Heating elements for heating: types, principle of operation, rules for selecting equipment

Different types of heating elements

Electric heating devices are often used to heat rooms. One of the varieties of such heating heating elements is tubular electric heaters. What is this widespread device? A heating element is a device for medium-temperature heating of a coolant. Structurally, it is a thin-walled metal tube with a spiral placed inside, which is made of a high-resistance material - nichrome. The ends of the spiral come out in the form of a contact rod, are sealed and are used for connection to the electrical network.

The tube itself is made of steel, carbon or stainless steel. After placing the spiral inside and centering it, the tube is filled with a special coolant - periclase and sealed. Being under high pressure, periclase fixes the spiral along the axis and after that the heating element is bent and given the required shape, depending on the model.

Regardless of how exactly the heating elements will be used - in a solid fuel heating boiler or in an infrared heater - there are certain rules for installing and operating heaters of this type. At the same time, electric heating elements can be used for a variety of purposes: for heating a garage, heating a house, for installation in heating boilers or radiators. Let's take a closer look at how to use heating elements for heating.

Tubular electric heater design

Heating elements for heating radiators: comfortable heating

What is a heating element for heating?

Electric heating elements for heating are heating elements that heat the coolant fluid circulating inside the radiator. They are installed on electric radiators made of different materials and alloys - cast iron, aluminum, etc.

Scope of application of heating elements

You can use a heating element for a heating radiator (shown in the photo) when installing autonomous heaters simultaneously with a centralized heating system in order to provide additional heating of the coolant.

Most often, the decision to install a heating element in a battery is made by property owners if the heating in an apartment or house is unstable or is often turned off. This heating device is a good alternative that prevents the building from cooling down and the batteries from defrosting.

Advantages of heating elements

Heating elements (heating elements) have many positive characteristics:

• economy and efficiency - when converting electricity into heat, there is practically no energy loss;
• simple installation - you can even install a heating element for a heating battery yourself and for this you do not need to obtain a special permit from various authorities. Each device is accompanied by detailed instructions from the manufacturer, explaining the connection procedure and operating rules;
• durability - it is achieved through chrome and nickel plating;
• compactness;
• safety;
• an electric heating element with a thermostat for capillary-type heating allows you to regulate the temperature with a high degree of accuracy;
• save energy consumption by allowing the device to operate in pulses;
• affordable price;
• availability of additional functions.

In addition to its positive qualities, a device such as a heating element for heating batteries has several disadvantages:

• high cost of electric heating of residential premises due to electricity prices;
• Not in all settlements throughout the country the electrical power from the substation allows the use of these devices.

Correct choice of heating element model

When going to purchase a heating element, the buyer needs to know a number of technical characteristics:

• required power of the device;
• length, diameter and shape of the tube;
• length of the insulating cap;
• overall length;
• connection type;
• method of fastening.

To calculate the power of a heating element intended for heating water of a certain volume, use the formula:

Solid fuel heating boilers with heating elements

Currently, boilers operating only on solid fuel are rarely used. Instead, the domestic market offers a wide selection of combined and universal heating units that operate not only on solid fuel, but also on other types of energy carriers. A wide range of electric solid fuel heating boilers is offered to consumers.

A heating element solid fuel boiler has the following advantages:

Some models have additional elements:

• A heating element for a 2 kW heating boiler, equipped with a thermostat and a temperature limiter;
• a draft regulator that allows you to automatically regulate the flow of air into the combustion chamber of the device.

In the event of a breakdown, heating elements for heating boilers can be replaced with new products.

How the device works

The heating element works according to the following principle. When connected to the network, the internal spiral is heated and energy is transferred to the thermal conductor and the outer shell. The heat is then transferred to the surrounding fluid, air or solid material.

When heating a heating element immersed in oil or water, convection currents are created around the tube, which mix the coolant and contribute to its uniform heating.

Electric boilers are known for their reliability and maintainability. They do not have many complex parts, so they are easy to operate and maintain.

In liquid-free heating devices, the heating temperature is usually limited so as not to damage surrounding parts or cause a fire.

To speed up heat transfer, they often use a fan, which circulates air both inside the device and in the room surrounding it.

Types of heating elements in heating systems

As a rule, heating elements for heating a house are used in systems where water or antifreeze becomes the temperature carrier. But there are also air systems with these elements. There are several types of them:

Tubular. The most common. The principle of operation is the exchange of temperatures by convection - the replacement of warm masses with cold ones. Used in electric boilers, water heaters, oil heaters and other units.

Not a single household heating device can do without this element - kettles, all kinds of steamers or washing machines. For clarity, you can see what it is.

Rib or needle heating element. The element has additional ribs along its entire length perpendicular to the axis. Such elements are used in thermal curtains.

As central heating for a residential building, it is too energy intensive. In addition, such elements are fragile compared to tubular options. If damaged, they can only be replaced.

Block and ring view. Their feature is the regulation of the power of the entire element. Designed for heavy industrial loads and inappropriate for a private facility.

You can assemble tubular heating elements yourself. The cost of such a product will be low compared to elements integrated into a factory-type system.

How to choose a heating element for installation in a homemade boiler

For independent work, it is better not to reinvent the wheel, but to buy a ready-made product right away - the price for them is unbeatable

So, what to look for when buying:

1. Power. You need to immediately apply the formula - for 10 m², 1 kW of energy is required. Therefore, after making simple calculations, you need to purchase an element of such marking - 10, 20% of the total figure. You should not purchase an element larger than the calculated capacity. Firstly, it is economically unprofitable, and secondly, such power is unlikely to be needed.
2. The design is not important. The main thing is that the element enters the heating tank freely, without contact with the walls.

The length is important - short heating elements will not cope well with large amounts of water. It is better if the element parameter does not reach the length of the radiator by 10 cm maximum.

Heating heating elements with a thermostat or control unit are available for sale. If the owners are satisfied with the price, then, naturally, such elements are preferable - they will optimize heating costs. You can set the specified parameters and the temperature will not have to be raised sharply during the peak of cold weather - the room will be sufficiently warmed up at low values. The manufacturer is not so important, unless the product came to us from China. As a rule, individual elements are produced by Türkiye, Poland, and Ukraine. European countries do not produce heating elements regardless of boilers, so if sellers try to sell a German or Italian heating element to a buyer, this is simply a deception.

However, our manufacturers make good options, the service life of which is estimated at tens of years. When producing a homemade installation, you should contact a domestic manufacturer

In general, going to the store unprepared is not a good idea. You should hire a person who understands the essence of the problem as an assistant. The same goes for the work of constructing a makeshift boiler as a whole.

Cosine phi for various consumers - table

What are heating elements and their features

A heating element is a tubular electric heater that can be installed in any container filled with liquid. Many people are probably well aware of the heating element for an oil radiator, which effectively heats up this heating device. In fact, an electric water boiler is such a device.

Electric heating elements for radiators are special devices that can be installed in any heating radiator as a main or additional heat source. As a rule, they are mounted with thermostats that allow the heating process to be automated.

Scheme for using an electric heater as an additional heater

Advice! Heating elements can serve as an emergency source of heating in case of central heating shutdown. In such situations, you can turn off the taps and connect the heater to electricity.

The installation process of these devices is very simple - you just need to unscrew the plug and screw the heater in its place. After this, the radiator can be filled with both water and low-viscosity oil. The latter is best used for cases where the heating is turned on from time to time, for example, in a garage, so that the coolant does not freeze.

The heating element is screwed into the radiator instead of a plug

Advantages

Among the advantages of the device in question are:

• Low cost. however, the price of the heating element itself is usually added to the price of the thermostat, which is supplied separately.
• Easy installation - every home craftsman can install the heater with his own hands, spending only a few minutes of free time.
• If you have a high-quality thermostat, you can completely automate the heating process.
• Electric heaters are quite reliable, durable and absolutely safe. But for this, the connection instructions and safety regulations must be followed.

In the photo - a heating element isolated in a safe housing

Flaws

Along with the advantages, radiator heaters also have some disadvantages:

• High energy costs, especially if heaters are used as the main heater.
• Low heat transfer efficiency. The fact is that the battery heats up unevenly, as it is designed for constant circulation of coolant at high speed.
• A heating element for a radiator with a thermostat and other electronics is more expensive than an oil heater.

Thus, before installing this device, you should consider all its advantages and disadvantages. The fact is that in many cases it is more expedient to use other sources of electrical heating.

Note! Heating efficiency largely depends on the type of heating batteries themselves. For example, cast iron radiators with heating elements are less efficient than, for example, bimetallic or aluminum

Main functions and design of the heating element

The main functions of a heating element mounted in a battery: heating the coolant and, if the heating element is equipped with a thermostat, temperature control.

The heating element for radiators itself is so simple that even a schoolchild can understand its design. An insulated conductive thread is inserted into a metal tube. Most often this is a nichrome spiral. During the galvanization process, the metal tube is coated with chromium or nickel, which gives the metal special protection from the aggressive effects of water and ensures that there is no human contact with electricity. In addition, the housing of the heating element is equipped with control sensors that prevent the device from overheating.

As for the coolant heating function, there are no other options except one: the device is plugged in and the water (or other coolant) is heated. The principle is the same for all electric heating devices.

The thermostat functions are carried out by a heating element equipped with a thermostat. This allows you to set the heating element for radiators to a certain temperature. In addition, there are regulation modes that are simply necessary in certain conditions:

1. “Anti-freeze” - maintains a constant coolant temperature of +10 ° C, which does not allow the heating system to freeze.
2. “Turbo” is necessary for instant heating of the coolant in an autonomous heating system at maximum power. After reaching the required temperature, the mode automatically turns off and the device operates in accordance with the parameters set by the thermostat.

As for the coolant itself, there is an opinion that the most suitable for batteries equipped with heating elements is transformer oil. It heats up in a short time and gives off heat for a long time.

Scope of application: is it suitable for electric boilers and registers?

The devices are recommended for heating buildings with a small area that are rarely used in the autumn-winter period. To do this, the element is inserted into a radiator of impressive dimensions. Heating elements are mainly used for heating garages, country houses and other premises.

Photo 1. Heating element for a radiator with a regulator, power 1.5 kW, Ukraine.

They are also used for heating private one-story buildings, but extremely rarely due to the high cost of electricity. Here they are often installed not as the main, but as an auxiliary source of heating in case of gas outage.

Such batteries are connected not only to a gas autonomous heating system, but also to a circuit operating on solid fuel. This is especially true when the inhabitants of the house do not have the opportunity to regularly add coal or firewood to the firebox, as well as monitor the pressure and temperature inside the system.

Important! To save electricity, it is recommended to install a two-tariff meter. Then at night, when the cost of electricity is lower, the system operates from heating elements, and during the day - from solid fuel

Design

Device design:

Frame. It is made of electric welded or seamlessly drawn tube. Material - stainless steel or carbon steel, coating - chrome or nickel, cross-section - round or flat. The diameter of the tube depends on the model of the device.

• Filler. It is quartz sand or a mixture of crystalline magnesium oxides.
• Spiral. This is the heating element of the device. It is made of nichrome wire.
• The contact rod is sealed.
• Sealant.
• Insulator.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages of the devices:

1. environmentally friendly circuit, since the device does not require any fuel, the combustion of which releases harmful substances into the environment;
2. creates an autonomous heating structure that does not depend on gas and solid fuel;
3. compact dimensions;
4. a large selection of devices of different power;
5. simple installation;
6. operational safety;
7. There are models with a thermostat, which automates the heating process.

Cons of the elements:

• high cost of heat source (electricity);
• the device cannot be repaired if the spiral fails.

Types of heating elements with thermostat

You need to understand that when current is applied to the coil inside the tube, it immediately begins to heat up and cannot turn off on its own. The thermostat monitors the media parameters, turning off the power when the required temperature is reached.

This saves electricity costs and extends the life of the heating element. In this case, there is no connection between the type of heating element and the manufacturer of the thermostat; these two components are packaged together based on economic feasibility.

Three types of heating elements are used for heating.

Tubular electric heater

The most common type, which is found almost everywhere where it is necessary to heat a liquid or the surrounding space.

Peculiarities

The outer tube can be coated with a special composition to resist corrosion and have a bizarre shape. It is possible to select a heating element to suit any request.

Specifications:

• tube diameter from 6 to 20 millimeters;
• length ranges from 0.2 meters to 6;
• metal of manufacture: steel;
• stainless steel;
• titanium;

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages include:

• high efficiency (about 98%);
• use without additional projects and permits;
• affordable price.

There was also some negativity:

• high cost of heating when using a heating element as the main heater;
• relatively short lifespan;
• the formation of an electromagnetic field that negatively affects human health.

Finned heating element electric heaters

Another type that is used to heat air or gas.

Peculiarities

Metal ribs are attached to a smooth tube, which are located perpendicular to the surface of the heating element. The easiest way to make such a design feature is from a metal strip, which is attached to the base with special nuts.

A heating tube of this shape allows you to remove more heat from the surface; it is often used with a fan that forces air passing through the heating elements.

Advantages and disadvantages

The pros and cons of the device are the same as in the previous version, except that the price is slightly higher. But the efficiency of fins in heating air pays for the costs.

Heating element block

It is considered an industrial option, but is often used at home. This solution will be especially effective when using several low-power heating elements.

Advantages and disadvantages

Pros:

The main positive quality of the design is that if one of the elements burns out, heating of the coolant continues with slightly less efficiency

Therefore, emergency replacement is not required, which is especially important at the height of the heating season when there is frost outside;

The second feature is an increase in power without increasing length, which is vital for some radiator configurations. Problems with heating elements are standard for this type

Added to them is low efficiency when heating air; it is designed for liquids and bulk substances

The problems with heating elements are standard for this type. Added to them is low efficiency when heating air; it is designed for liquids and bulk substances.

Blitz tips

Here are a few recommendations from professionals that will help extend the life of your heating element or avoid mistakes when installing it. So:

• A good place to install a heating element in a radiator is the bottom. This way you can avoid possible air pockets, and therefore overheating;
• When purchasing a heating element, pay attention to the manufacturer’s recommendations for additional sealing;
• When securing the wires to the terminals, you must not apply too much force , otherwise the nut will burst or the tube’s tightness will be compromised;
• When using tap water as a coolant, the heating tube must be removed every 3 months and the deposits must be cleaned off non-mechanically.

A heating element is an electric liquid heater in the form of a metal tube, inside of which there is a spiral. There are many designs and varieties. Heaters are manufactured for both large and small industries.

These heaters are widely installed, for example, in electric boilers and electric boilers, and therefore are also produced by well-known manufacturers.

But in any market you can find heating elements intended for installation in heating radiators. These devices are often manufactured in Poland, Ukraine, and China. They can be equipped with built-in temperature sensors, i.e. work in semi-automatic mode, monitoring the degree of heating.

Based on such electric heaters, you can easily create a heating device with your own hands. This is what home craftsmen use, constructing the simplest heating and, as they think, “saving” a fair amount of money.

But is it really profitable to use heating elements? Where and in what situations are these electric water heaters usually used? How to install and use heating elements...

How big is the benefit from heating elements?

If you have an old battery, then why not use a heating element to turn it into a heating system for a small utility room - a chicken coop, a workshop, a garage...

There are even myths that heating with heaters is beneficial. But “dreams are shattered by harsh reality” - heating with electricity is the most expensive. Since the most expensive energy carrier is used.

Selecting a heating element

When choosing a heating element, you need to pay attention to some details. Only in this case can you count on a successful purchase, high-quality heating, long service life and compatibility of the selected model with the water heating tank. boiler or radiator

boiler or radiator.

Shape and size

There are dozens of heating element models available for buyers to choose from. They have different shapes - straight, round, figure-eight or ear-shaped, double, triple and many others. When purchasing, you should focus on the use of the heater. For installation in sections of heating radiators, narrow and straight models are used, since there is quite little space inside

When assembling a storage water heater, you should pay attention to the volume and shape of the tank, and based on this, choose a suitable heating element. In principle, almost any model will fit here. If you need to replace a heating element in an existing water heater, you need to purchase an identical model - only in this case can you count on it fitting into the tank itself

If you need to replace a heating element in an existing water heater, you need to purchase an identical model - only in this case can you count on the fact that it will fit into the tank itself.

Power

If not everything, then a lot depends on power. For example, this could be the heating rate. If you are assembling a small-volume water heater, the recommended power will be 1.5 kW. The same heating element will be able to heat disproportionately large volumes, but it will do this for a very long time - with a power of 2 kW, heating 100-150 liters of water can take 3.5 - 4 hours (not to a boil, but on average by 40 degrees).

If you equip a water heater or water tank with a powerful 5-7 kW heating element, the water will heat up very quickly. But another problem will arise - the house electrical network will not withstand it. When the power of the connected equipment is above 2 kW, it is necessary to lay a separate line from the electrical panel.

Protection against corrosion and scale

When choosing heating elements for heating water with a thermostat, we recommend paying attention to modern models equipped with scale protection. Recently, models with enamel coating have begun to appear on the market. It is this that protects heaters from salt deposits.

The warranty on such heating elements is 15 years. If you don’t find similar models in the store, then we recommend purchasing electric heaters made of stainless steel - they are more durable and reliable

It is this that protects the heaters from salt deposits. The warranty on such heating elements is 15 years. If you don’t find similar models in the store, then we recommend purchasing stainless steel electric heaters - they are more durable and reliable.

The presence of a thermostat

If you are assembling or repairing a boiler or want to equip a heating element with a heating element, choose a model with a built-in thermostat. It will save on electricity by turning on only when the water temperature drops below a set point. If there is no regulator, you will have to monitor the temperature yourself by turning the heating on or off - this is inconvenient, uneconomical and unsafe.

Additional functions of electric heaters

Above we discussed the simplest designs of devices that do not have any built-in adjustment mechanisms.

The thermoregulation unit can have mechanical or electronic automation. The latter is more accurate, but is demanding on the parameters of the home electrical network

But electric heaters can be equipped with simple automation that provides the device with additional functions.

These include:

1. Thermoregulation . Heaters with a built-in thermostat for heating have a temperature sensor that is triggered when the working environment is heated to a certain level. The electric heater is adjusted from the outside of the flange.
2. Antifreeze . This function is provided by a simplified thermostat, which operates only when the temperature drops to 0-2°C. It prevents water from freezing in heating pipes, consuming a minimum of electricity.
3. Turbo heating , which provides forced heating of the working environment during the initial start-up of equipment. It must be remembered that the electrical wiring of the room must withstand a short-term increase in power.

There are not many devices that support additional functions, because the operation of heating devices as a whole is often regulated using a separate automation unit.

Block heaters

Block options are several tubular-type heaters that are combined into one block and usually have one fastening element

When choosing a particular block heater, you should pay attention to the power ratings and the ability of the boiler equipment and pump to provide effective heat removal

It is recommended to give preference to these types if:

• you need to use a device with high power and heating rate of the environment;
• there is no way to quickly transfer heat energy from the working coil to the medium due to the small area of ​​the heating element shell on the outside.

The advantage of the block solution is the ability to reduce the load on each tube, which simultaneously increases the uniformity of heating of the medium and causes little wear on the heating elements located inside these tubes.

View products

As for power, models can provide from 5 to 10 kilowatts. So, during the installation of equipment with block heating elements, you will have to take care of laying an additional electrical cable.

Internal structure of electric heaters

It is convenient to consider the internal structure using the example of a tubular model. An electric heater is a ceramic or metal tube filled with a thermal conductor with a spiral located inside.

In the place where the tube is fixed to the flange there are insulating bushings that make it impossible for the conductive spiral to contact the heating element body.

Most TEN models use similar components, but their durability may vary depending on the build quality

The electric heater is mounted primarily with a flange connection, which allows the internal environment of the heating device to be sealed from the external space. The disadvantage of this design is the impossibility of replacing the spiral if it burns out internally.

How not to make a mistake in choosing

Radiators for heating elements are quite simple to choose, since they do not require a special variety of designs and technical characteristics. Please consider the following points before purchasing.

Electric heating element power calculation

In order to correctly determine the required power of the device, it is advisable to know the thermal standards in force in the given area. As a last resort, you can use the average indicator, which can be used in central Russia and make some adjustments if necessary.

Based on this, for 10 sq. meters of heated area, provided that the heating element will be used as the main heating, 1 kW of its power is required.

If heating elements for radiators are chosen as the main heating for the home, it is highly advisable to purchase models with a thermostat. In this way, it will be possible to regulate the power of the device and thereby reduce energy costs

If the device is used as additional heating, the required power will be 3-4 times lower. In addition, when choosing a device, you should take into account the specifics of the radiator heating element.

Due to its design features, it will be able to operate uninterruptedly only at 75% of the heat transfer from the radiator. With higher power, the device will overheat and it will constantly turn off.

Based on this, the power of the device is calculated. The exact heat transfer values ​​of a particular radiator can be found in its technical documentation. However, on average, one section of an aluminum battery has a heat output of 180 W, and a cast iron battery has a heat output of 140 W.

Let us calculate, as an example, which heating element is suitable for a 10-section radiator. We multiply the data by 10 and we get that for an aluminum battery it is worth taking a heating element with a power of up to 1.35 kW, for a cast iron battery - up to 1 kW.

Design features of the device

For each radiator, you should select a heating element that is suitable for it in size and thread direction. The equipment has different shaft lengths, which may affect its performance.

If the length of the heating element is insufficient, the equipment is not able to provide a sufficiently high circulation rate of the coolant, as a result of which the heating of the radiator will be uneven and insufficient.

The length of the device is perhaps one of its most important characteristics, which directly affects its efficiency. Before purchasing, you should measure the radiator and calculate the required length of the built-in heating element

The optimal option is when the heating element rod does not reach the inner wall of the opposite edge of the radiator by 60-100 mm

It is also important to choose the right body shape and diameter of the device.

The material of the plug may vary between models. To make the right choice, you should study the manufacturer’s recommendations, where he describes the types of heating devices suitable for using a particular heating element.

Availability of automatic control

Devices are available for sale with or without built-in automatic control. The first variation is as convenient as possible and does not require the purchase of additional equipment. In this case, a thermostat with a sensor that measures the temperature of the coolant is built into the lower part of the heating element housing.

If there is no built-in automation, the electrical appliance does not have a thermostat. In this case, it is advisable to connect using a detector that measures the air temperature in the room.

It must be admitted that this equipment is not so popular and in demand for large European companies to start producing it.

In stores you can find radiator heating elements made by Turkish, Polish and Ukrainian brands. In terms of quality and functionality, they are approximately similar.

It is difficult to say which company's products should be preferred. But you need to be wary of Chinese heating elements, since you can often get a low-quality product.

average cost

Offers taken from online stores in Moscow:

• TEN1500W made in Slovakia. Includes thermostat, branded fittings, power 1.5 kilowatts. Cost 1930 rubles;
• Heating element with thermostat, made in Russia:

• power 4 kW – 1500 rubles;
• power 3 kW – 1350 rubles;
• power 1.5 kW – 990 rubles;

Devices made in China can be found for 500–600 rubles, but their quality is highly questionable. And a heating element with a price of 1000 rubles (or so) can be of high quality, provided it is produced in the Russian Federation.

TEN1500W made in Slovakia

How to choose a heating element for heating equipment?

When choosing a heating element to replace in a water heater or radiator, you need to pay attention to its power, design, tube length and the availability of additional capabilities. Therefore, before purchasing, you need to find out as much as possible about all its characteristics.

Calculation of device power

The high power of a heating element is not always a positive quality.

When choosing, it is important to consider several factors that are related to the level of energy consumption:

• maximum heat transfer power of the heating device as a whole;
• electrical wiring options;
• room volume.

You cannot buy a device with a power that is more than 75% of the maximum heat transfer level of heating equipment.

For example, there is a radiator with 10 sections, each of which releases 150 W of heat to the air, a total of 1.5 kW. When installing an electric heater with a power of 2 kW into it, the surface of the battery will not be able to quickly release all the energy generated. As a result, the heating element will constantly turn off due to overheating.

The reason for the rapid breakdown of the heating element may be the incorrect choice of device power. As a result of systemic overheating of the coil, it burns out over time.

In apartments with worn-out wiring, the constant load on the outlet should not exceed 1.5-2 kW, otherwise it may catch fire and lead to dire consequences. Therefore, before purchasing a heating element, you need to check the condition of the wiring and, if necessary, dismantle the old one and install a new electrical network.

When the issue with electrical equipment and equipment capabilities has been resolved, you can begin to calculate the required power to maintain a comfortable temperature in the room.

In well-insulated houses and apartments, a level of 40 W/m3 will be sufficient. And if there are cracks in the windows, the heating power should be increased to 60-80 W/m3. You can buy a specific model only after taking into account all the energy factors described above.

Consideration of design features

Most heating elements have an alloy steel shell, which provides strength and resistance to corrosion. Copper devices are used primarily in water heaters, although there are no restrictions on their use in homemade radiators.

In cast iron and steel radiators, the use of heating elements made of non-ferrous metals is undesirable. This can lead to accelerated wear of materials and connections.

Also, when choosing, it is necessary to take into account the direction of the thread of the plug, which can be right or left. Different models of electric heaters also differ in flange diameter. They can range in size from 0.5 to 1.25 inches.

Typically, a heating element from a good manufacturer comes with a brief instruction manual that describes its design parameters. Studying them will help you buy a device that will exactly fit your existing heating equipment.

Heating tube length

The length of the tube is one of the main characteristics that determine the efficiency of the device.

Its large length with equal power leads to an increase in the surface area of ​​the electric heater and acceleration of heat exchange with the working environment. This has a positive effect on the durability of the heating element and the coolant circulation rate.

Heating elements with a long tube are ideal for installation in homemade registers, which are convenient for heating large rooms and outbuildings

It is desirable that the tube runs along the entire length of the working area of ​​the heating device, without reaching the opposite wall by 6-10 cm. This recommendation will allow you to quickly and evenly warm up the coolant.

Availability of additional functionality

It is not always necessary to overpay for the additional capabilities of heating elements. If the heating device is used as an auxiliary device and does not have its own built-in automation, then purchasing a model with a thermostat makes sense.

But if a radiator or electric convector has its own temperature sensors and temperature control mechanisms, additional functions will remain unclaimed.

The electronics built into the heating element plug must have safety mechanisms so that if the control board breaks down, a fire does not occur.

Therefore, it is recommended to purchase expensive electric heaters with built-in automation only if there is a clear need for such equipment. If you need to individually select the temperature background, it is better to buy a thermostat for an outlet that can be used periodically.

As for the manufacturers of heating elements, their choice is not important. The main suppliers are companies from Russia, Ukraine, Turkey and Italy. The quality of their products is approximately the same, so there is no point in overpaying for the brand.

Safety precautions and operational points

A heating element is a mains-powered heater

When using the device, it is quite important to follow some rules that will ensure safe use and significantly extend its service life:

In order for the device to operate for a long time with full heat transfer, the scale that forms on its surface should be cleaned once every three months. If a large layer of white deposits forms, it can damage the device. The intensity of scale formation can be reduced by using distilled water as a coolant. Do not allow the electric heater to overheat. The temperature of the radiator in the place where the electric heater is installed should not reach seventy degrees above zero

Therefore, it is quite important to choose the correct power of the heating element. The heater can only be turned on in a battery filled with coolant. Water entering an already heated electrical appliance can lead to a thermal explosion.

As a result, not only the radiator, but the entire heating system may be damaged. If static electricity appears on the surface of a tubular device, it must be immediately turned off and all connections and the device itself checked for leaks. The heater power should not be higher than the thermal rated power of the battery. A load of no more than 3.5 kilowatts is allowed in one outlet.

The temperature of the heating element for the radiator cannot reach 70 degrees

Installation of a heating element in a heating battery is carried out only using grounding. To avoid voltage drops, it is best to connect the electric heater to the network through a stabilizing device.

Safety

It is believed that a radiator heating element with a built-in thermostat is an absolutely safe heating device: turning it off when the coolant reaches the set temperature will avoid dangerous overheating or boiling of water.

However, not all potential buyers of the device know that safety and operational efficiency are ensured not only by the design of the device, but also by proper installation.

• In a central heating system, when the heating element is turned on, the radiator shut-off valves must be closed. In this case, a jumper must be mounted in front of them on the supply line, which will allow the coolant to circulate through the riser when it starts. In the absence of valves, your heating element will heat the batteries throughout the riser; in the absence of a jumper, after an unsuccessful attempt to start the heating, a sad locksmith will come to you and say a lot of offensive words.
• Heating the coolant in a closed volume will turn your radiator into a full-fledged miniature boiler room and... sharply increase the pressure in it. Thermal expansion, you know. Hence the need to install on the supply line after the shut-off valve either a small expansion tank (its volume is taken equal to 10% of the radiator volume) or a safety valve.

A small expansion tank will be able to accommodate excess expanded coolant.

Note: the second scenario is undesirable, since when heated the valve will periodically eject streams of hot water.

• The cross-section of the power cord must be at least 1 square millimeter per 8 amperes of current. With a heating element power of 2500 watts and a supply voltage of 220 volts, the current will be 2500/220=11.36A; the minimum cross-section of the wire core, therefore, is equal to 11.36/8 = 1.42 (rounded to the real value - 1.5 mm2).
• The maximum load per outlet should not exceed 3500 watts.
• Grounding is highly recommended.

The grounding contacts in the socket must be connected to the electrical panel housing.

The power of the heating element without a thermostat should not exceed the rated thermal power of the radiator. For one aluminum section it is taken equal to 200 watts, for cast iron - 160 watts. Heating elements for heating radiators with a thermostat can be installed without power restrictions.