By changing the tension of a bimetallic strip it is possible to select the
temperature at which electrical contacts open and close.
In practice there is a delay between the rise in ambient temperature and the
rise in temperature of the bimetallic strip. This results in excessive hysteresis.
This may be reduced by electrically heating the bimetallic strip with an
anticipatory heater.
This experiment illustrates the use of a bimetallic temperature controller with
adjustable switching limits and anticipatory heater to control temperature.
Such devices are commonly used as room thermostats.