Abstract: A power control device of the type including a bimetallic element electrically heated in the course of supplying power to a heatable device, a switch having spring contacts activatable by swing movement of the bimetallic element and a regulator for adjusting the switching point of the switch is provided with a heating element at the swing end of the bimetallic element and provision is made for application of power to the heating element independently of the supply of power to the heatable device. Parallel circuits exist, one supplying power to the heatable device and the other to the heating element.