Introduction: How to Convert Fluorescent Starter to Thermal Switch

About: Electrical Engineer

Fluorescent starter is essentially two bimetallic strips in a sealed glass capsule, with a small gap between them.

The principle of this experiment is Metal expansion and contraction .

Materials:
1-  12 volt CPU Fan.
2-  12 Volt supply.
3-   Fluorescent starter.
4- Candle.

Steps:
1- Break the starter glass and try to not damage the metal inside (Take all safety precaution when you do that to avoid any injury).
2- Make sure that there is a small gap between two metal as shown in attached picture. 
3- Connect the circuit as attached in the first circuit diagram and fix the starter about 2 cm above the candle.


When the candle lighted up ,the starter metal  will expand and attached together , the fan will turn on  and turn off the candle ,the two metal will de-attach and turn off the fan.

Note that CPU fan is a brush less dc motor and it will not cause spark in starting ,the spark can damage the metal and it will not work for long time ,so if you connect a load that take more current  and cause a spark in the starter you can use transistor showed in the last diagram to avoid this issue .

if you find this tutorial useful to you , please vote for it in the Electronics Tips & Tricks contest.
Many thanks
Husham



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