the uses and applications of customer's products, we can not assume any obligation or liability for information we provide or the results you might obtain.

Certain aspects should be taken into consideration when applying both creep and snap action devices. Careful attention must be paid to input voltage, load currents, and the characteristics of the load. Final design criteria should be based upon results of the testing of our devices in your application, at your facility.