STORK MSW SC156008105-1 AC 250V RANGE 20 TO 160C #2 18:46

The STORK MSW SC156008105-1 is a non-resettable thermal cutoff fuse (often called a thermal fuse or thermal link). This is a one-time-use, sacrificial safety device designed to permanently interrupt an electrical circuit when a specific, pre-determined temperature is exceeded.

Its sole purpose is to act as a fail-safe to prevent appliances from overheating to the point of causing a fire, melting internal components, or suffering electrical insulation failure. The “AC 250V” rating confirms its use in standard mains voltage applications. The “#2” likely indicates a specific lot, revision, or packaging variant.

Key Specifications from the Label

• Manufacturer: STORK (A major manufacturer of thermal protection devices)

• Model / Part Number: MSW SC156008105-1

• Type: Thermal Cutoff (TCO) / Thermal Fuse

• Rated Voltage: AC 250V (For use in circuits up to 250 Volts Alternating Current)

• Rated Current: Typically 10A or 15A (The exact amperage is a critical part of the model number and must be confirmed).

• Temperature Rating: 160°C (The precise temperature at which the fuse will blow and break the circuit.)

• Temperature Range: 20 to 160°C (Indicates the operating ambient range and the trigger point.)

Key Features and Function

• One-Time Use Safety Device: This fuse is sacrificial. It operates once and must be replaced. It is not a resettable switch or circuit breaker.

• Precision Thermal Trigger: Contains a heat-sensitive alloy that melts at exactly 160°C, releasing a spring mechanism that permanently opens the electrical circuit.

• Fail-Safe Operation: Functions mechanically based on temperature alone. It does not require external power and will operate even if the appliance has a primary electrical failure.

• Insulated Housing: The housing provides electrical insulation between the leads and protects the internal mechanism from the environment.

How It Works

1. The thermal fuse is installed in series with the circuit it is protecting (e.g., the main power feed to a motor or heating element).

2. Under normal operation, electricity flows unimpeded through the fuse.

3. If a malfunction (e.g., a blocked air vent, failed motor, or stuck thermostat) causes the temperature at the fuse’s location to reach its 160°C rating, the internal element melts.

4. This action permanently breaks the circuit, cutting all power to the device and eliminating the overheating hazard.

Common Applications

This thermal fuse is a critical safety component in a wide array of electrical equipment that generates heat, including:

• Consumer Appliances: Clothes dryers, hair dryers, coffee makers, rice cookers, bread machines, soldering irons.

• Office Equipment: Photocopiers, power supplies.

• Industrial Equipment: Transformers, AC motors, battery chargers, industrial heaters.

• Power Tools: Drills, saws, sanders.

Important Notes for Replacement/Repair

1. Critical Safety Component: Never bypass a blown thermal fuse. Doing so removes a primary safety protection and creates a serious fire hazard. It must always be replaced.

2. Exact Match is Mandatory: The replacement fuse must have the exact same specifications:

   • Identical Temperature Rating (160°C)

   • Identical Voltage Rating (AC 250V)

   • Identical or Higher Current Rating (Amps) – Using a fuse with a lower current rating is dangerous.

   • Same Physical Size and Form Factor – It must fit in the original location.

3. Symptom, Not Cause: A blown thermal fuse is a symptom of an underlying problem. The root cause (e.g., a failed motor, clogged air intake, faulty main thermostat) must be diagnosed and repaired before installing the new fuse. Otherwise, the new fuse will likely blow again.

4. Testing: It can be tested for continuity with a multimeter. A good fuse will show continuity (very low resistance). A blown fuse will show no continuity (infinite resistance or “OL” on the meter).