On my oh box, can I .........

[Matt Green]

Instead of hooking up 4 bulbs in series with a thermal switch, can I hook up four lights independent of each other each with their own switch?  Then control temperature by turning on/off pat of them?  I have a thermometer I can do tests to ensure I am getting the right 150 degree temp. Anyone done this? Negatives? Positives?
  Any help is appreciated.
Mg

[Roy from Pa]

Yes that will work, but why buy 4 switches and run 4 separate wires? Hooking them in parallel  with a dimmer switch would be easier. Or hook them in parallel with one switch and just screw in as many bulbs as you need for more heat. Leave all 4 bulbs in the sockets, but don't screw them in tight unless you need more heat.

[Matt Green]

I happened into my dad after I posted the question. He clarified a couple of things too. Makes more sense in series. Thx for input.
Mg

[Pat B]

I just unscrew the bulbs I don't want to burn.

[macbow]

It looks like they are in series but the wiring is parrell like Roy said.
I just plug them in and unscrew them as needed too.

[karrow]

Originally posted by Pat B:
I just unscrew the bulbs I don't want to burn.

me too

[Bowjunkie]

Pros to having them wired in parallel with a thermostat in series... the heat will regulate itself perfectly without your fussing with bulbs or dimmers, regardless of the ambient temperature. And if a bulb blows out during a bake, the others will stay lit AND maintain temperature because the thermostat will simply keep them on for longer lengths of time.

Hint, use bulbs of enough wattage, a little overkill, that heat will be maintained if you lose one or two of them.

[Roy from Pa]

 

Like Bowjunkie said, wired in parallel, if one bulb burns out, the others stay on. If wired in series and one bulb burns out, they all go out.

[monterey]

A Bingham thermo switch is pretty cheap!