Instead of hooking up 4 bulbs in series with a thermal switch, can I hook up four lights independent of each other each with their own switch? Then control temperature by turning on/off pat of them? I have a thermometer I can do tests to ensure I am getting the right 150 degree temp. Anyone done this? Negatives? Positives?
Any help is appreciated.
Mg
Yes that will work, but why buy 4 switches and run 4 separate wires? Hooking them in parallel with a dimmer switch would be easier. Or hook them in parallel with one switch and just screw in as many bulbs as you need for more heat. Leave all 4 bulbs in the sockets, but don't screw them in tight unless you need more heat.
I happened into my dad after I posted the question. He clarified a couple of things too. Makes more sense in series. Thx for input.
Mg
I just unscrew the bulbs I don't want to burn.
It looks like they are in series but the wiring is parrell like Roy said.
I just plug them in and unscrew them as needed too.
QuoteOriginally posted by Pat B:
I just unscrew the bulbs I don't want to burn.
me too
Pros to having them wired in parallel with a thermostat in series... the heat will regulate itself perfectly without your fussing with bulbs or dimmers, regardless of the ambient temperature. And if a bulb blows out during a bake, the others will stay lit AND maintain temperature because the thermostat will simply keep them on for longer lengths of time.
Hint, use bulbs of enough wattage, a little overkill, that heat will be maintained if you lose one or two of them.
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f165/ROY-CHRIS/wiring.jpg) (http://s47.photobucket.com/user/ROY-CHRIS/media/wiring.jpg.html)
Like Bowjunkie said, wired in parallel, if one bulb burns out, the others stay on. If wired in series and one bulb burns out, they all go out.
A Bingham thermo switch is pretty cheap!