Can someone please tell me what this part is, what is its function, how can I check if it is OK and what can I substitute for it? The part in question is in series with the phase input to a heating coil in the base of a Tomado rice cooker. The unit is rated at 700Watts at 220VAC .

 

Looks like a self resetting breaker or a thermal fuse. When it gets too hot it opens and current stops until it cools off

 

It's called a thermal fuse. https://www.google.com/search?q=thermal+fuse&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8 There should be a temperature number printed on it, get the same value when buying the replacement.

 

Thank you Kermit2 and shortbus for replying. Should I get a resistance reading from it? I get no indication in either direction so can I assume that the part needs to be changed?

 

thats the failure for them, they get too hot and open up. better rthan burning down the house.

 

Thank you Kermit2 and shortbus for replying. Should I get a resistance reading from it? I get no indication in either direction so can I assume that the part needs to be changed?

If the fuse were well, you'd get a continuity reading on either direction. But that fuse is obviously blown, just get an equivalent temperature replacement as shortbus has suggested.