Ice makers are a modern convenience that many of us take for granted. Whether it is a built-in ice maker in a refrigerator or a stand-alone ice maker, these devices provide a steady supply of ice cubes at the touch of a button. But how do they know when to stop making ice?
The answer lies in the ice makers internal temperature sensors. These sensors are located inside the ice maker and measure the temperature of the water and the ice in the bin. Depending on the model and manufacturer, the temperature sensor will be either a thermistor or a thermocouple.
When the temperature in the ice maker reaches a certain level, the ice maker will shut off and start to harvest the ice. This is done by turning the auger, which is a small motor that moves the ice cubes through the bin and into the collection tray.
The temperature at which the ice maker will shut off depends on the model and manufacturer, but it is typically around 10-15 degrees Fahrenheit, or -9 to -12 degrees Celsius. This is the temperature at which water from the tap can freeze.
Once the ice maker is full, the temperature sensor will detect the colder temperature in the ice bin and will shut off the auger. This prevents the ice from melting and also ensures that the ice maker does not overfill and cause a mess.
In addition to the temperature sensor, some ice makers also have a level sensor. This sensor is located at the bottom of the ice bin and is used to detect when the bin is full. This can be useful if the temperature sensor fails, as the level sensor will still be able to prevent the ice maker from overfilling.
As you can see, ice makers are equipped with sophisticated technology that allows them to know when to stop making ice. The sensors detect the temperature of the water and the ice in the bin, and when the temperature reaches a certain level, the ice maker will shut off and harvest the ice. This ensures that the ice maker does not overfill and cause a mess.