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 temperature control in 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 operation is determined by turning it on or off heating elements any device at temperatures below or above those indicated, 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. The automatic controller 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 of 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
. These are analog devices with external sensors that 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 a mounting 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 (classical) device allows you to regulate the temperature of an entire 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 is an external electrical installation product intended for internal installation in residential premises in heating systems. The appearance is similar to a standard stopcock.
The specificity of 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, due to their simple control 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, heating up to a certain temperature, bends and opens the contacts, which causes the supply of electric current to the heating coil or heating element of the device to stop. After cooling, the plate bends back to its original position, the contacts close, the supply of electricity 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. Such regulators are most often equipped with water heaters, oil heaters, and boilers.
- Automatic heating switching on.
- Tightness.
- Low price.
Disadvantages of these devices:
- Low functionality.
- Difficulty in achieving high control accuracy.
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 precise process space heating. They have advanced settings, thanks to which you can change their operating algorithm. Controlled by buttons or touch panel. Using these devices, you can turn on or off 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 a low cost, but these two advantages do not apply to open logic regulators. Electronic regulators are often integral part smart home systems.
Devices such as heater thermostats are used to control and change the current temperature of a room. Thanks to a special scale or display, you can create the most comfortable environment without wasting energy. By the way, such devices can control the temperature not only of oil or infrared heaters, but also monitor the heating of the underfloor heating system.
Characteristic
Thermostats for heaters are useful devices that can completely prevent overheating of the room and the heating system as a whole. Using this regulator is quite simple. You just need to set the required temperature on the scale that you want to achieve, and the device itself will take care of further heating of the room. In addition, the thermostat is capable of maintaining exactly the temperature that you set on the device for a particular period of time. Throughout specified period the system will automatically maintain stable air heating and will turn off only after it has expired.
Connection
Often one such regulator is installed in each room. Connecting a thermostat to an infrared heater that heats two rooms at the same time causes difficulties in controlling the system. Therefore, experts recommend connecting this device to only one heating device. Thus, thermostats for heaters are able to most accurately control the room temperature at the required level.
Why can’t the regulator be connected to several heaters?
There are several reasons for this. Firstly, different rooms have different areas, which no longer makes it possible for the heater to adjust to normal temperature conditions. Secondly, setting the optimal degree cannot be done due to differences in the heat transfer of rooms. That is why for each room it is necessary to connect its own, separate thermostat.
How do they work?
If you think that after setting the values for the heaters they work smoothly, you are deeply mistaken. The essence of their work is as follows. When the temperature in the system reaches the set level, the device turns off, and when the heating level drops by 2-3 degrees Celsius, this device turns on again and operates until the heater again heats up to the set mode. This happens until the timer you set goes off. In general, the mechanism can operate from several minutes to several hours, maintaining optimal air temperature.
Price
Price similar devices averages from 800 to one thousand rubles. The price may depend on the type of design, manufacturer, and the presence or absence of a liquid crystal display in the regulator showing the current temperature.
For recent years, in our age high technology, items with minimal energy consumption for their operation are of particular value. 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 device settings to the required values. For example, when the temperature reaches a certain number, 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.
Nowadays, an increasing number of consumers are inclined to think that the only way to improve the quality of home heating is with minimal costs- This electric thermostat. For most people, the topic of minimizing the cost of heating apartments is very relevant, but this can be done either by switching to autonomous heating, which is not always possible and too expensive, or by using special control devices.
Since the central heating system is imperfect, and relying only on it risks freezing, an electric heater with a thermostat is in great demand as an additional heat source.
Operating principle and functions of a household thermostat
Even in houses with autonomous heating there is some kind of electric heater “in reserve”, let alone apartments that depend on the “whims” of the city heating network. It could be the oil cooler infrared lamp, electric fireplace or their analogues. Their presence is completely justified, since during the off-season, when it suddenly gets cold and the heating has not yet been turned on, they are the only way to warm up.
The easiest way to create comfortable atmosphere using similar devices and save on electricity - this is a thermostat in an outlet for household heaters.
The purpose of any temperature regulator is to monitor the level of air heating in the room and maintain it within a given range. Since at the same time it automatically turns off and turns on the heating device, it additionally saves either electricity or fuel. Performs the same actions electric regulator temperatures for air heaters.
The biggest advantage of such devices is that they do not need to be mounted in a heater, but simply plugged into an outlet and adjusted to the desired temperature settings. In appearance, it looks like an adapter, since on one side it has a plug, and on the other there is a socket into which the electric heater is connected. Even a person who has picked up such a device for the first time can easily handle a thermostat of this type. As a rule, on the front side there is a display on which temperature settings are set.
The operating principle of the device is very simple:
- It is inserted with a plug into the socket.
- A heater is connected to it.
When choosing, for example, a thermostat for an oil heater, you should study the technical parameters of both devices so that their power ratings either match or the heater has less power.
- Set the desired air heating temperature and enjoy the warmth.
During operation, the temperature controller for the electric heater collects data on the level of air heating in the room. As soon as it reaches the specified parameters, a relay is activated in the device, which cuts off the supply of electricity to the heater. When the air has cooled to the lower value of the specified range, the reverse process occurs and the relay turns off, allowing current to flow to the heater.
A similar device is used not only for wall or floor electric heaters, but also for connecting another household appliances: table lamps, irons, electric kettles, air conditioners and much more. Depending on the purpose, the desired type of thermostat is selected.
Types of thermostats for electric heaters
Today, the market offers a huge number of models of thermostats for all types of heaters, ranging from ordinary oil fireplaces or wall-mounted air heaters to underfloor heating systems and heating boilers.
They differ in color, shape and size, as well as technical parameters and can be easy-to-use electromechanical thermostats or digital devices with programming functions, remote control and built-in Wi-Fi. As a rule, the cost of such devices is higher, the more settings and functions they have.
According to the mounting method, they are divided into wall-mounted devices, which are installed permanently and connected to the power supply, and portable, such as thermostats plugged into an outlet. The latter can be installed in any room where it is.
Based on the type of settings, thermostats are divided into:
- Mechanical, when all parameters are entered manually. Typically, they are limited to a small temperature range and do not have the ability to adjust according to the time of day. In addition, they are mounted into the wall and connected to an electrical power cable. The main advantage of such a device is its low cost.
- Electronic temperature controllers have the function remote control and settings. They have a fairly large monitor, which can be either touch-sensitive or equipped with buttons. The microprocessor processes all indicators of air temperature changes and compares them with the specified parameters, and if they do not correspond, turns on the heater or disconnects it from the power supply.
- Controlling the thermostat via a GSM program allows the owner to monitor the efficiency of the electric heater or change settings via a smartphone while away from home. A SIM card connected to a mobile phone owner.
- Programmers with built-in Wi-Fi are some of the most expensive thermostat models. For electric heaters, it is advisable to install them if they are the main source of heating for a house or apartment. As a rule, their program allows you not only to set temperature parameters, but also to link them to the time of day and days of the week, setting them up for the week ahead. You can control such a device from a smartphone, tablet or computer at any distance, as long as you have Internet access.
If an electric wall heater with a thermostat is used as an additional heat source, it is usually either electromechanical or electronic. There is no point in installing expensive equipment for a conventional air heater.
How to choose a plug-in thermostat
You need to approach the choice of a control device responsibly, since if you do not take into account the technical parameters of the devices, you can, at best, end up with a burnt-out heater, and at worst, a fire in the apartment.
Regardless of whether an electric overhead thermostat for heating is needed or portable, you should decide what it will record. Currently, there are devices on sale that monitor the air temperature in the room and those that control the heating of the heater itself. As a rule, the former create the necessary microclimate, while the latter ensure that the device does not exceed the maximum specified parameter, regardless of how comfortable and warm the room is.
It is imperative to find out the power of the thermostat and correlate it with the technical parameters of the heater. Ideally, the power of the heater is 30% lower than that of the temperature controller.
It is also necessary to establish what the temperature range of the device should be. For household heaters, as a rule, a run-up from +5°C to +35°C is sufficient.
Not all outlet thermostats are suitable for rooms with high humidity, so you need to check the degree of protection of the device.
The price of such devices directly depends on their “filling”, so you should not rely on this parameter when choosing a thermostat for an electric heater. It is important what functions it should have so that people feel comfortable while at home.
A plug-in thermostat is a great opportunity to save money on electricity bills when you need to connect household heaters. They also extend the “life” of the heater by turning it on and off as needed, while maintaining the specified temperature conditions for heating the room.
Modern developments aimed at reducing energy costs have become especially popular in recent years. At the same time, such devices also make it possible to increase the efficiency of heating devices by controlling their operation. A common example of this is the thermostat for an infrared heater. Let's consider the features of its selection, connection and operation.
A thermostat is a device that periodically measures the air temperature in a room and, depending on the results obtained, adjusts the operation of the heating device. That is, if the air temperature reaches the set point, the power is limited and the heater stops working. As soon as the air cools down, the device again enters the active phase, thus constantly maintaining required level heat in the room.
The design and operating principle of temperature control devices can differ significantly from each other. There are two main types of thermostats:
- Mechanical.
- Electronic.
The first version of thermostats is a small plastic box, the outer part of which is equipped with a switch. As a rule, it is round, which allows you to smoothly change its position. The division value may be different, for example, in some models it is 1°, while in others the transition occurs immediately from 2° to 5°, etc. In addition, on the body there is a power button and a light indicator indicating whether the device is active at this time moment.
There are also more modern mechanical models of thermostats that are equipped with a display. True, not so much data is displayed there, and the temperature is controlled using only two control buttons.
Useful advice! Use mechanical thermostat It is convenient only if one of the residents is present in the house for a significant time. This important point, since in the absence of people it is better to turn off the device. There is no remote control function.
Electronic thermostats have much great opportunities in management. The design and construction of these devices are constantly being modernized - even liquid crystal screens are used to manufacture modern models.
Depending on the selected model, setup and control can be carried out either using buttons or touch. In some devices to protect the screen and also create a more attractive appearance, use special hinged lids.
Such devices can be used without problems even in those houses where the owners are often absent or live seasonally. The device is easy to program and can be easily controlled remotely using mobile devices. The only difficulty in purchasing such a thermostat is the fairly high cost.
How to connect a thermostat to an infrared heater
Whichever of the above options you choose, for it to work accurately and correctly you need correct installation. First of all, this is due to the choice of a suitable location, when doing which you should take into account the following factors:
- High humidity can damage the device;
- There should be no sources of heat or sunlight nearby.
If these factors are not taken into account, temperature measurements will be made inaccurately, which will lead to incorrect operation of the heating device and its inability to maintain the required temperature in the house.
A separate issue is connecting the device itself to the network and the infrared heater. In order to connect all these elements to each other, it is necessary to use an automatic relay. It is this that will serve as the power source for. Let's look at some of the most common connection options.
Connection diagrams for an infrared heater via a thermostat
The fastest and most understandable scheme for connecting a thermostat to an infrared heater is to use 1 thermostat per 1 heater. In this case, the connection diagram is as simple as possible: the machine has 2 pairs of wires, one of which goes to the thermostat. One wire is neutral, the other is phase. And they need to be connected accordingly. Using the second pair of wires, a connection is made to the heating device itself.
The second, slightly more complex, method of connecting an infrared heater through a thermostat involves using a parallel connection. Thus, two heating devices can be connected to one thermostat at once. One pair of wires from the machine is connected to the thermostat, from which, in turn, wiring is made to two different heaters.
The most difficult, but at the same time the most practical option– this is the use of one thermostat for several household heaters. For this purpose, it is necessary to use a magnetic starter, and develop the connection diagram individually. Of course, you can try to find a ready-made one, but this method cannot absolutely guarantee the uninterrupted operation of the system.
Useful advice! Give special attention It’s also worth making calculations and developing an individual plan because your safety depends on it. Malfunctions in the heating system can lead to fire hazards.
There are even manufacturers who produce original magnetic starters for their devices, as well as sets of wires necessary to connect them. Thanks to this, connecting is much easier, and the quality of such products is considered higher. But in any case, if you have not previously dealt with electricity, it is better to entrust the development of the circuit and connection of the system to professionals.
Infrared heater with thermostat: prices and characteristics of three popular models
Wall mounted and are quite popular, their main advantage is their compact size. In addition, buyers are attracted by the design and the ability to choose a model to match the interior of the room. Below you can see the characteristics and prices of several popular infrared heaters with a thermostat.
Nikaten 200– one of the most modern infrared heating stoves. Control of the dynamics of temperature changes is regulated by a built-in thermostat. In addition, there is a security system that automatically turns off the device in case of dangerous situation or fire hazard.
Main characteristics of the Nikaten 200 heater:
- ceramic panel;
- size – 30x60 cm;
- cools down within 90 minutes, continuing to release heat;
- silent operation;
- installation is as simple as possible.
The distinctive qualities of this panel include a huge selection color solutions, as well as a very affordable price - about 3,500 rubles.
Heater Zilon IR-0.8 S was designed as a wall-ceiling system. This model can be mounted on any suitable surface. The kit includes a thermostat that regulates the correspondence between the specified and actual temperature parameters. To protect the device, it is provided automatic shutdown in case of overheating.
Main characteristics of Zilon IR-0.8 S:
- power - 0.8 kW;
- size – 119x13x4 cm;
- weight – 3.2 kg;
- does not affect the carbon dioxide content in the air;
- consumes a minimal amount of electricity.
However, users point out some disadvantages of using this model. So, during heating or cooling, the device emits a characteristic crackling sound, which not everyone likes. And being located on the ceiling, it can’t always warm the floor well enough. And yet, if you consider that the cost of such a heater is only 2,400 rubles, the device can well be called one of the most worthy.
Noirot Royat 2 1200– a universal wall heater equipped with three modes at once, which makes it convenient to use throughout the year and in any room. The direction of heat flow can also be adjusted by rotating the surface at different angles (up to 30°). To ensure that regulation is carried out as conveniently as possible, the developers have taken care of the possibility of mounting the control unit on both the right and left sides.
Main characteristics of Noirot Royat 2 1200:
- quartz heating element;
- three power modes – 0.3/0.6/1.2 kW;
- size – 45x12x11 cm;
- There is a thermostat and an overheating fuse;
- works silently.
Perhaps the only drawback of this device is its rather high cost - about 9,700 rubles. Otherwise, the device is considered reliable and is often used to heat rooms such as the bathroom.
Floor infrared heaters with thermostat
Another popular type of device is floor infrared heaters with a thermostat. The price of such devices is not much different from other options, however, due to their mobility, they are often more convenient. If you want to buy an infrared floor heater with a thermostat, you can easily choose a model that is suitable specifically for your conditions among a wide range of offers.
As an example, let’s consider such a popular line as Vallu infrared heaters, to which you cannot connect a thermostat yourself, but choosing an already equipped model is very simple.
The Vallu infrared heater is connected via a thermostat according to standard schemes. The control device is built into the heater body.
One of the most popular models of these heaters is BALLU BIH-L of the Bali series. A modern steel telescopic tripod BIH-LS-210 is included with this device. It provides a strong fixation of the device and allows you to use it on summer areas, verandas, and in the garden.
Main characteristics of the BALLU BIH-L heater:
- power 2-3 kW;
- installation height on a tripod up to 4.5 m;
- for uniform heating it is equipped with a special reflector with fins;
- The kit includes brackets for mounting to the surface;
- the body is made of steel;
- the connection of the thermostat to the Vallu infrared heater was made by the manufacturer;
- There is a function to control the heating of the device.
This model is considered the most universal, as it can be installed almost anywhere: in the house, on the street or on the veranda. By providing uniform heating, it creates a comfortable temperature for everyone within range, without spending extra energy on heating the air.
Useful advice! As a stationary outdoor heater, you can consider purchasing an infrared umbrella designed specifically for creating comfortable conditions in the yard.
Choosing a thermostat for an infrared heater
If we talk about purchasing and connecting a thermostat to an infrared heater as a separate element, then the main thing here is to do right choice upon purchase. Using a small table, you can compare several of the most available models.
Brief characteristics and cost of thermostats for heaters:
| Model name | Features and Specifications | Cost, rub. |
| Ballu RTR-E 6202 | Simple mechanical control. Universal for use with any devices and in any room. | 1100 |
| Ballu TA2N-S | Mechanical adjustment temperature conditions combined with on/off function. There is a LED light indicating current state device. | 700 |
| Eberle RTR - E6163 | A universal device, suitable not only for heaters, but also for connection to a floor heating system. Has a temperature adjustment range from +5 to +30°. | 1150 |
| Eberle Instata 2 | A push-button model equipped with a small black and white display for setting the temperature. | 2850 |
| Eberle Instat +3r | Modern model electronic thermostat, which is programmable. | 3600 |
Which model you want to purchase depends only on your desires and capabilities. The variety and functionality of the devices on sale can satisfy the requirements of even the most demanding buyer. Today you can easily purchase both devices for your home or garden, and, for example, infrared heaters with a thermostat for a chicken coop or any other purpose.
It is difficult to underestimate the importance of using heating devices in work. After all, we are talking not only about maintaining a comfortable temperature at any time of the year, but also about significant savings and safety. Especially considering the fact that anyone can purchase the simplest mechanical thermostat.