Bonehead question...How can I take down the level of heat on a crock
pot? Is this just a resister? It has a temp control with 3 settings
but it isn't really take-apart-able...and I only want to try if it is
possible. Hopefully someone here can tell me if it is possible.
Thanks!
This is actually a rather interesting question. My guess is that
the crock pot uses an "infinity" control, as in an electric range
or oven. Full mains power is appied to the element through a
bimetallic strip. The strip heats up and bends, breaking contact.
The strip cools down and restores contact. When you turn
the temperature control, you are applying a mechanical load
that biases the strip.
So, if you reduce the mains supply via a diode or lamp dimmer,
what will happen? I'd imagine that for modest reduction there
might be no change in temperature; the strip would just cycle
less to maintain the same total heating. But eventually, if
you reduce the input below the point where the strip never
gets hot enough to break contact, then the heating would
be proportional to the input. The question is then where
this point is, relative to your reduced power needs. Might
be worth a test, if you are really determined not to take it
apart. But if you can figure out how to get it open, or
at least get to the control behind the knob, you might be
able to tweak the bias load mechanism to get any heat
you want.
Best regards
Bob Masta
dqatechATdaqartaDOTcom
D A Q A R T A
Data AcQuisition And Real-Time Analysis
www.daqarta.com