Virtually not a single unit of household engineering equipment can do without a functional control system. Boilers, heaters and underfloor heating systems especially require effective and accurate means of monitoring and adjusting operating parameters. Moreover, this task is not always achieved through electronics. Although partial, the mechanical temperature regulator is fully justified. Firstly, this is a familiar configuration of a management tool, and secondly, in some versions it wins due to reliability and cost.
General information on mechanical temperature controllers
Most often, such devices are small-sized devices with one or more controls. As the latter can be used buttons, levers and round knobs in the form of washers. The panels also provide indicators with basic information on performance indicators. As for the fields of operation, the mechanical temperature controller is usually positioned as a universal device, but there are some modifications designed for special conditions of use. For example, equipment that must be installed on the outside is further protected by insulating coatings. Also, special versions include combined dual-zone models that can be used in servicing several pieces of equipment.
Types of devices
Manufacturers classify controllers according to the nature of the installation, place of use and the presence of the programmer function. Installation can be carried out by tapping or overhead. The place of operation may be floors, walls or a suspended structure. Programmers, in turn, are rarely used in mechanical devices, but there are also such modifications. In addition, the mechanical temperature regulator differs in stylistic properties. Thus, round, rectangular and triangular models can be distinguished in shape. From the point of view of installation capabilities and ease of use, the selection by this criterion is of little importance. Most often, external features are paid attention to when evaluating the design compliance of the device with the place of use.
Main characteristics
Different models are distinguished by a wide range of operational characteristics, including the number of working areas, load power, the range of temperatures available to cover, etc. The number of working areas or channels in typical models can reach 2, but there are also highly specialized modifications in which more 10 separate objects. By power, mechanical temperature controllers for heating have a potential in the range of 3-4 kW. As a rule, as the number of zones increases, so does the load. An important operating parameter is the temperature spectrum. For simple controllers, it forms a narrow corridor on average from 5 to 30 ° C. However, when operating powerful boilers with high heat transfer, a wider range should be provided - up to 60-70 ° C. Also, to determine the accuracy, pay attention to the error of the regulators. It is important to understand that mechanical devices initially lose to electronic digital analogues in this indicator. On average, deviations can reach 2-3 ° C.
Honeywell Model T6360 Reviews
We can say the basic model, which represents the middle class of devices of this kind. Users note the versatility of its use in terms of combining with various executive systems. For example, the regulator is connected to pumps, boiler units, valves, home heaters and other equipment. As for reliability, the model as a whole causes more positive reviews. The fact is that the mechanical temperature regulator from Honeywell in its design device is focused on the sensitive perception of the slightest environmental changes. This allows you to activate the currently necessary automatic security systems that prevent the failure of the device. The user learns about functional processes through the panel with indicators. Owners emphasize the ergonomics of the interface and the durability of the case.
Reviews about the thermostat DAIRE TR-TA2
This option is more likely to suit those who use low-power heating equipment in the apartment. In the line of entry-level thermostats, this is one of the best representatives. The development from DAIRE, according to many users, is advantageous in that it not only allows you to adjust the temperature to a certain level and maintain it with a high degree of accuracy, but also is able to optimize energy consumption. On the other hand, the model is not characterized by a large coverage of operating temperatures. Therefore, if you need a thermostat for a mechanical floor heating or a small convector, then this purchase will pay off, but it is unlikely to be useful in servicing a massive boiler plant. This disadvantage is compensated by convenient management and a high resource of regulatory elements, which is also confirmed by users. According to the manufacturer, the device can withstand about 10 thousand clicks.
Responses to the Heat-PRO RTC-70 model
This is a special device for controlling the operating parameters of heated electric floor coverings. As practice shows, the model copes well with network loads, provides relatively accurate heating rates, requires minimal power supply, and is also durable. However, many owners point to modest functionality and a minimum of regulatory tools. For a typical underfloor heating system, this mechanical temperature controller is suitable, but it may not fully reveal the possibilities of expensive powerful systems. But there are no complaints about physical reliability - despite the laconic forms and compact dimensions, the model has a solid case and tightly integrated regulators.
What they say about the model Caleo UTH-130
One of the premium models, which, although it does not offer special functionality, but in terms of its main performance characteristics, differs markedly from the analogues presented below. First of all, many owners indicate the possibility of using the device in combination with powerful heating equipment. This is the optimal mechanical temperature controller for a solid fuel boiler or a productive water heating installation. Again, the owners of the device testify that with a wide temperature range it shows high accuracy of regulation. As for the remaining advantages, communication opportunities are also noted. In particular, the user can control the device using a remote sensor with an indication on a two-meter wire.
Thermostat connection
In general, the operation of installing a thermostat is similar to installing ordinary outlets. At least this concerns the physical integration of the device into the wall. There are also overhead models that do not require intervention in a wall niche. Direct connection is carried out in three lines - a power wire, a cable from a heating actuator and a circuit from a sensor that monitors air temperature. When connecting a mechanical temperature controller, it is important not to mix up the types of wires. Typically, white or black markings indicate the phase, blue means zero, and grounding is through yellow-green wires. True, for fidelity, you should still refer to the instructions with the diagram attached to the thermostat of a specific model.
How to choose the best model?
Before buying, you should make a list of mandatory requirements for the regulator for the installed equipment. First of all, the choice is made according to the load power - it should be enough to work with specific heating equipment. Further, the features of the connection are taken into account. It is important to evaluate the conditions in which the installation will be carried out - for example, according to the laid-on principle or by means of a tie-in. So, a mechanical thermostat for a warm floor is usually installed in the wall, but if we are talking about a boiler station, then additional devices for wall mounting may be required. Do not ignore the possible threats in terms of external exposure to the device. The risk of physical damage and the likelihood of moisture entering the case are taken into account. Accordingly, to ensure safe operation of the regulator in conditions with such risks, it will be useful to turn to models equipped with protective insulating layers in the case.
The cost of temperature controllers
The cheapest models cost about 500-600 rubles. They are distinguished by modest performance, inexpensive housing material and limited capabilities for interfacing with heating equipment. But in this category it is quite possible to pick up a mechanical temperature regulator of a convector or floor heating system. Powerful devices with a wide temperature range are suitable for boilers and boilers. Such versions of thermostats are available on the market at prices from 1.5 to 2 thousand rubles. average.
Conclusion
Often, manufacturers of different types of thermal units supply thermostats already in the basic kit. True, regular devices are not always distinguished by sufficient functionality, ergonomics, and overall performance. It happens that a complete mechanical temperature controller for the boiler simply does not cope with the power load, requiring replacement. Therefore, it is better not to immediately save on this accessory and purchase a thermostat that is suitable for the characteristics. Again, you should not consider this addition only as a tool for setting the temperature regime. Most modern models of such regulators allow automatic rational control of equipment resources, which saves financial costs. And it does not matter whether it is a mechanical device or a digital one. The difference between them is for the most part ergonomic in nature, which determines the way the user interacts with the equipment.