What does an electrical rating expressed in VA on the side of a thermostat indicate?

The electrical rating expressed in volt-amperes (VA) on the side of a thermostat is a critical specification indicating the appliance's pilot duty. This rating helps to determine the maximum load that the thermostat can safely control when it activates a heating or cooling element.

Pilot duty refers to the ability of the thermostat to control another device, such as a larger heater or air conditioning system, without directly drawing significant power itself. The VA rating signifies how much power the thermostat can handle and allows it to effectively serve as an intermediary device that can handle the control function without overheating or failing.

Understanding pilot duty is essential for ensuring that the thermostat is paired with compatible equipment, thereby maintaining safe operation and reliable performance in a commercial kitchen or food service environment. The application of this knowledge prevents potential overloads and electrical hazards due to improper thermostat ratings.