What is a Pipe Thermostat?

A pipe thermostat is a mechanical/electronic piece of hardware that helps to monitor parts of a heating or cooling system, usually by attaching to a piece of pipe, and monitoring the temperature of the local area. A thermostat is a device that regulates temperature for a system. The pipe thermostat is a specific kind of regulator that works according to some common design principles.

Those who are working on either a boiler or radiant heating system, a stove, or other heating appliance may use a pipe thermostat as part of the setup and installation, or maintenance and repair. Although a plumber might be involved in the installation or repair of the system, an electrician may be the one to install the thermostat and related components. In some cases, professionals use accessories like a clip or other connecting piece to fasten these system parts together.

In general, a pipe thermostat or a similar cylinder thermostat gets worked into a detailed plan for a comprehensive boiler or heating system. One way that a pipe thermostat commonly gets installed is as a “top” thermostat where the thermostat monitors heat rising through a section of pipe. When the heat reaches a certain point, the pipe designed thermostat can be useful in switching the system off to prevent excessive levels of temperature. Some of these pieces of hardware can be fastened to the pipe segment with a spring or other structural component.

Because the placement of a pipe thermostat is so important, professionals who design or install these systems will often have diagrams marking where the thermostat goes in the overall setup. Other thermostats or sensors may also be present at other places in the system. The pipe thermostat may appear as a defined element along with circuits, pipes, sensors, vents, and duct work.

Another element of design for using a pipe type of thermostat is the location of a pump within the system. Since the pump may propel the heated water through pipe sections, it can be important to analyze where the pipe thermostat is relative to the pump. Other aspects of design include appropriate electrical wiring, and providing for sufficient levels of electrical power to run the pump and any other appliances that use energy regularly. It’s important for those who own buildings involving these kinds of systems to rely on adequate professional advice about installing, improving, or altering any of the parts of a heating or cooling system.