Baseboard heaters are used in many households around the US. An essential component in some electric baseboard heating systems is the heat sequencer. A heat sequencer is an electrical device that controls the timing of the activation and deactivation of multiple heating elements and the blower motor in a baseboard heater. A sequencer prevents all the heating elements from turning on simultaneously, which would cause a sudden, and possibly dangerous, surge in electrical current. A surge in electrical current could cause a fire, so the sequencer acts as an important safety measure. Contact us today to discuss your heat sequencer switch needs.
When the room temperature falls below the thermostat setting, the thermostat sends a signal to the heat sequencer. The sequencer receives this signal, which starts the heating process. Inside the sequencer, a small heating element begins to warm up. This heating element is critical to the operation of the heat sequencer, as it gradually heats a bimetallic disc. As the bimetallic disc bends, it closes electrical contacts in a sequence. Each set of contacts is connected to a different heating element inside the baseboard heater. This sequential closing of contacts allows the heating elements to power on one after another, rather than all at once. This prevents a sudden spike in electrical current, which in turn prevents a circuit from overloading. Once all heating elements are activated, the baseboard heater starts to blow warm air.
When the desired room temperature is reached, the thermostat signals the heat sequencer to shut off the heating element. The heating element in the sequencer cools down, causing the bimetallic disc to bend the opposite way and open the electrical contacts. The heating elements in the baseboard heater are then deactivated in the reverse order.
Heat sequencers are important components in some electric baseboard heating systems. By managing electrical load and ensuring safe operation, heat sequencers play a crucial role in the functionality and safety of baseboard heaters.
