In article aa342dc9-4fe2-4bb6-b89c-115d291cf522
@h10g2000vbm.googlegroups.com, says...

Coffee-maker style thermal fuse,

http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...ductId=2062259

I just install this somewhere in a project's chassis, connect it
to line in, and the fuse opens whenever the temperature inside the
chassis exceeds 262.4F? Reliability?

That's a bit hot for a "system chassis" protection!

That part is normaly used for transformer protection (burried in the
windings somewhere) or for heater type things proteciton (washer/dryer
heater over-temp protection, or as you say, coffee maker machines.)

It's a one time thing too, once it opens, it stays open.

Dave B.