Peltier question

[DellAxim]

I recently bought a peltier to play around with...eventually it will be cooling an overclocked P4. Anyway, while I'm playing with it, is it possible to do damage to the peltier by simply turning it on without a heatsink on either side? It seems to get *really* hot when I do this...

 

[Anemone]

Yes that 'can' kill the Peltier. In fact, even insufficient cooling of the hot side can cause a heat loop that can cook and kill the Peltier. It does not take long to do it in, so don't make it super hot

http://www.icetec-uk.com

That site has a few articles worth reading - and good place to find out how to get going on a Pelt setup.

Enjoy!