I think the appropriate expression would be cutting off your nose to spite your face. A rheostat/dimmer works the same way, essentailly, that a porportional thermostat does. A porporational thermostat just basically automatically will control the level of how far it is "dimmed."



The way a 110 volt alternating current (110 V AC) runs is basically that of a heartbeat. The way a dimmer works is it basically cuts the top and bottom of the line off. So yes, you are correct in saying that a porportional thermostat is just constantly turning the system on and off - it is cutting power only letting a certain amount through. To put it in graphical terms here's some pictures.



This is how an alternating current runs.







This is where your dimmer will cut it on and off at.









To answer your question, will this dimmer/thermostat setup work? Yes. Will it theoretically actually shorten the life of your heating unit? Yes, however no more than a porportional thermostat. I would also set the thermostat to the temp while the rheostat is in the full on position - to ensure that it's not too high. Some of those lower end thermos aren't all that accurate (I know, I use 3 of 'em.)





By the way, these graphics were taken from howstuffworks.com - this place will tell you how just about anything you're wondering about works. (I hang out there a lot, lol)



This is a link to explain in more detail how a dimmer works.



home.howstuffworks.com/dimmer-switch2.htm


-----
-Chris



The reason mainstream thought is thought of as a stream is because it's so shallow. -George Carlin



A fool doesn't learn. A smart man learns from his mistakes. A wise man learns from the mistakes of others. Which one are you?



My Website

N. American Rat/Corn snake care sheet I wrote

Information on substrates



Current snakes:

0.1 Licorice Stick Black Rat (Lola)

1.0 Black Rat (Frankie)

0.1 Texas Bairdi (Rosa)

0.1 Blue Beauty (Brunhilde)

1.0 Green Tree Python (Monty)

[ Show Entire Thread ]