A geyser is a flow-through water heater that runs on natural gas. If you do not have hot water supply, but gas is supplied, this equipment will increase the comfort of your life. You simply open the tap, hot water flows out of it, and its temperature is regulated by you yourself. Even if you have a centralized supply of hot water in your house or apartment, but you are not satisfied with the price you have to pay for heating, or perhaps you are not satisfied with the temperature, installing a gas water heater will also solve these problems. Heating water costs much less than it is provided centrally - this results in significant savings on utility bills. To understand which geyser is better, you will have to study the structure of the equipment and its types. Then the choice for you will be simple and conscious.
Which geyser is better depends on your requirements
TYPE OF IGNITION OF A GAS HYPER: WHAT TO GIVE PREFERENCE?
A modern person cannot imagine comfort in a modern house or apartment without reliable, multifunctional and high-quality equipment.
In all the variety of useful technical innovations, the gas water heater occupies a particularly important place, which must be chosen very carefully and carefully. When purchasing such a product, buyers are faced with a wide selection of models and their modifications. At the moment, the market of household and heating equipment can offer models that differ significantly both in power and volume, and in the type of ignition. It is the latter characteristic that this article is devoted to. The latest models of geysers can be equipped with 3 types of ignition: electric ignition (automatic), piezo ignition and a rare option - ignition from an electric generator. The simplest is piezo ignition. It operates according to the following principle: when you press a button, the piezoelement ignites a small wick, after turning on the tap, gas begins to flow and the main burner lights up. The advantage of this method is its simplicity and reliability, but there are also disadvantages: the pilot light is constantly on, so gas consumption increases. In addition, if the device is located in an inconvenient place, it will be inconvenient to set it on fire manually.
The next option is geysers with electronic ignition. This ignition operates on the principle of ignition in a car. To do this, ordinary AA batteries are installed, which serve as a source for a spark. In order for the column to begin performing its functions, simply open the water tap. The advantage of this method is its cost-effectiveness and ease of use. The only disadvantage we can highlight is the fragility of the batteries.
The rarest type of ignition is ignition from an electric generator (hydraulic turbine, hydrogenerator). The only difference from the previous method is that the current is produced by a miniature hydraulic turbine, so there is no need to constantly change batteries. This is the most convenient type of ignition, however, there is also a disadvantage: if the hydraulic turbine breaks down, it will be difficult to repair it without the help of a qualified technician.
Each of the described methods has its own advantages and disadvantages, so we recommend making a choice based on personal preferences, habits and the price of the product.
Source
What is the difference between piezo ignition and electric ignition?
Almost all modern geysers are equipped with an automatic ignition system.
Our website presents geysers of various models and manufacturers: Neva, Vaillant, Ariston. Among them there are speakers with electric ignition and piezo ignition. Let's figure out how these two fundamentally different systems differ. We hope you find this information useful. Piezo ignition In geysers with piezo ignition, the first start is made by the user manually using a special button. The presence of a flame is monitored using a thermocouple heated by a pilot burner. The pilot burner must be lit continuously so that the thermocouple can produce the current that holds the gas solenoid valve open. When the gas is turned off, the pilot burner goes out and the solenoid valve shuts off the gas supply to the boiler. To restart the boiler, you must press the ignition button again.
Electric ignition In geysers with electric ignition, starting is carried out automatically using an electric spark. The presence of flame is monitored by an ionization control unit. In gas boilers with electric ignition, there is no constantly burning pilot wick, which results in significant gas savings. The energy independence of such boilers is ensured by installing power supplies (batteries).
Source
Reasons for the lack of flame in boilers with automatic ignition and ways to eliminate them
The ignition unit is damaged
The photo shows the electrical part of the Ariston turbocharged boiler.
To determine the condition of the ignition unit, you can use an electronic tester in ohmmeter mode. The probes are connected to the output of the ignition electrode contacts (or to the electrodes themselves) located on the block. The unit is operational if the tester readings are within the range of 650 - 750 Ohms.
Checking the automatic ignition unit of the Ariston boiler.
In a damaged unit, the tester will detect an open circuit (1 will be displayed on the display) or a short circuit (0 will be displayed). The identified faulty part is replaced with a similar one.
Flame control electrode dirty
During the combustion of fuel, soot is formed, which gets on the working surface of the electrode and disrupts its proper operation. Clean the surface of the electrode with fine-grain sandpaper. If it doesn't help:
- move the temperature control knob to the heating off position;
- wait until the circulation pump and smoke exhauster turn off;
- on the instrument panel, press the switch off button;
- unplug from the socket and turn 180 degrees the plug of the device;
- insert the plug back into the socket;
- turn on the boiler.
Smooth shutdown of heating equipment extends its service life.
The operation of the flame control unit, due to its operating principle, depends on the phasing of the supply network (phase and zero connection points). Therefore, rephasing helps him restore the sensitivity of the gas ions.
Low mains voltage
The ignition unit and electronic gas valve may not work properly due to insufficient voltage in the network. To maintain a stable level of supply voltage, it is advisable to connect the boiler through a voltage stabilizer. It will provide protection for the electronic elements of the gas boiler during power surges.
Gas valve malfunction
The valve may be blocked by debris that has entered through the gas burners. In the device, the inductance coil designed to control the valve position may burn out. To check it, on a completely de-energized boiler, an ohmmeter is connected to the terminals. The coil is considered working when the reading is 80 - 90 Ohms.
Checking the gas valve coil.
To clean the gas regulator, the side part of the housing is unscrewed where the valve is located. Garbage is removed and his work area is cleaned.
Reassemble in reverse order. Often, to assemble a gas regulator, fasteners with a common head profile are used: an asterisk with a pin. To work with such hardware, you need to purchase a screwdriver with a blade of the required size and profile or sharpen a screwdriver with a flat tip.
Piezo ignition
Piezo ignition is often used on gas water heaters and boilers that are independent of electricity.
The operating principle of piezo ignition is as follows. The gas supply to the igniter is turned on. When you press a button, the piezoelectric element generates electricity. A spark occurs between the electrode and the igniter, which ignites the gas on the igniter. Near the igniter there is a thermocouple that heats up and holds the gas valve open. To warm up the thermocouple, you need to forcefully hold the gas supply open for 15-30 seconds. The igniter of the boiler and column burns constantly and the main burner lights up from it when a need for heat arises. If for any reason the pilot light goes out, the thermocouple will stop producing current and the gas valve will close.
Electronic ignition
Batteries or directly 220 V in a house or apartment are used as a source of electric current to create a spark on the boiler burner and column for electronic ignition.
Some models of speakers use a built-in hydraulic turbine to generate sparks. However, with low water pressure, the turbine speed will not be enough and the column simply will not turn on.
Advantages and disadvantages
As disadvantages, it should be noted that the batteries need to be replaced approximately every three to five months.
Electronic ignition can be considered more modern and convenient. If it is battery-powered, there is natural smoke removal, then the operation of the column does not depend on the supply of electricity. It will work completely autonomously.
In geysers and boilers with piezo ignition, the initial ignition must be done manually. This is especially inconvenient if the heat generator is used periodically. When the igniter goes out, you need to relight it. But in such equipment there is no need to change batteries.
Source
Reasons why electric ignition may not work
In some cases, instantaneous water heater users are unable to turn on their device. What could be the reason why the electric ignition of a gas water heater does not work? There are many answers to this question:
- If water or gas is turned off, you should check their availability in the centralized mains.
- The batteries are low and require replacement.
- If the gas or water filter (if equipped) is clogged, you need to inspect them and, if necessary, clean them or replace them with new ones.
- Insufficient water pressure (this especially negatively affects columns with turbine electric ignition). If the water barely flows, then the pressure is not enough for the device to turn on. More often this problem occurs in rural areas or in old houses.
- The water temperature set on the column is too low - you should check what temperature indicator is set.
- The coaxial chimney fan has failed.
- There is no draft in the chimney and the draft sensor blocks the operation of the column. In this case, it is necessary to check the chimney for blockages or backdraft. It happens that the wind blows into the chimney and extinguishes the burner.
- There is not enough fresh air flow - you should check the functionality of the ventilation and open the window.
- The heat exchanger is heavily clogged with scale and limescale. This can cause low water pressure and lead to the column not turning on. The problem is solved by cleaning the circuit. There are special cleaning products for this.
Which geyser to choose?
You open a hot water tap - first you are showered with ice water, then it heats up, and after a while it becomes cold again. Many owners of gas water heaters encounter such contrasting showers, and all because at one time they made a mistake in choosing this important device. At first glance, it seems that there is nothing complicated in the design of this device, but geysers differ in their performance, quality, ignition method, type of burner, as well as safety parameters.
Gas water heater ignition type
In the recent past, gas water heaters were lit manually, like old-style gas stoves. Later, manufacturers began to produce geysers with various types of burners. Today on sale you can find speakers with one of three types of ignition: piezo ignition, electronic ignition or hydrogenerator ignition.
Piezo ignition. The operation of geysers with this type of ignition is based on a piezoelectric mechanism. In such columns, a small pilot light burns continuously, which ignites the burner at the right moment. Gas water heaters of this type cannot boast of being economical, because gas is wasted every hour, but water heaters with piezo ignition are very reliable precisely because of the simplicity of their design. You do not need to constantly change batteries; the operation of the gas water heater does not depend on the presence of electricity in the house.
Electronic ignition. Geysers with an electronic type of ignition light up thanks to large cylindrical batteries provided in the design, or from the mains. The undoubted advantage of geysers of this type is the economical consumption of gas, however, such water heaters also have plenty of disadvantages. If for some reason the electricity in the house is turned off, and your water heater is powered by the network, there will be no hot water in the house. If the device lights up thanks to the batteries, when they start to run low, the speaker will turn on every other time.
Hydrogenerator ignition. Gas water heaters with hydrogenerator type ignition are the most modern. Their operation is based on an electric generator driven by the flow of water. At the moment, this type of ignition is actively implemented in its products by Bosch. If you live in a house with too little pressure in the water supply system, then a gas water heater with hydrogenerator ignition may simply not start. This applies to the upper floors of high-rise buildings of the old type, Stalinist buildings, Khrushchev buildings.
Features of operation
There are a number of provisions and rules according to which the use of gas equipment is permitted. Let's consider the basic requirements for open-type speakers:
- Do not start work in the absence of draft in the chimney or in the presence of reverse draft;
- It is not allowed to turn on and ignite without studying the operating instructions;
- For normal operation, natural ventilation is necessary (window, vent);
- It is prohibited to independently change the design of the equipment.
Dispensers with an open combustion chamber are most at risk of gas leakage. If you smell it, then:
- Close the valve;
- Open the windows and ventilate the room;
- Do not light a fire until the room is completely ventilated;
- Contact the repair service.
Before starting the appliance, check the presence of draft in the chimney.
How to properly check
There are two “folk” ways of checking:
- Take a piece of paper and hold it near the chimney or ventilation. If the leaf tightens, it means the shaft is working properly. If it falls, you need to clean the hole.
- Light a match and bring it to the viewing window. Does the flame deviate to the side? Then you can start the column. If it burns smoothly, check the chimney.
It also happens that everything is in order with the mine, but there is no traction. The room may not be ventilated, so there is no air flow for combustion.
How to turn on the water heater
Before turning on any equipment, there must be water in the heat exchanger. Therefore, you should first open the water valve.
Electric models:
- Insert batteries into the battery compartment;
- In some cases, you need to turn the power or temperature switch;
- Open the gas valve;
- Turn on the mixer on the hot position, which will ignite.
Semi-automatic devices:
- Start the fuel supply;
- Set the power and hold the piezo ignition button until the wick ignites;
- When you turn on the water, the burner will light up.
It is not difficult to launch modern technology. What about an old-style product?
Ignition of an obsolete type column
A device with manual ignition is considered obsolete. The design provides for constant burning of the wick and manual shutdown. Ignition occurs from a burning match, less often - using piezo ignition. These include: “Iskra KGI-56”, series L, GVA, VPG. They are equipped with a turn signal or lever to regulate the temperature.
The operating principle is the same as that of modern models. The only difference is in the features of turning on the heating. If this is your first time launching, then you should know that:
There must be a constant flow of air in the room with the column
This is important to keep the flame burning. Therefore, in kitchen doors there is a gap of 5 cm at the bottom
If plastic windows are installed, a ventilation valve is required; It is necessary to regularly check for traction; Check the condition of the gas valve. Open it and coat the joints with soapy water. If bubbles appear, there is a leak.
For ignition, it is more convenient to use long matches that can easily reach the igniter.
Launch of KGI-56
Turn the fuel and water valves. Now turn the left control all the way to the left. Hold down the solenoid valve button if the product has one. Continuing to press the button, ignite the igniter with a match. After that:
- Open the hot water faucet;
- To light the burner, turn the other knob to the left.
Done, you can go take a shower.
Switching on devices of type L, GVA, VPG
Start as with other types by supplying gas and water. Move the knob on the panel to the first position. Press the valve release button and hold a match to the igniter. Hold the button for another 10 seconds. Just as in the first case, turn on the tap and quickly turn the regulator to the maximum level. After ignition, you can start using it.
You can turn off the equipment by turning the lever until the wick goes out. It is advisable to do this at night and before leaving home.
Use your water heater correctly for long service life and your own safety. Once a year, carry out preventive inspections of the product, clean the parts from scale.
- https://avtonomnoeteplo.ru/vodonagrevateli/731-pravilno-vklyuchit-gazovuyu-kolonku.html
- https://oventilyacii.ru/otoplenie/kak-vklyuchit-gazovuyu-kolonku.html
- https://tehnofaq.ru/kak-pravilno-vklyuchit-gazovuyu-kolonku/
- https://teplo.guru/vodonagrevateli/kak-vklyuchit-gazovuyu-kolonku.html
- https://cosmo-frost.ru/gazovye-kolonki-i-kotly/ekspluataciya-gazovye-kolonki-i-kotly/kak-polzovatsya-gazovoj-kolonkoj-novoj-i-starogo-obrazca/
How to repair the ignition unit on a gas water heater
Flow-through gas boilers, depending on the model, are ignited manually, semi-automatically and fully automatically. Combustion control is carried out by several sensors and structural units.
The geyser ignition unit, when in working condition, prevents emergency situations from occurring, ensures that the main burner is activated when the hot water tap is opened and the flame extinguishes after it is closed. There are several types of columns, classified by type of ignition, differing in internal structure and operating principle.
Analysis of the most common installation errors
The most common mistake is installing a geyser in the bathroom. As a rule, this room does not have a window. It is especially dangerous to install speakers without a chimney. There are models of water heaters in which carbon monoxide exits through openings, and is removed from the room through a ventilation hole in the wall.
The second most common mistake is the desire to hide the device so that it does not visually stand out from the interior. Often a geyser is installed in a cabinet. This leads to disruption of the proper functioning of the gas water heater.
Even if a distance of 10 cm is maintained from the cabinet walls and there is no bottom bottom, the air flow will still be insufficient to cool the device. It will take longer to cool down, which will significantly shorten its service life.
The third mistake that often occurs is a mixed-up connection of the gas pipe in the column. This leads to water entering the gas pipeline. The liquid gets there through the gas column and then moves down through the pipes. This is how water enters the gas equipment of the neighbors below, completely disabling it.
Liquid removal is carried out by gas services. Once a source is discovered in the owner’s apartment, the gas will be turned off and a fine will be issued. This is what a gas shutoff order looks like
It is impossible to prevent GorGaz workers from performing a shutdown. In case of refusal, the police will be called, as people's lives are at risk.
Gas water heaters with piezo ignition
The main difference between piezo ignition and flow-through boilers with manual ignition is that the pilot burner is ignited by means of a piezo element built into the design. Despite the popularity of automatic water heaters, domestic and foreign manufacturers still produce gas instantaneous water heaters with piezo ignition and a constantly running pilot burner.
The principle of operation is in many ways similar to that used in columns, where the burner is ignited by matches. There are common structural elements, but the same breakdowns occur.
Piezo ignition device
The design includes a constantly working ignition wick. To turn on the column you need to light the igniter. For ignition, the design contains a piezoelectric element, consisting of a power button connected to a spark electrode connected to the burner device. When the key is pressed, a spark is produced, hitting the burner, igniting the gas.
The operating principle of a piezoelectric element is associated with the conversion of mechanical and kinetic energy into electrical energy. When pressed, a spark is generated that is strong enough to ignite the burner. Piezo ignition for a gas water heater often fails. After 3-4 years, the unit will need to be replaced and adjusted.
Electric ignition for a gas water heater
Present in fully automatic boilers. The operating principle of an instantaneous gas water heater with electric ignition eliminates the need for a constantly burning wick. The main burner ignites immediately. The source of electricity is a 220 W household network, batteries or a hydrogenerator built inside.
Automatic electronic ignition of the gas water heater occurs when the hot water tap is opened. After closing the DHW point, the burner goes out on its own.
Battery ignition
The electronic ignition unit for geysers is used in fully automatic water heaters. In the factory configuration, batteries are used as batteries.
Electronic ignition of a gas water heater works as follows:
Battery power has one significant drawback. Replacement of elements is required every six months. If desired, you can install an adapter and connect the speaker to a household electrical outlet through it. This solution will eliminate the need for constant and frequent replacement of batteries.
Ignition from a hydrogenerator
In the new generation of speakers, the batteries were replaced with a turbine. Gas water heaters with a hydrogenerator are turned on by producing electric current through the conversion of mechanical energy.
The water heater operates in completely autonomous mode, but has several disadvantages:
A spark from a hydrodynamic generator is produced only when the water pressure is sufficiently high. At a pressure of 0.3-0.5 atm. The automatic battery-powered water heater turns on normally, but the water heater with a turbine simply won’t start. To ensure stable operation of a device with hydrodynamic ignition, it is necessary to use a booster pump and a water treatment system, including several degrees of purification.
What is a column flame ionization sensor
There are several systems inside instantaneous water heaters that block the gas supply if normal operating conditions are violated. The gas column ionization sensor monitors the presence of a flame. When it fades, a signal is sent to block the gas supply. In modern instantaneous boilers, the role of the regulator is performed by:
The principle of operation is based on the fact that during the combustion process in gas columns, flame ionization or the production of ion current is created. The amount of energy is directly proportional to the intensity of combustion. Incorrect gas-air mixture ratio, dust settling, and extinguishing of the main burner lead to the sensor triggering. By blocking the gas supply, gas leakage is prevented when the burner goes out spontaneously.
How to light a column correctly
Ignition is carried out as follows:
A geyser with electric ignition turns on independently when the hot water tap is opened. Switching on should be silent. Popping noises and prolonged operation of the spark generator unit indicate a malfunction.
Which is better - piezo ignition or electric ignition for a speaker?
When deciding which dispenser is better, an automatic or a semi-automatic, several important operating points and operational characteristics are taken into account, as well as possible malfunctions that the owner of the equipment will have to face:
As statistics show, the choice between piezo ignition or electric ignition for domestic consumers is often made in favor of the latter. In Europe, preferences are not so obvious. Both types of instantaneous gas boilers are in demand. Ease of use and economical consumption of blue fuel are the main reasons for purchasing a dispenser with automatic switching on.
Source
Essential elements
Let's see what this useful device consists of. Its main components are:
- A casing with a pipe for connection to the chimney.
- Heat exchanger. The material of this element is important. Copper heat exchangers have the best characteristics, while some Chinese heat exchangers use cheap steel ones.
- Gas-burner.
- Ignition system. It can consist of various components - we will talk about this below.
- An automatic gas supply control mechanism consisting of a membrane installed on a water pipe and an associated valve on the gas supply line.
- A set of sensors that turn off the operation of the column in emergency situations.
The most modern speakers also have an electronic controller.
