TEC1 12706 Peltier Module
The TEC1-12706 6A Thermoelectric Cooler Peltier Module is the simple application of the Peltier Thermoelectric Effect. The Peltier module features 127 semiconductor couples in the area of 40 x 40mm which very effectively cools and heats up to 90°C.
The thermoelectric cooler or TEC or Peltier module creates a temperature differential on each side. One side gets hot and the other side gets cool. They use to either warm something up or cool something down; above all, you can use either side. You can also take advantage of a temperature differential to generate electricity.
A thermoelectric cooler (TEC) module is a semiconductor-based electronic component that functions as a small heat pump. By applying the DC power source to a TEC, heat will be transferred from one side of the module to the other. It creates a cold and hot side. They are widely useful in industrial areas, for example, computer CPUs, CCDs, portable refrigerators, medical instruments, and so on.
Tips:
- Operating Temperature: 138 Degree C.
- Do not exceed Imax or Vmax when operating a module.
- Please carry out moisture protection options (sealing) in final application use.
- Life expectancy: 200,000 hours.
- Failure rate based on long-time testing: 0.2%.
Read our blog Peltier module working principle.
Setup Instructions: Peltier Module with Heatsink & Fan
1. Prepare Components
- Ensure you have a flat large heatsink (for hot side), a smaller heatsink or plate (for cold side), and a suitable fan for the hot side.
- Get thermal paste or a thermal pad to ensure good heat conduction between the module and heatsink surfaces.
- Have a 12 V power supply capable of supplying around 5–6 A (for the module) plus extra for the fan(s).
2. Identify Module Sides & Voltage
- Note that the module is designed for ~12 V input and up to ~6 A current. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
- The side with printed text (e.g., “TEC1‑12706”) is typically the hot side; the unprinted side is the cold side. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
- Ensure you mark the module and keep orientation clear – mixing up the sides reduces cooling performance and can damage components.
3. Mounting the Heatsinks
- Place the large heatsink on its surface so the flat mounting face is facing up. Apply thermal paste or use a thermal pad on that surface.
- Position the Peltier module on the large heatsink with the hot side (printed side) facing **the large heatsink**. Apply a thin, even layer of thermal paste between the module and the heatsink. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
- Apply thermal paste on the cold side of the module. Then position the smaller heatsink (or cold‑side plate) on that side, aligning mounting holes, and fasten the two heatsinks together using appropriate screws or mounting hardware. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
- Attach the fan to the large heatsink’s outer side so it blows air across the fins, helping dissipate the heat from the hot side efficiently.
4. Wiring & Powering
- Connect the module’s red wire to +12 V and the black wire to ground (0 V). Double check the polarity before powering. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
- Also wire the fan’s red/black leads to the same 12 V supply so that the heatsink fan runs whenever the Peltier is powered. This ensures the hot side is always cooled.
- Use wiring capable of handling ~6 A current, and ensure your power supply is rated accordingly (e.g., 12 V, 6 A or higher). :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
- Verify all connections are secure, no loose wires, and that the module is mounted solidly without gaps or vibration.\
5. Initial Testing & Operation
- Power on the system and monitor the large heatsink: it should warm up as the module pumps heat from the cold side. The fan should be running and moving air over the fins.
- Check the cold side: you should feel it becoming cooler. If not, shut down power and check mounting and wiring.
- Avoid running the module without the hot‑side heatsink/fan in place—doing so may lead to overheating and damage. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
- Ensure the ambient temperature isn’t too high and the airflow around the hot‑side heatsink is not obstructed—this affects performance significantly. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
6. Safety & Best Practices
- Do not touch the hot‑side heatsink without protection—temperatures can become quite high.
- Ensure good insulation around the cold side if you are cooling a specific container or surface—to maximize the temperature differential.
- Avoid rapid on/off cycling of the module; continuous or long‑duration operation tends to prolong module life. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
- Consider using thermal/temperature sensors or a controller if you need precise cooling or want to prevent over‑cooling and condensation.
Applications:
- Computer CPUs
- CCDs
- Portable refrigerators
- Medical instruments
- Mini fridge
- CPU cooling
- DIY electronics
Also check DIY semiconductor cooling kit that includes a TEC1-12706 Thermoelectric Cooler Peltier Module.
TEC Peltier Module Comparison: TEC1-12706 vs TEC1-12710 vs TEC1-12715
| Feature |
TEC1-12706 |
TEC1-12710 |
TEC1-12715 |
| Rated Current (Iₘₐₓ) |
~6 A (12 V operation) |
~10 A (12–15 V) |
~15 A (12–15 V) |
| Heat Pumping Capacity (Qₘₐₓ at ΔT = 0) |
~63 W (40×40 mm) |
~100 W (40×40 mm) |
~150 W (40×40 mm) |
| Maximum Temperature Difference (ΔTₘₐₓ) |
~68 °C |
~68 °C |
~68 °C |
| Power/Support Requirements |
Moderate: needs proper heatsink/fan (~6 A) |
Higher: stronger heatsink/fan (~10 A) |
Highest: robust cooling & heavy-duty heat dissipation (~15 A) |
| Typical Use Case |
General DIY cooling/heating (small fridge, CPU cooler, drink cooler) |
Larger heat load tasks, more demanding cooling |
High-performance tasks, large systems, industrial applications |
| Cost / Complexity |
Lower cost, simpler power supply |
Medium cost, requires stronger PSU & heat management |
Higher cost, requires heavy-duty heat dissipation & strong PSU |
| Efficiency / Performance Notes |
Effective for moderate loads |
Better capacity, requires good heat sinking |
Best capacity among the three, better coefficient of performance |
TEC1-12706 Peltier Module – Safety Tips
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Use Proper Heatsink & Fan: Always attach a heatsink to the hot side and use a fan to dissipate heat. Running the module without proper cooling can cause overheating and permanent damage.
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Correct Power Supply: Use a stable 12 V power supply rated for at least 6 A for TEC1‑12706. For higher current modules (TEC1‑12710/12715), ensure the PSU matches their requirements.
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Polarity Matters: Connect red to positive (+) and black to ground (–). Reversing polarity can damage the module.
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Limit Continuous Operation: Avoid running the module at maximum current for extended periods without monitoring temperature. Use intermittent operation or a temperature controller if needed.
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Monitor Temperature: Keep the hot-side heatsink temperature under control. Excessive heat reduces efficiency and can burn out the module.
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Handle with Care: Both hot and cold sides can become extreme. Avoid direct skin contact with the hot side, and insulate the cold side if necessary to prevent condensation or frost.
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