Electric water heaters or boilers are quite common in apartments and private houses. The main advantage of their installation is independence from centralized hot water supply networks. You can open the tap at any time and take a shower or wash the dishes.
Heating elements are used as heating elements in boilers. But since water analysis does not occur constantly, the equipment must be turned off as soon as the temperature of the contents of the tank reaches a certain level. The control function is assigned to thermostats. We will talk about what they are and in what situations they work in this article.
What it is?
A heating element is a tubular electric heater. This is the main part of the water heater, with the help of which the required water temperature is maintained in the tank. This element converts electrical energy into thermal energy. As a result, the water is heated by the device to a certain temperature set by the user.
The work is that the thermostat receives electric current at the terminals, passes it through and transmits it to the terminals of the heater. The spiral heats up and transfers heat to the shell of the heating element, which heats the water. The device has a sensor that measures the water temperature. After reaching a certain indicator, the heating element with the thermostat turns off. After cooling down it turns on again. This is how the device works until disconnected from the network. Experts advise purchasing such a device from trusted stores.
Ariston heating element with a thermostat is considered one of the best. The heater contacts are silver-plated, increasing the design current to 25 amperes. This figure in other similar devices is no more than 18. The Ariston heating element with a thermostat quickly heats the water due to good heat transfer. The nichrome spiral has a high stretch coefficient. The devices are easy to install, light in weight and compact in size.
When does a thermostat need to be replaced?
Safety regulations prohibit the operation of boilers with broken thermostats. If the problem is not detected promptly, the heater may burn out or explode. To prevent this from happening, it is important to check how the equipment works and periodically carry out maintenance on all components.
The most common reasons for the failure of a thermostat designed to protect heating elements from dry running:
- The capillary tube is worn out. The copper was covered with cracks and through holes appeared. In the worst case scenario, the tube is broken.
- There was a problem with the settings. The system does not execute incoming commands.
- The tube or contacts are coated with plaque. The signal is not transmitted at all or is received with distortion.
- The contacts between the heater and thermostat terminals have become loose.
Before you go to the store for a new device, you need to check if the old one works. This can be done using a multimeter. It is switched to resistance measurement mode. To begin with, the maximum possible temperature is set on the device. If the multimeter connected to the contacts does not show anything, the thermostat will have to be replaced.
If the structure still reacts, the temperature control knob is turned to the minimum value. And in this position, the tester probes are again connected to the thermostat contacts. Next, all that remains is to pick up a lighter and heat the pipe. If the relay opens the circuit and the device shows a high resistance level, there is no need for replacement. If the circuit remains closed, you will have to invest in a new thermostat.
Composition of the heating element
The heating element includes the following parts:
- A tube that can be copper, steel, brass, titanium. All types have different performance indicators. You should choose a device that is resistant to corrosion. There must be a protective layer on the walls of the tubes.
- A spiral made of wire that has a high resistivity.
- Filler that does not conduct electric current. Periclase is usually used. The filler serves to separate the coil from the tube.
- The contact rod is an element for connecting the heater to the network.
- The insulators are made of porcelain and are located at the ends of the tubes.
- Tubular shell.
- Sealant.
- Thermal sensor that regulates the water temperature.
Design and principle of operation of heating elements
The heating element for the battery is used as a heating element and the temperature sensor
The heating element in the cast iron and aluminum battery has a rather primitive design. It is a cylinder made of metal, the internal cavity of which is equipped with a spiral of copper/steel strong wire. Since the heating element is equipped with a temperature regulator, it is used to adjust the temperature of the medium, and not just as a heating element.
The cylinder with a spiral is located in a sealed housing, which is equipped with a control sensor. Its main task is to prevent the device from overheating. Thanks to the galvanization process, additional reliability of the device is ensured. Nickel and chrome plating increase the strength of the heating element and also form an additional protective barrier.
Types of thermostat
This device comes in:
- Sterzhnev. Located in a tube on the heater body.
- Capillary. The tube contains a liquid whose object depends on water.
- Electronic. Responsive to temperature changes.
There are also electromechanical thermostats. Their work depends on the properties of biometals. The functions of the devices are simple, dual-zone and programmable. Judging by customer reviews, the most frequently purchased ones are electronic ones. They are easy to use and affordable. Although the choice often depends on personal preference.
How to replace a thermostat
At this stage, if the work is carried out independently, you should carefully study the heater’s passport or operating instructions. They contain connection diagrams and regulation rules. It is advisable to study them before removing the protective cover from the boiler body.
Replacing the thermostat to protect heating elements from overheating is performed as follows:
- The boiler is disconnected from the power supply and water supply.
- All water is drained from the reservoir.
- Remove the protective panel and pressure ring. At this stage, the remaining water will flow out. To collect them you will need a cup or rags;
- The thermostat is removed from the control panel. A new one is installed in its place;
- Reassembly is carried out in reverse order. In order not to remember which wire is connected where, you need to photograph the system in advance.
The last step is to check how the boiler works. The tank is filled with cold water and the minimum temperature is set on the regulator. If the heating element turns off automatically when it reaches it, the thermostat is installed correctly. All that remains is to adjust it. The boiler is ready for use. The heating element is protected from overheating.
Types of heating elements
A heating element with a thermostat may differ in:
- Constructions.
- Installation method.
- Material.
The shape of the equipment can be straight or curved. Experts advise focusing on the design of the room where such a device will be located. According to the composition of the product design there are:
- Tubular. This is a metal tube with a conductor. Inside there is dielectric sand, which serves as an insulator.
- Closed. Dry is in a protective flask. The space contains special oil or quartz sand. This model does not come into contact with water.
According to the installation method, the heating element with a thermostat can be flanged with thread and nut. Copper and stainless steel are used in production. In dry type devices, magnesium silicate is used, which is used to obtain the flask.
Application
A water heating element with a thermostat is used for various purposes:
- Heating. The device is installed in the battery using a connector. It should not be used for constant heat generation.
- Heating water.
- Water supply to showers, sinks, sinks. For these purposes, the device is installed in a ready-made container.
Experts advise using the equipment for its intended purpose if you want it to last a long time. The rules for its use are usually indicated in the instructions.
Advantages
A water heating element with a thermostat has the following advantages:
- Safety. This applies more to dry heating elements. No short circuit or electric shock possible. This is achieved thanks to a design that does not involve contact with water.
- Long service life - over 15 years. The main thing is to follow the rules of use.
- Economical. This is due to the presence of a temperature sensor that regulates the supply of electricity.
- Easy to install. The heating element must be installed in the water heater, which is fixed on brackets. Then everything is connected to the network. The boiler has all the necessary controls.
- Several thermoelectric heaters can be used in one heater.
- Resistance to mechanical damage.
Advantages and disadvantages
You can reduce heating costs by purchasing a heating element with temperature control.
From a tubular-type thermostat, you can create an effective heating system used as additional or main heating.
Main advantages:
- Easy to install. Even an inexperienced person can cope with the task.
- Possibility of automatic control if the system is equipped with additional equipment.
- Acceptable cost of construction.
- Compared to oil radiators, the system is more reliable. The batteries are repairable.
Among the disadvantages, it is worth highlighting the impressive operating costs due to the high cost of electricity. It is possible to reduce consumption, but to do this you will have to additionally purchase an automated control system.
Flaws
A heating element with a thermostat for heating also has disadvantages. But the type of equipment should be taken into account. If the coil burns out, it will not be possible to repair the heating element. With prolonged use, scale appears, which affects heat transfer. Customer reviews confirm the presence of negative aspects of the equipment.
Hard water reduces service life. Dry types of equipment are not considered universal. They are created for specific types of broilers. Therefore, during repairs, it can only be replaced with a similar element. Experts advise using the device correctly, then it will not require repair or replacement.
What affects the price?
A heating element for water with a thermostat differs in cost depending on its type and modification. The price of open devices is low. This is a more accessible heat source, especially if the body is made of steel.
Dry devices that have an unfilled flask are available at an affordable price. Heating elements with quartz fillers are considered more expensive. It should be taken into account that service prices also depend on the cost of the equipment.
How to choose the right thermostat for a boiler
Have checks shown that the equipment needs to be replaced? We'll have to go to the store. When choosing, you need to take into account such parameters as:
- tank capacity;
- heater dimensions;
- current and resistance.
If you have saved it, you can take the passport of the electric water heater with you. It must indicate the characteristics of the thermostat. You should not throw away relays from a burnt product. It can be installed on a new one. But its performance is first checked.
Choice
It is necessary to choose the right heating element for a radiator with a thermostat, as well as for other purposes. Usually the purpose, amount of electricity used, heating mode, and installation option are taken into account.
When purchasing, you need to inspect the device body. Copper appliances with a brass base are more expensive and have a longer lifespan compared to stainless steel. It is important to look at the symbols indicated on the case. If the letter “P” is indicated before the voltage indicator of 220V, then this indicates the possibility of using water and slightly alkaline solutions.
For domestic use, experts recommend using electric heating elements with a thermostat with a power of no more than 2.5 kW. The remaining devices are used for spacious rooms. A heating element with a 2 kW thermostat will be most suitable for a home. There must be thermal protection. It should be taken into account that due to voltage fluctuations and hard water, the operation of the device deteriorates. If any malfunction is detected, experts advise replacing the device.
Types of heating elements
A copper heating element for a cast iron radiator lasts longer due to the properties of the metal.
A heating element for a heating radiator can be manufactured in several modifications. Each of them has individual technical characteristics and design features.
The power of heating elements for a heating battery varies from 0.3 to 6 kW.
According to the design of the housing, the heating element for the battery can be with right-handed or left-handed threads. Such design solutions allow them to be installed in batteries of various configurations.
Based on the diameter, the heating element in the heating radiator is divided into two types. The devices are designed for cast iron or aluminum radiators. In the first case, the diameter of the device is 1.25 inches, and in the second - only 1 inch.
Manufacturers can equip electrical appliances with additional functions:
- Turbo heating. This option allows you to force an increase in the temperature in the room. This was achieved because the built-in thermostat is capable of changing the heating intensity. It is recommended to install such modifications in rooms with periodic traffic or outbuildings.
- Antifreeze. This option allows you to prevent possible freezing of heating devices with the arrival of cold weather. When the heating element operates in this mode, electricity consumption is minimal.
When purchasing a heating element, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with the product quality certificates, otherwise you can purchase a low-quality and fire-hazardous fake.
