Abstract: A thermally actuated switch located within a housing is disclosed, the switch having a bi-metallic element coupled thereto for the opening or closing of an electrical circuit. The switch is particularly characterized by a one-piece housing having a recess which provides a surface against which the bi-metallic heat responsive element engages and a surface against which a fixed electrical contact is held. Since there is a fixed relation of the element and the contact being a definite distance apart, and by the utilization of conductive contact members that self align within the housing, protrusions on the contact members egaging corresponding recesses in the housing, the actuating pin between the bi-metallic element and the contact may be of a uniform length thereby facilitating assembly of the switch.

Abstract: A trip free miniature thermostatic switch having a bimetallic disc located therein is responsive to temperature for localized control of an electrical circuit. A reset mechanism in said switch provides for closing of the circuit therein, but only after the temperature has returned the bimetallic disc to the switch closed position. For example, a bimetallic member may move a switch component to the open position where it is releasably retained until the temperature change has reversed and the release mechanism is positively operated.