PWM and Potentiometer in a hair straightener

[Brad Kutler]

I need to know what type of PWM and Potentiometer you would find in your average hair straightener. I am looking to understand what electronic parts that control the heat as well as what allows it to be set at different temperatures. This is for a class project and I know little about electrical components so any help would greatly be appreciated. I know there is some type of PCB that these things are on too and I would like to know what parts those are too.

 

[alec_t]

What is a PWC?

 

[Brad Kutler]

Whoops. I meant PWM

 

[jpanhalt]

I suspect it is not PWM in the sense of modulating a DC voltage, but rather uses an SCR or Triac to clip the AC voltage (See: phase-angle control, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phase-fired_controllers). Here's a link and schematic: https://www.ghd-repair.co.uk/4.0B.html Triac control seems to be the more common based on the number of Google hits.

John

 

[Nigel Goodwin]

It's probably not even phase control, no need to for a heater - burst fire control would be much more usual (and avoids interference generation).