Thermostaticly controlled outlets???

[shinnlinger]

Hi,

I would like to mount an outlet on a board that only turns on when it drops below freezing.  From heat lamps to water heaters to block heaters I would think these would be handy.

Any one have a cheap and easy way to do this????

Thanks.

[beenthere]

Not sure what is cheap for you, but such controllers are available.

Found a NIST-Traceable Temperature Controller on McMaster-Carr for under $150.   mcmaster.com

Also here:  http://www.control3.com/4130p.htm

Another place to look might be Radio Shack.

Cheaper might be to get the thermostat that has the temp range you want that controls a relay to operate an on/off power switch.

Maybe this for about $20
http://www.heatersplus.com/eh38.htm

[Larry]

Lowes has em for less than $20.  I use one to turn on the dogs heated water bowel and another to turn on the heated bird bath...birds have it good round here.

[terra8186]

Central Boiler also has them.  I use them to turn my heaters on in the barn.

[rowerwet]

thermocube makes one that comes on at 35* and goes off at 45* for just that purpose, it looks like a three outlet plug adapter with the center plug missing, Amazon.com or Ebay will have them. I know that many engine heaters are plugged into these on piston airplanes.

[shinnlinger]

Thanks folks,

That was pretty "cheap and easy"

[shinnlinger]

Thanks again guys,

I asked this question thinking someone would tell me how to rig up a thermostat to a conventional outlet, but instead I was turned onto the much easier(and cheaper) "Thermocube" which I just ordered from my local HDware store for less than $17.

[beenthere]

shinnlinger

I also was'nt aware these devices were available until you asked.
Looked up the Thermocube, and see they come in a variety of temp ranges.

http://www.apelectric.com/Thermo-Cube-s/25.htm?gclid=CITl4723rJgCFRk_awodHUCOnQ

I recommended one to my son, who leaves his home unattended in the winter. Suggested using one to kick on if the house gets down to 40°, and turns a light on. Then the neighbor who watches the house for him, can just watch for a light that indicates the furnace might need some attention. Good warning system for a variety of applications.

[SPIKER]

Also check for GENESIS (spelling?) online for heaters that are adjustable, ~20 to 70 used to mount inside electrical control panels to turn on small cabinet heaters.   they are about 20 bucks but are not plug in will need a through wire, others are non-adjustable on their site as well, also you can use some out of cloths dryersin line as high temp cutouts......

Mark M

[rowerwet]

I just noticed Home Depot sells a thermostat plug made by Honeywell, it has a dial and a temp range from 30-60 I think, ($20) it is intended for turning on a light to warn of a cold house.