Thermistors are found in hairdryers, refrigerators, and vehicles, so they must function properly. They are used as temperature sensors, and they are also extremely beneficial for protecting currents. What happens when a thermistor begins displaying inaccurate readings?
To tell if a thermistor has gone bad, you can monitor two separate things. It would help if you looked for incorrect readings or fluctuations in temperature that would not be possible under normal working conditions. Several factors could cause such drastic changes in temperature, but it may also be a failing thermistor.
When driving, do you notice your air conditioner blowing cold for a bit, and then it stops functioning? A thermistor inside a vehicle's HVAC system is designed to allow the cabin to adjust to set temperatures automatically, but when a thermistor fails, the system might work intermittently.
The most common cause of a failing thermistor is an open circuit that results from the mechanical separation between the lead material and resistor elements. This happens because of improper handling, heat damage, and thermal mismatch. With time and use, thermistors can display incorrect temperatures. In many cases, replacing an old, failing unit is recommended.
When the time comes to replace failing thermistors, you should ask yourself these four questions:Sensor Scientific, Inc | All Rights Reserved