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.

 

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!