Posted by:
sheshanaga
at Sat Dec 23 14:05:20 2006 [ Email Message ] [ Show All Posts by sheshanaga ]
Just be sure to get the device that best suits your needs.
Remember that a rheostat is a "dumb" device. In other words, you set it at a particular temperature and that's where it stays.
On the other hand, a thermostat is a "smart" device that is capable of monitoring the surrounding temps and shutting itself on and off as necessary to maintain the precise temperature without going over it. This may be very important depending on your particular usage.
Of course, a thermostat tends to be more expensive than a rheostat, due to it's added features. Also, as with any electrical device, DO NOT exceed the rated wattage for the device in question. Many people go the cheap route and use a device that is meant as a lamp dimmer, etc. and not meant to control heat-generating devices. Whereas this will work at the onset, eventually it WILL overheat and potentially cause a fire. DON'T BE FOOLED!!
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Difference between Thermostat /Rheostat - sheshanaga, Sat Dec 23 14:05:20 2006