Float switch for preventing damage to the electric water heater element
US5388179A · kind A · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 3, 1991 |
| Grant date | Feb 7, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 3, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF24H15/37
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A device is provided for protecting a heating element in an electric water heater which consists of a sensor for sensing a predetermined amount of water that has entered the electric water heater and an electric circuit with a relay controlled by the sensor, for energizing the heating element when the predetermined amount of water is within the electric water heater and covering the heating element thereby preventing the burn out of the heating element; wherein the sensor has a float with electrical contacts that engage adjustable contacts set at a desired level to energize the heating element at a predetermined water level and includes an expandable seal mounted on the float preventing water from going above the float.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.