Do my range/oven dials function like a 'dial' lightswitch? (noob Question)

905 Views 6 Replies 5 Participants Last post by 3333, Nov 20, 2012

3333

Discussion Starter · Nov 19, 2012 (Edited)

A 'dial' light switch has 'infinite' settings (maybe not infinite but a whole lot) as opposed to a standard switch which is either on or off. On my stove, if I set the dial to somewhere between the marked settings, does this have an effect or does it 'round' to the nearest marked setting? Same with the oven? Does this apply to most ranges/ovens? Is there a better term for what I'm asking?

Apologies if this is the wrong place to ask this.

(model: Estate)

Thanks

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kbsparky

· #2 · Nov 19, 2012

Stove/oven controls are not the same as a dimmer for a light.

A lighting dimmer reduces the average voltage to the bulb, causing it to dim.

A stove/oven element control operates on a percentage basis, switching on and off to maintain a level of heat. For example: "High" would have it on 100% of the time.

Medium would be on 50% and off 50% of the time.

Low might be on 10% and off 90%.

While the control is "on" the element is applied with full power.

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