Temperature Limiters Explained

 Temperature limiters can sometimes be referred to as:

• Safety thermostats 
• temperature limiters
• Over-temperature cutouts 
• Button thermostats 

They are a simple device that usually looks something like this, we will call them temperature limiters: 

Temperature limiters either close or open the circuit at a particular temperature. They are used as a safety device to ensure the temperature of the appliance and surrounding cabinetry does not exceed a safe level. For this reason it is essential to replace the device with the correct rating & type of mounting.

Normally closed and normally open temperature limiters have different jobs to do to maintain the external temperature of the appliance, here are the most common examples: 

The normally closed type (N/C) is used to open (break) the circuit if the temperature is exceeded, resulting in all elements being disconnected and the oven inoperable until the temperature drops. 

The normally open type (N/O) is used to close (make) the circuit to the cooling fan (located outside the oven cavity near the control panel) when the temperature exceeds the set value. This will keep the fan running irrespective of any elements being used and often runs on for several minutes after the oven has been used. 

It's alway best to use the genuine replacement part for the make & model. When this is not possible we recommend using a temperature limiter with exactly the same temperature rating & mounting. Note there are very different temperature limiters for ovens & cooktops, dryers and also dishwashers, these all have different styles & characteristics