Small heating coil

hydr0lic

So I'm trying to create a small heating coil, maybe 1.5-2 inches in diameter, using a nichrome wire coil plugged into a standard 120v power outlet. Before doing any research on the subject I burnt out lots of wire and appliances, threw my breaker a couple times, etc. I've done internet searches but just can't seem to find the key to my conundrum. I need the coil to heat up and stay around 300 degrees Fahrenheit. I'm thinking that I need to create some sort of circuit board mediator between the coil and the outlet so the coil doesn't overheat like it did in my experimenting.

Does anyone have any insight?

Gigs

You need to understand ohm's law before you even attempt something like this.

Why don't you just buy a cheap hair dryer instead? The coil there is already designed correctly (though without moving air, will likely still overheat on "high")

Scuba_Dave

Is this just some experiment
Or are you trying to build something for a specific use?

J. V.

Yes, Whats the application? Heat water in your prison cell for Romain Noodles?

KeithM62948

I'm guessing herbal vaporizor...

Gigs

I hear temperature controlled soldering irons work fine for that.

micromind

A PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) thermistor might work.

This device will allow a large current flow when it's cold, and as it heats up, the current drops off. It'll maintain a temperature based mostly on voltage applied. If it's at operating temperature, and exposed to cold, it'll draw more current to maintain temperature.

Self-regulating heat tape is an example of a PTC thermistor, and there's one in nearly every CRT type TV and computer monitor. Same principal, different purposes.

Rob

kbsparky

You looking for something like this?

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-KB

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