What is a thermostat in a heater? Thermostat in a socket for household heaters: purpose and principle of operation, electromechanical thermostat for electric heaters. Description of infrared heaters

An electric convector is one of the most popular heaters used for heating household, industrial and office premises. Despite the fairly wide popularity of the heater of this type, few people have an idea of ​​how it works and what the purpose of certain convector controls is.

Let's look at the operating principle of a convection heater. The operating principle of an electric convector is based on natural circulation(convection) air. The convector usually has rectangular shape, there is an electric heating element inside it.

There are holes on the surface of the convector designed for air circulation. The convector is designed in such a way that the air coming from the bottom and side openings is heated after passing through the heating element and then exits through the holes located on the front panel of the convector.

For example, it heats the room due to thermal radiation, which comes from heated radiators. The convector has a different principle - the room is heated by a directed flow of heated air. Thanks to this, the convector heats the room much faster and, what is equally important, evenly over the entire area.

A heating element modern convector low-temperature, it is made of a special alloy, due to which it heats up much faster than usual heating elements tubular type. As a rule, 30-60 seconds after being connected to the network, the convector already begins to release heat into the room.

The efficiency of this type of heater reaches 90% due to the fact that almost all the energy is used to heat the room, unlike other types of heaters, for example, oil heaters, which do not begin to release heat into the room immediately, but only after its heat-conducting medium has warmed up - oil and then it metal case(radiator).

There is an opinion that heaters, including electric convectors, burn oxygen. But is this really so? As mentioned above, low-temperature heating elements are installed in an electric convector; their maximum heating temperature, as a rule, does not exceed 600-60 o C.

At this temperature, oxygen is not burned, which is a significant advantage of the convector compared to other types electric heaters, the heating elements of which heat up to several hundred degrees. In addition, the low operating temperature of the convector allows it to be installed almost anywhere, including near fire-hazardous surfaces, for example, on a wooden wall.

How can a convector effectively heat a room if the operating temperature of its heating elements is significantly lower than in other types of heaters?

The heating element of the convector has a significantly larger size, compared to heating elements that have a higher operating temperature. Thanks to this, the convector generates a sufficient amount of heat and, despite the low operating temperature of its heating elements, is able to heat a large area. Depending on the power, one convector can heat a room up to 30 square meters. m.

Most convectors are equipped with a thermostat, which is designed to regulate the temperature of the heating element and, accordingly, the temperature of the air that leaves the convector. On cheaper models they install mechanical thermostats, with the help of which temperature adjustment is carried out roughly.

Expensive models are equipped with controls that allow you to regulate the temperature with high precision - up to a tenth of a degree. For household use Precise temperature control is not so important. If the room is cold and you need to warm it up faster, set the thermostat to maximum temperature. When the optimal and comfortable temperature is reached, the thermostat can be set to a lower temperature value.

The accuracy of temperature control is relevant when it is necessary to maintain the temperature in those rooms where it is necessary to comply with strict temperature regime. Thanks to the electronic thermostat, automatic adjustment of the room temperature is possible.

In addition to the thermostat, the electric convector is equipped with a switch to supply voltage to the heating element. Convectors with a power of 1500-2500 W may have 2-3 heating elements and, accordingly, a switch for several positions. For example, when installed in the first position, one heating element is turned on, in the second position - two heating elements, and in the third position the convector operates at full power- that is, all three heating elements are turned on.

On some types electric convectors Independent switches are installed for each of the heating elements. This option for turning on the heating elements is the most acceptable, since if one heating element burns out, you can turn on another that is in good condition, while if the heating element burns out in a convector with a step switch, there is a high probability that in none of the switch positions the convector will not work.

The presence of a thermostat and heating element switches allows you to regulate the air heating temperature in fairly wide ranges.

Electric convectors can be mounted directly on the wall or installed on the floor. If this type of heater is installed on the floor, there is a risk of it tipping over, which may cause a fire. Therefore, almost all convectors are equipped with a special protective device that automatically turns off the power to the heating elements in the event of accidental or spontaneous overturning of the convector.

The principle of this protective device next. When the convector is in a vertical position, the contacts are closed and the heating elements of the convector receive power. In case of overturning of the convector, that is, when deviating from vertical position at a given angle value, the contacts of the protective device open and the heating elements of the convector are de-energized.

It should be noted that the convector operates in normal mode only if there is unimpeded air circulation. Therefore, in order to avoid failure of the convector, covering it is prohibited.

Oil radiators are in great demand, so you can find them in almost every home. And this is not surprising, because the oil heater is compact and very convenient to use.

However, despite all its advantages, there is one obvious drawback in the operation of an oil radiator: high energy consumption. In order to electrical energy less was consumed, the thermostat is designed. It monitors the operation of the heater, turning off the heater when it is heated to the desired temperature and turning it on when it has cooled down.

Oil cooler thermostat KST401 16A/250V/70°C

The thermostat is designed to automatically regulate temperature. A heater without a thermostat is inconvenient to use, because... turning the device on and off, depending on the room temperature, will have to be done manually. If you want the room to warm up while you are away, then manually this will not be possible. Moreover, heaters that are not equipped with thermostats are a fire hazard if left on for a long time.

There are 3 types of thermostats for oil radiators:

• mechanical;
• electromechanical;
• electronic.

The main difference is the design of the thermal relay for the oil radiator. In other words, the method by which the temperature sensor detects the temperature and opens the circuit is different for each type.

Let's look at the characteristics of each type.

Electronic thermostat is based on three main components:

• temperature sensor;
• a microprocessor that processes and transmits information;
• thermostat.

Electronic regulators are highly accurate in determining the room temperature, and they are also easy to operate.

Electromechanical thermostats are divided into several groups:

1. The first group includes contacts and double metal plate. When the device heats up, the plate bends and opens a group of contacts. As a result, electricity stops flowing to the heating plate. When the radiator cools down, the plate returns to its original point and begins to function as before.
2. The second group is devices equipped with relays. The relay is represented by a cylindrical tube containing a substance responsive to heat. The pipe is placed in a container of water. When the temperature of an oil heater rises, the substance expands. When the temperature reaches the desired level, the expanded substance acts on the electrical circuit through a drive. As a result, the contacts are closed or opened and overheating of the device is prevented.

Mechanical thermostats look like normal shut-off valves . The device is constructed of a cylinder with a rod containing a sensitive substance. When heated, the substance expands, the rod blocks the flow of coolant in the system.

When choosing a thermostat, give preference to proven brands that have positive reviews users.

Easy to use thermostats for infrared heaters allow you to increase the efficiency of heating devices, reducing energy consumption. Today, there are various modifications of control modules for infrared heating equipment on sale, which differ in the principle of operation, functionality, and the presence or absence of additional sensors and temperature meters.

Description of infrared heaters

Feature thermal equipment This type is the property of infrared heaters to heat not air, but various items and indoor wall surfaces. This allows you to ensure the highest possible comfort of living in a private home, while optimizing energy consumption and reducing communal payments.

Today, there are several varieties of infrared heaters that can operate in a completely autonomous mode, controlled by special thermostats and built-in automation. The homeowner has the opportunity to customize the operation of the heating equipment at will, setting the required temperature in the room. Built-in automation will analyze data from external units, making appropriate adjustments to the operation of heat generators.

For infrared heaters, thermostats are made in a separate block and can have various additional sensors and thermometers.

The presence of remote modules allows you to obtain the most accurate information about the temperature in the room and subsequently the thermostat will make appropriate adjustments, reducing or increasing the heating intensity.

Ballu BMT-1 connection for heating and cooling + simplified thermostat diagram

Icoline infrared heaters, thermostat, installation

Purpose of thermostats

To maintain a comfortable temperature in the room, you will need to turn the infrared heater on and off. This is not always convenient and significantly complicates living in a private house.

When manually turning on the device, it is necessary to ensure that there is no overheating, which can lead to equipment failure and a fire in the room. To simplify the operation of infrared heaters, special thermostats are used, which allow you to fully automate the operation of heat generators.

The scope of application of such devices is extremely wide.. They allow you to maintain a comfortable temperature in the room and monitor the correct operation of the heating element. If initially such automatic blocks controls were used in industry, today you can find various Appliances, which differ in functionality and have an affordable price.

Types of devices and principles of their operation

Thermostats for infrared heaters are usually distinguished by the features of their design and principle of operation. Today the most popular are two types of thermostats:

• Electronic.
• Mechanical.

The simplest mechanical thermostats differ reliable design. The operating principle of such devices is based on the property of a material to shrink or expand when heated and cooled.

Inside the thermostat is bimetallic element, responding to changes in temperature indicators. When the set parameter increases, the circuit opens and the power supply to the heater stops. As soon as the temperature on the sensor drops below the set value, the power supply to the heater is restored and heating is turned on, which allows you to maintain the optimal temperature in the room.

Electronic models, depending on their design, can be divided into simple and complex. Inexpensive digital thermostats can control room temperature by turning infrared heaters on and off. Complex electronic devices are characterized by versatility of use and have numerous settings:

• Capable of controlling the operation of several heaters at once.
• Antifreeze function implemented.
• Managed remotely and remotely.
• They work according to a given schedule.

Advanced electronic thermostats for IR heaters can provide completely autonomous heating of the room, while they can be integrated into the system " Smart House", when automation will fully monitor all vital processes in a private house or apartment.

Connecting a thermostat with your own hands.

The range of choices available today in specialized stores is so wide that it is difficult for an uninitiated homeowner to choose a high-quality and inexpensive thermostat.

As a result, people purchase simple thermostats that are not capable of fully automating room heating, or they overpay for unnecessary functionality.

The simplest mechanical thermostats will be an excellent choice for a dacha or a private country house where people do not live regularly in winter; therefore, the full functionality of such control units will not be in demand. Connecting the thermostat to an infrared heater is not difficult, and the entire setup only takes a couple of minutes.

High-quality and inexpensive mechanical thermostats have a printed temperature range scale; some models have built-in LEDs that make it easy to determine whether the device is on or off. The advantage of the simplest mechanical devices is their ease of use, easy installation and affordable cost. Disadvantages are limited functionality and high error.

Electronic thermostats differ in the highest possible accuracy of the device. Some models allow you to adjust the heating temperature in steps of 0.1 degrees Celsius. Thermostats have a wide range of functionality, are compact in size, and are reliable and durable equipment. Their main disadvantage is their high cost, as well as their dependence on energy, which complicates their use on farms and in holiday villages.

When choosing electronic models, you need to pay attention to whether a remote temperature sensor is included in the delivery package. The presence of such external thermometers can significantly improve the accuracy of the device, expanding its functionality.

U best models there may be several temperature sensors at once, which are made on long wire or exchange data with the main unit using wireless communication.

The presence of an electronic programmer allows you to configure the operation of the equipment according to preset parameters. For example, a homeowner can turn off the device when no one is home, and half an hour before returning from work, the control unit will turn on the heater, which will solve heating problems while simultaneously reducing utility costs. Thanks to the presence of such programmers, the functionality of both thermostats and infrared thermal devices is significantly expanded.

Description of the best models

Today, mechanical and electronic thermostats for IR heaters are available for sale from various manufacturers. Products from domestic brands, which combine reliability, durability and are affordable, are popular. Also in demand on the market are fully automated control units for infrared heaters from Japanese, American and Western European manufacturers. The following models are worth highlighting:

• Ballu BMT-1. An inexpensive mechanical thermostat for a heater, which was designed specifically to work with infrared heaters from the manufacturer Ballu. The advantages of this modification of the thermostat include the ability to use it with single-phase heaters with a power of 2 kW, and the presence of a wide temperature control range. The body of the device is made of heavy-duty plastic. Today the cost of mechanical Ballu thermostat BMT-1 is 600−700 rubles.
• Neoclima RQ-1. Mechanical surface-mounted thermostat for infrared heater, which can be used with heaters and air curtains. This model is designed to monitor temperature indicators in air conditioning systems and autonomous heating. Thanks to the design of the housing with electrical and moisture protection, the device can be placed on outdoors. The cost of the Neoclima RQ-1 regulator today is about 700 rubles.
• Easter RTC 70.26. This popular model electromechanical thermostat, which is used in underfloor heating systems and with infrared heaters. The device is equipped remote sensor, measuring temperature and transmitting a signal to the main control unit. The electromechanical thermostat is easy to use. The advantage of this model is its versatility of use, as well as the ability to connect heating devices with a power of 3500 W. The cost of Easter RTC 70.26 today is 700 rubles.
• Eberle RTT - E 6121. Surface mounted electromechanical thermostat with manual control. The temperature adjustment range is +5−30 degrees. The device allows you to simultaneously control the operation of several heaters with a total power of no more than 3.5 kW. This clip-on thermostat can be used in rooms with a humidity level of no higher than 95%. Thanks to the use of a bimetallic plate as a sensitive element, maximum accuracy of the device, reliability and functionality of the regulator are ensured. The cost of Eberle RTT - E 6121 today is 1200 rubles.
• BiLux T08. Programmable thermostat from domestic manufacturer BiLux company. The device has a touch display and convenient backlighting. The device received high class waterproof, it is made of a durable plastic case. The thermostat has manual and programmable control modes; the delivery set includes a temperature sensor with a 3-meter long wire. The device has an emergency shutdown option, remembers the last installed programs, has advanced functionality. The cost of BiLux T08 today is 3 thousand rubles.
• Terneo PRO. Top model programmable electronic thermostat, which has a clear touch display. All data about the settings and operation of the infrared heater can be stored in the cloud, which makes it possible to view the necessary parameters from a tablet or smartphone. Manufacturer developed special application For remote control operation of the thermostat. The device has advanced programming functions, and 16 preset heating modes are already stored in the memory. The delivery set includes a temperature sensor with high-quality network cable. The cost of this model today is 3,500 rubles.

Use of mechanical and electronic regulators to control operation infrared heaters significantly expands the functionality of thermal equipment. With the help of such devices, you can control the operation of IR heaters in a completely autonomous mode, ensuring the maintenance optimal temperature in the house. In specialized stores you can pick up various models regulators that will differ in operating principle, purpose, functionality and cost.

To maintain the required temperature level, heating systems use electrical devices called thermostats. All devices containing electric heating elements are equipped with electric thermostats.

The need and features of thermostats

The thermostat is electrical device necessary for automatic regulation temperatures in the cooling and heating equipment. They are installed in heating, artificial climate, cooling or freezing systems. Widely used in household in the arrangement of greenhouses.

The purpose of the thermostat is determined by turning on or off the heating elements of any device at temperatures below or above those specified, respectively. Thanks to the operation of temperature control devices, the air in the room, water, surfaces of devices, etc. I have a stable temperature.

All thermostats, no matter what device they are in, operate on the same principle. Automatic regulator receives temperature data from its environment, thanks to the fact that it is equipped with a built-in or remote temperature sensor. Based on the information received, the thermostat determines when to turn on and off. To avoid malfunctions in the operation of the device, the temperature sensor should be installed in a room away from the direct influence of various heating equipment, otherwise distortion of the indicators may occur and, naturally, the regulator will operate incorrectly.

Classification of thermostats

The operating principle of all devices that regulate temperature is the same, but there are many types of thermostats, and they differ in:

• Purpose:
  - indoor;
  - weather.
• Installation method:
  - wall;
  - wall-mounted;
  — mounted on a DIN rail.
• Functionality:
  — central regulation;
  — wireless regulation.
• Control method:
  — mechanical;
  — electromechanical;
  — digital (electronic).

Thermostats also differ in technical properties:

• Temperature measurement range. Various models Thermostats, depending on the modification, maintain temperatures from -60 to 1200 °C.
• Number of channels:
  - single-channel. They are used to automatically adjust and maintain the temperature of an object at a specified level. They differ in smaller size and weight from multi-channel devices;
  - multichannel. A series of standard temperature sensors are produced to record temperature. They are used in factories, laboratories, and also in the national economy.
• Dimensions:
  — compact;
  - large;
  - large.

Application of temperature controllers and sensors

Thermostats can be installed in residential and industrial premises. In general, we can highlight the following:

• And controlling the air temperature in a specific area of ​​the room. These devices belong to the category room regulators. There are analog and digital.
• And those that maintain the temperature of certain objects are regulators for underfloor heating.
• Outside air temperature - weather thermostats.

Regulators that are used in industrial premises are of two types:

• Industrial spatial . These devices include analog wall regulators that have increased protection.
• Industrial with separate sensors . This analog devices With external sensors, which can be wall-mounted or mounted on a special rail.
  Sensors can be installed on the walls or in the floor of the house, depending on their type and purpose. Built-in devices are mounted in installation box directly into the wall, and surface-mounted devices are simply attached to the wall.

There are also several types of sensors according to their purpose:

• Floor temperature sensor.
• Air temperature sensor.
• Infrared sensor for floor and air.

A sensor that measures air temperature is often placed on the body of the thermostat. Thermostats with infrared sensors can be used to control the entire heating system. These sensors are ideal for installation in bathrooms, showers, saunas and other rooms with high humidity. The temperature controller itself must be placed in a dry place; excess moisture may damage it. True, there are models with increased tightness, and their installation in the bathroom is not dangerous in any way for them.

Regulators for heated floors differ in their internal device, This:

• Digital.
• Analog.

Digital devices have good resistance to different types interference, therefore eliminating data distortion and guaranteeing greater accuracy than analogue ones.

Peculiarities functionality electric temperature controllers:

• Wireless control (remote) . It is recommended to use it for additional installation of heating elements and reconstruction, when it is impossible or quite difficult to perform classical adjustment. Remote control eliminates additional construction and repair work during electrical installation (for example, installation of cable wiring).
• Programming devices . The central (classic) device allows you to regulate the temperature of the whole large object from one point. To program the controller, a computer or control devices are used. Control is also carried out using a telephone modem.

Operating principle, pros and cons

Mechanical temperature controller It is considered a simple and practical device. Used for heating and cooling purposes. Most often it represents an external electrical installation product intended for indoor installation in living quarters in heating systems. Appearance similar to a standard stopcock.

Specificity mechanical thermostats is the absence of an electrical component. The device operates on a special principle, which consists in the properties of certain substances and materials to change their mechanical qualities due to changes in temperature.

When the temperature changes to a specifically specified temperature, a break or short circuit occurs. electrical circuit, which causes heating devices to be turned off or on. The required temperature indicator is selected on the device scale by rotating a special wheel.

Positive points of mechanical thermostats:

• Reliability.
• Resistant to voltage surges.
• Not subject to electronic failures.
• They work at sub-zero temperatures.
• Can be used in conditions of sudden temperature changes.
• Simple controls.
• Long service life.

Flaws:

• Presence of error.
• The likelihood of small clicks appearing when voltage is applied to infrared heaters.
• Low functionality.

Regardless of the shortcomings, they are the most common and are found in the organization of heating systems more often than other thermostats, thanks to simple operation and low cost.

Operation of electromechanical thermostats

Electromechanical temperature controllers are used in various household electrical appliances. These products come in two modifications:

• With bimetallic strip and contact group . The plate, when heated to a certain temperature, bends and opens the contacts, which stops the supply of electric current to the heating coil or heating element of the device. After cooling, the plate bends back into its initial position, the contacts close, the electricity supply returns and the device heats up. Devices with these regulators are used in Everyday life Almost every person owns irons, electric stoves, electric kettles, etc.
• With capillary tube. The product consists of a tube filled with gas and placed in a container of water, as well as contacts. The principle of operation is based on the properties of materials to expand at certain temperatures. The substance in the hollow tube begins to expand when the water heats up, causing the contact to close. After the water has cooled, the contacts open and the electrical appliance begins to warm up. Water heaters are most often equipped with such regulators. oil heaters, boilers.

• Automatic heating switching on.
• Tightness.
• Low price.

Disadvantages of these devices:

• Low functionality.
• Difficulty to achieve high precision regulation.

Specifics of electronic thermostats

Electronic devices are very common and are used with many electric heaters. They are usually equipped with common heating systems and air conditioning, as well as heated floors.

Main components:

• Remote temperature sensor.
• A controller is a device that sets a specific temperature level in the house, and also creates commands to turn the heater on and off.
• Electronic key – contact group.

The device sensor sends temperature data to the controller, which processes the received signal and decides whether the temperature needs to be reduced or increased.

Types of electronic thermostats:

• Conventional thermostats . In these devices, you can set the desired temperature limits or the exact temperature that will be maintained. The devices are equipped with an electronic display.
• Digital thermostats:
  - With closed logic. The devices have an unchanged operating algorithm. Regulation is carried out by transmitting commands for specified parameters to specific devices that were installed in advance. The parameters are set in advance depending on the needs of the devices used for a certain temperature. Adjusting the program of these regulators is practically impossible; you can only change the basic parameters. But it is these thermostats that are most often used in everyday life.
  - With open logic. These devices control the precise process of heating rooms. They have advanced settings, thanks to which you can change their operating algorithm. Controlled by buttons or touch panel. These devices can be used to enable or disable heating systems at a strictly specified time. But their reprogramming must be done by specialists. These regulators are used more often in production and industry than in everyday life.

Programmable thermostats are easy to use and open ample opportunities for fine-tuning devices to the desired temperature indicators, depending on the requirements of individual zones of the premises.

Advantages:

• Wide range of adjustments.
• Variety of design solutions.
• Energy saving.
• High accuracy.
• Efficiency.
• Safety during operation.

Also, thermostats are easy to operate and have no high cost, only these two advantages do not apply to open logic regulators. Electronic regulators are often integral part smart home systems.

Behind last years, in our age high technology, items with minimum indicators energy costs for their operation. Such products are especially ideal for heating devices, effectively regulating their performance. One such item is a thermostat for a heater. infrared type, which will be discussed in this article.

Types and characteristics of thermostats

A thermostat is a device that allows you to record the temperature in a room at a certain time interval and at the same time adjust the settings of the device according to required values. For example, when the temperature reaches a certain figure, the heating forcibly ends the operation cycle. And, conversely, with its decrease, the device resumes its operation.

The design characteristics and operating principle of thermostats may be different. There are two main types of thermostats for heaters:

• mechanical;
• electronic.