CPI W Series Thermal Switches Solve Unique Thermal Challenges
CPI Rod & Tube Thermal Switches are unique in the world for their extremely high temperature set points, their extreme reliability and their tight tolerances. The most recent variation of our W series Rod & Tube switch represents a small but important option in the product line wherein the case is grounded and a military grade connector is applied at the factory.
So What Can I Do with This Thing?
Good Question! In a recent project for for a large avionics manufacturer, our switch was used in an engine fire detection system that required grounding of the circuit through the switch body. Switches are arranged strategically around each aircraft engine to provide the quickest possible warning in an over temperature scenario.
John Crozier, CPI’s resident expert on Thermal Switch applications, tells it like this. “The W3 was outfitted with a high reliability MIL Spec connector as part of a project by the US Air Force to revamp three B-52s with new Rolls Royce engines. In the new part the switch case is grounded for added safety and reliability. Our W series part is in the trial phase now, but when successful, there are over 70 aircraft that will get the same update for thermal detection and fire prevention on theses state of the art aircraft engines.”
While exact application details are typically not divulged by manufacturers, we can tell you broadly that there are a number of characteristics that make our switch a go to for high reliability avionics applications. CPI W Series Rod & Tube Thermal Switches are factory calibrated at any temperature within the range of 0 to 1750F. They can operate in probe ambient temperatures from 5 to 2000F, and show excellent resistance to momentary overshoots. Immune to problem environments and hermetically sealed for protection against the effects of moisture, sand and dirt, these Rod and Tube thermal switches are also designed to withstand severe shock and vibration with no shift in calibration
CPI Rod and Tube thermal switches are used in harsh applications such as jet engines, gas turbines, ram air temperature systems, after-burners, railroad switch deicers, diesel stack over-heat sensors, extruders, flame detectors and electronic heating and cooling systems. They have many applications in fire detection because of their high temp capability including use as galley fire detectors on navy ships, general flame and fire detectors on aircraft, and fail safe fire detectors for thermal sensors and control systems. Where a cheap thermal sensor may fail in a critical moment, our switches are a sealed dual metallic design leveraging the differential expansion of two metals to operate the contact mechanism. The high expanding tube pulls the low expanding rod down in the switch, providing travel to cause the switch circuit to change state. The entire design is extremely reliable and thoroughly field proven.
CPI Thermal Switches – Nothing if not Reliable
Like all our switching products, our W series thermal switches represent the state of the art in both reliability and accuracy. Now with factory customizations available for lead length and connector type, we are solving the integration problem for our customers too.
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