Thermistor | Purpose & Symptoms of Breakage & Price in Ksh

Thermistors play a crucial role in many electronic devices and systems, particularly those requiring temperature sensing and monitoring. Whether you're experiencing issues with your home appliances or managing industrial equipment, understanding these small but essential components can save you time, money, and frustration.

What Is a Thermistor?

A thermistor is a temperature-sensitive resistor whose electrical resistance changes significantly with temperature variations. The name "thermistor" combines the words "thermal" and "resistor," perfectly describing its function. These components are made from semiconductor materials and come in two primary types:

1. NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient) - Resistance decreases as temperature increases
2. PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) - Resistance increases as temperature increases

Purpose and Applications

Thermistors serve multiple critical functions across various applications:

• Temperature measurement and control in refrigerators, air conditioners, and heating systems
• Circuit protection against current surges and overheating
• Temperature compensation in sensitive electronic circuits
• Liquid level detection in automotive coolant systems
• Temperature monitoring in medical equipment
• Overheating protection in power supplies and battery charging systems

In household appliances, thermistors are commonly found in refrigerators, microwaves, water heaters, and air conditioners, where they help maintain precise temperature control for optimal performance and energy efficiency.

Symptoms of Thermistor Breakage

When a thermistor fails, it often manifests through several noticeable symptoms:

• Inconsistent temperature readings - The device may display incorrect temperatures or fluctuate wildly
• Complete failure of temperature-dependent functions - For example, a refrigerator that won't cool or an air conditioner that won't maintain set temperature
• Overheating of equipment - Without proper temperature monitoring, devices may run hotter than designed
• Appliance entering fault mode - Many modern appliances have self-diagnostic features that detect thermistor failures and enter an error state
• Intermittent operation - The device works sometimes but fails unpredictably
• Strange noises - Compressors or motors may run continuously without proper temperature feedback

In digital devices with displays, you might see error codes specifically indicating a thermistor failure (common codes include E1, F1, or ER1, though these vary by manufacturer).

Thermistor Prices in Kenya (Ksh)

The cost of thermistors in Kenya varies based on type, quality, and the specific application:

• Basic NTC thermistors: Ksh 150-300
• Standard refrigerator thermistors: Ksh 450-800
• Air conditioner thermistors: Ksh 600-1,200
• Automotive thermistors: Ksh 500-1,500
• High-precision industrial thermistors: Ksh 1,000-3,000
• Specialized medical equipment thermistors: Ksh 1,500-4,000

Prices may fluctuate based on market conditions, import duties, and availability. When purchasing replacement thermistors, it's advisable to confirm compatibility with your specific appliance model to ensure proper functionality.

Replacement Considerations

When replacing a thermistor, consider:

• Exact specifications matching the original component
• Professional installation for complex applications
• Testing after installation to ensure proper functionality

For expert guidance on thermistor selection, diagnosis of faulty components, or professional replacement services, contact our technical team at 0770029959. Our specialists can help identify the right thermistor for your application and provide installation guidance to restore your equipment to optimal performance.