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To: ChildOfThe60s

“Broken thermostats can release mercury into the air.”

Yeah, if you smash it with a hammer, but why would you?

The mercury is encased in a sealed glass tube, with wire contacts on each end to act as a mechanical switch when the bimetallic spring attached to it responds to the high and low temperature the user sets. Cut in - Cut out. The mercury completes the circuit as it tilts down - you get heating or cooling, and once the temperature desired is achieved, tilts up and shuts off.

I heard many years ago they wanted to ban mercury switches because they could be used as a detonator - put a bomb on a plane, and as it ascended at a certain angle, the mercury would roll across and complete the circuit.

I guess the point I’m trying to make is that such ‘stats are innocuous when used as intended...


52 posted on 12/22/2013 8:12:47 PM PST by Refugee From NYC
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To: Refugee From NYC
Broken thermostats can release mercury into the air.

No they can't. Liquid Mercury is basically harmless.

Now fluorescent bulbs, on the other hand....

54 posted on 12/22/2013 8:17:18 PM PST by ROCKLOBSTER (Celebrate "Republicans Freed the Slaves" Month.)
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