A coaster heater with nichrome wire <- circuit and components advice

[Suxell]

A coaster heater with nichrome wire <-- circuit and components advice

Okay, for a certain... project I have, I need to make a little heater-type thing that would most likely go in the base of a mug. The concept is, it keep your hot drink hot. No more cold tea or coffee. But for the sake of safety, I would like to make the heating coil of nichrome wire separate from the power source, which would be in a sort of fat "coaster"-like thing. You know how a kettle only goes on when it's sitting on top of it's little plug? Like that. When you set the mug down on it, it completes the circuit.

I drew a diagram. It's attached...

Anyway, basically I want to know:

How much nichrome wire would there need to be to keep tea/coffee hot?

With that amount, could it be powered by (everyday) batteries? (Like AA or AAA?)

If so, how many?

If not, how do you connect something up to the mains without... killing yourself?

Provided everything else worked, is the kettle switch thing idea good, or should it all be in one unit (the cup or the coaster) where you push a button?

Do I need something to stop the wire from overheating? Is it called a thermostat? What is it and how does it work?

The cup should be insulated so that it only heats the tea/coffee, not the mug itself, right?

Anything else I might need to consider?

Thanks for your help!

(BTW, the drink doesn't need to boil or anything, just stay at that nice temperature where drinking from it is like sinking into a hot bath... great, now I want one. *goes makes cup of tea*)

 

[Aaron Barnard]

Answers:
How much nichrome wire would there need to be to keep tea/coffee hot?
It depends on the wattage of the heater, but typically a few meters should be enough.

With that amount, could it be powered by (everyday) batteries? (Like AA or AAA?)
Yes, it can be powered by batteries, but the wattage will be lower than with mains power, so it may not be able to heat up as quickly.

If so, how many?
It depends on the wattage of the heater, but typically 4-8 AA or AAA batteries should be enough.

If not, how do you connect something up to the mains without... killing yourself?
You will need to use a transformer to step down the voltage from the mains to a safe level. You will also need to make sure all components are properly insulated and your wiring is up to code.

Provided everything else worked, is the kettle switch thing idea good, or should it all be in one unit (the cup or the coaster) where you push a button?
Either option would work, but the kettle switch might be simpler and easier to use.

Do I need something to stop the wire from overheating? Is it called a ther

 

[astrokreng]

Hi there! It sounds like you have a really interesting project in mind. I can definitely offer some advice on the circuit and components you might need for your coaster heater.

First off, let's talk about the nichrome wire. Nichrome wire is a great choice for heating elements as it has a high resistance, which means it will generate heat when electricity flows through it. The amount of wire you will need will depend on the size of your coaster and the desired temperature you want to maintain. You can use an online calculator to determine the appropriate length and gauge of nichrome wire for your project.

Next, let's talk about power source. It is possible to power your coaster heater with everyday batteries, but it will depend on the amount of nichrome wire you use and the desired temperature. You may need to use multiple batteries in series to achieve the necessary voltage. Alternatively, you can use a power supply with adjustable voltage to control the temperature.

Safety is definitely a top priority when working with electricity. If you are not familiar with working with mains power, it may be best to stick with battery power for your project. However, if you do want to use mains power, you will need to use a transformer to step down the voltage to a safe level. You will also need to use proper insulation and grounding techniques to prevent any accidents.

The idea of using a kettle switch to complete the circuit is a good one, as it adds an extra layer of safety. However, you may also want to consider adding a thermal cutoff switch to your circuit. This will automatically shut off the power if the temperature gets too high, preventing any potential hazards.

Insulation is definitely important in your design. You can use materials like ceramic or high temperature silicone to insulate the nichrome wire and prevent it from heating up the mug itself.

Overall, there are a lot of factors to consider when designing a coaster heater with nichrome wire. I would recommend doing some more research and possibly consulting with an experienced electrician or engineer to ensure the safety and effectiveness of your design. Best of luck with your project!