"Jeff Wisnia" wrote in message
...
RBM wrote:
You got it, the higher you set it, the longer period of cycle time it
keeps the circuit closed



"Davej" wrote in message
...

I was just thinking about electric ranges and wondering how the
controls for the heating elements actually work. Does anyone know?
They can't be variable resistors because they would dissipate too much
power. They obviously aren't variable autotransformers. They can't be
triac-dimmers because they pre-date that technology. So what are they?
Some sort of duty-cycling switch? Thanks.




What's the typical on-off cycling rate at say 1/2 power.

Jeff (Who is too lazy to stick a clamp on ammeter on an element lead.)


Do you mean how often does it cycle, or how much power is being cycled? If
the former, just listen for the sounds! Mine clicks when the power cycles.