I am trying to get started with KiCad and I hav to admit, I am a noob.
Actually I am searching for a symbol which represents a thermat switch, which will act as a circuit breaker when it reaches temperatures above 60° C
Is there an icon somewhere?
Hello,
For a thermostat like this one, just copy paste the following text to the Symbol Editor after creating a new symbol Thermostat_1P_NO-IEC_Symbols. I do not think i have seen a thermostat mounted in a PCB and this symbol needs some modifications like checking Exclude from PCB as far as i can tell. It may work for you too.
Edit: You can rename that later but use the suggested name in order to match the text as copied from the Symbol Editor on my system.
(symbol "Thermostat_1P_NO-IEC_Symbols" (pin_names (offset 1.016)) (in_bom yes) (on_board yes)
(property "Reference" "THRM?" (at 2.3368 1.1684 0)
(effects (font (size 1.27 1.27)) (justify left) hide)
)
(property "Value" "Thermostat_1P_NO" (at -13.97 11.43 0)
(effects (font (size 1.27 1.27)) (justify left))
)
(property "Footprint" "" (at 0 0 0)
(effects (font (size 1.27 1.27)) hide)
)
(property "Datasheet" "" (at 0 0 0)
(effects (font (size 1.27 1.27)) hide)
)
(property "Description" "" (at 0 0 0)
(effects (font (size 1.27 1.27)) hide)
)
(symbol "Thermostat_1P_NO-IEC_Symbols_1_1"
(polyline
(pts
(xy 0 -5.08)
(xy 0 -2.54)
)
(stroke (width 0) (type solid))
(fill (type none))
)
(polyline
(pts
(xy 0 -2.54)
(xy -1.27 2.54)
)
(stroke (width 0) (type solid))
(fill (type none))
)
(polyline
(pts
(xy 0 5.08)
(xy 0 2.54)
)
(stroke (width 0) (type solid))
(fill (type none))
)
(polyline
(pts
(xy 1.27 -0.381)
(xy 1.27 0.254)
)
(stroke (width 0) (type solid))
(fill (type none))
)
(arc (start 0.762 -0.381) (mid 0.7605 -0.2257) (end 0.635 -0.127)
(stroke (width 0) (type solid))
(fill (type none))
)
(arc (start 0.762 -0.381) (mid 0.8364 -0.5606) (end 1.016 -0.635)
(stroke (width 0) (type solid))
(fill (type none))
)
(arc (start 0.762 0.254) (mid 0.8364 0.0744) (end 1.016 0)
(stroke (width 0) (type solid))
(fill (type none))
)
(arc (start 1.016 -0.635) (mid 1.1956 -0.5606) (end 1.27 -0.381)
(stroke (width 0) (type solid))
(fill (type none))
)
(arc (start 1.016 0) (mid 1.3707 0.0187) (end 1.651 0.254)
(stroke (width 0) (type solid))
(fill (type none))
)
(arc (start 1.016 0.508) (mid 0.8364 0.4336) (end 0.762 0.254)
(stroke (width 0) (type solid))
(fill (type none))
)
(arc (start 1.27 0.254) (mid 1.1956 0.4336) (end 1.016 0.508)
(stroke (width 0) (type solid))
(fill (type none))
)
(pin passive line (at 0 -7.62 90) (length 2.54)
(name "~" (effects (font (size 1.27 1.27))))
(number "1" (effects (font (size 1.27 1.27))))
)
(pin passive line (at 0 7.62 270) (length 2.54)
(name "~" (effects (font (size 1.27 1.27))))
(number "2" (effects (font (size 1.27 1.27))))
)
)
)
It’s a resettable fuse or Polyfuse ?
Thank you for your reply - after some trying with the library I created a symbol for it.
It’s a Pepi-C bimetal switch which resets automatically to NC when the temperature is lower as 50° C.
It is thermically connected to a surpressor diode, which might get hot if the battery is already fully charged and I forgot to switch charging off.
Thank you.
1 Like
My Gas fireplace Control Valve went south last winter and I replaced it and while doing so, I installed a Blower. The Blower came with a Thermal Cutoff switch and I decided to add a few more where needed (there are some Hot Spots on the Enclosure - too hot and can’t hold hand on it for more than a second). I have decades of experience with this stuff that makes tinkering with the options a bit if fun (for me).
I usually use a mix of Thermistors and Thermocouples on my Harley’s to measure Cylinder-Head Temp’s and do some Calculations with the data.
I decided to stick with consistency so, I used these with different Temp limits - these Open at 60C and Mount directly onto the Surface. They/similar are the most Ubiquitously used device for Opening/Closing at Temp if Not needing to measure the Temp. Pure Mechanical Switching…
These are also good but rely on surrounding Air-temperature - I used similar for Boat-Cabin heating sensors (in production years ago).
Naturally, you can use/make any Symbol for them that suits your Artistic/Creative skill… Including a basic ‘Switch’
1 Like
As you state you are ‘a noob’. When entering components in eescema it doesn’t necessarily follow that you have to be completely accurate with components, as you(can) assign the correct.componemt to the symbol after the schematic is done.
So, for example, you could have just chosen a 2.lead.switch for the purpose of completing your schematic. THEN choose the correct footprint for the PCB.
Additionally, don’t forget the likes of Samacsys to search for premade component footprints
2 Likes
KiCad is really awesome. After some fiddling around I figured it out - at least I think I did. I will place an order soon for PCB production, hope I did it right.
Thanks!
Harley har har har! 
I suspect that some people in some countries might not know (although I am only 95% certain) that you are discussing a Harley Davidson motorcycle.
Harley Davvidson motor cycles are well known in Germany and we call’em: Harleys.
So I gt the point. 
On the other side I will certainly never own one, because all my tools are metric, as far as I know Harleys got all inch/zoll threads, bolts, holes and stuff. Not my world. Awkward enough that I (eventually) need to use ‘mils’ creating my own components, fortunately there are most parts already set up. Luckily I can use millimeters to place the components on the pcb with KiCAD…
I made my own symbol for a 6V/3W bicycle dynamo where I want to rebuild the forumslader classic developed by Jens During 2009.
The goal of this is that you charge (in my case) a 4S Li(Fe)Po battery and use it to charge your USB stuff like smartphone, GPS and have 12 V to illuminate your bicycle. I will mount a Busch & Müller IQ-XE and a Prophete COB-LED rear light (intentially only for e-bikes)
You may take a peek here:
http://www.forumslader.de/aeltere-versionen/12v-version-usb/
WARNING: everything is in German.
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