We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
DIY

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Is a Probe Thermostat?

By Maggie J. Hall
Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 8,634
Share

Maintaining predetermined temperatures is the main purpose of probe thermostats, sometimes called immersion probe thermostats. The device typically functions in combination with cooling and heating units. Animal husbandry products, automobiles, and household appliances all contain different types of probe thermostats. Thermostats malfunction from time to time and require periodic replacement.

The entire thermostat, or the probe extension of the device, generally lies within the air or fluid requiring temperature regulation. When temperatures fall below or exceed desirable levels, the probe thermostat detects the change and either closes or opens an electrical circuit. After receiving this signal, the heating or cooling system of the appliance turns on to correct the temperature.

Depending on the appliance or device requiring regulation, manufacturers calibrate probe thermostats to detect a certain range of temperatures. These temperatures may fall as low as 65 degrees Fahrenheit (53 degrees Celsius) below zero or climb as high as 500 degrees Fahrenheit (260 degrees Celsius) above zero. Immersion or probe thermostats may have manual or automatic setting control systems.

Some devices also contain safety components that alert the system when extreme temperatures occur. When used for animal husbandry, probe thermostats may resemble a metallic cylindrical stem attached to a cable and the thermostat control. The probe might be placed in an animal’s environment or in a water supply. In another type of probe thermostat, the immersed stem is directly attached to an small exterior box-like mechanism with controls. Household water heaters often contain this type of device.

A self-contained cylindrical probe device might be used in barbecue grills. Another type of probe thermostat resembles a bolt or a spark plug. These temperature-monitoring units might be components of automobiles, industrial refrigeration units, or livestock warmers.

If temperatures continuously climb above or fall below acceptable levels, the problem may lie in a faulty probe thermostat. Appliance instruction manuals typically provide information regarding the name and serial numbers of replacement parts. The ease of replacing probe thermostats depends largely on the appliance in which the device is installed.

Some thermostats merely screw into or out of an appliance and may require electrical wire removal. Other types of thermostats may only require removing a connecting cable. Before attempting repairs on any appliance, for safety reasons, individuals should first disconnect the electrical source. Replacing automotive probe thermostats usually involves a more lengthy process. In addition to disconnecting the electrical source, individuals must drain the coolant and replace the fluid following thermostat replacement.

Share
HomeQuestionsAnswered is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.homequestionsanswered.com/what-is-a-probe-thermostat.htm
Copy this link
HomeQuestionsAnswered, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

HomeQuestionsAnswered, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.