The complete set of modern heating equipment is rarely dispensed with temperature regulators. Such devices allow you to configure the unit to the appropriate operating mode without unnecessary manipulations in accordance with current requests. Moreover, management is carried out automatically, without requiring the participation of the owner. How does such a system make decisions during independent control? Everything is pretty simple. The signal generators for commands to operating equipment are temperature sensors for switching on, off, and other functions. These are sensitive elements that record the microclimate values and transmit them on a thermal relay, directly controlling the heating system.
General information on temperature sensors
The main control complex is a controller through which signals are sent to the target object in the form of a boiler, boiler, radiator or other heating installation. By the way, thermostats are used not only in heating systems, but also in ventilation, refrigeration units, etc. In any case, temperature sensors for turning on / off heating act as a signal source about the parameters of the medium being served. The fact is that a boiler or other heating device must maintain the temperature regime of a certain zone. Depending on the current indicators in this section, the operating parameters of the boiler also change. Accordingly, for this, the equipment should receive information from the source in the form of a sensor about which temperature mode is currently optimal.
In this case, it is necessary to distinguish between the functions of the temperature sensor and the controller. The sensor only acts as a temperature indicator and sends the corresponding data to the controller. And already the microprocessor of the controller sends the appropriate commands to the boiler. But before that, the information that temperature sensors send to turn on / off or other tasks is processed in accordance with the program laid down by the user.
Types of device
The developers of control thermostats offer sensors of various types, which differ in the principle of operation, design device, method of transmitting information and other characteristics. The simplest element is considered to be a temperature sensor for the boiler, which converts the temperature value into electrical resistance. In fact, these are thermistors that look like conductor elements, for which they are considered the simplest indicators. The disadvantages of such models include low accuracy and problematics in the organization of stable interaction with thermostats. More technological designs of temperature sensors demonstrate gas and electrochemical sensitive elements.
In addition, the sensors are wired and wireless. Extensive installation features a thermostat with a remote temperature sensor, working on a radio signal. Such models, if necessary, can be installed on the street. Wired devices during installation are limited by the distance of the cable, the length of which is usually 20-30 m.
Mounting and connecting the sensor
To begin with, you should choose a suitable place where the temperature should be measured. Then the cable runs along the entire length of which it is advisable to avoid contact with metal elements that are too warm or cold. When installing, it is important to take into account that the flow of the measured air medium and the electrical connector of the element must have a counter direction. After fixing the circuit, you can connect the thermal sensor for the boiler to a pre-installed relay. This is done with the help of complete accessories. As a rule, the black wire is fed to the “minus” thermal relay, and the red wire to the “plus”.
Additional components
Manufacturers sometimes provide adapters and fuses in their kits, which are also connected through the corresponding connectors. An adapter, for example, serves to implement transition points and branches between sensors, relays, and controllers. But this applies to complex industrial schemes. As for the fuse, it provides electrical protection for the control equipment. An important component that complements modern temperature sensors for switching on / off is also an antisipator. This is a specific thermal device that corrects temperature indicators, providing a higher rate of change in heating. In other words, the antisipator makes the sensor element more susceptible to changes in ambient temperature, which positively affects the accuracy of the signals supplied.
User's manual
Work begins with programming the thermostat to the appropriate operating mode. Next, make sure that the thermal relay sensor shows the correct data and is ready for use. At this point, the connection should be organized and tested. In order for the device to show the correct values, it should be reliably protected from external physical influences. It is advisable to provide a robust housing, but without tight insulation.
Evidence that the sensor interacts with the relay and the controller will be a reflection of specific temperature readings on the control panel. Some temperature sensors for turning on / off the heating can also send information about humidity and wind speed - provided that the element is installed on the street.
How to choose the best temperature sensor?
Experts recommend purchasing sensors already in a single set with heating equipment and a thermostat. Although it often happens that the same boiler meets the specifications, and a sensor with a temperature controller is not suitable. In this case, you need to purchase separate devices, fully focusing on the conditions of use. The functional orientation of the device should also be considered. The basic version represents temperature sensors for switching on / off, the readings of which will not allow the controller to make more complex decisions. Multifunctional sensors provide the ability to fine-tune automatic tuning with an accuracy of 1-2 ºC.
Conclusion
Many users of home heating equipment consider the control electronics as useless functionality and an extra article of energy consumption. In fact, this is not so. Of course, such equipment costs money, but high-quality thermal sensors, the prices of which vary within 2-3 thousand rubles, will be able to return the spent investments in the first months of operation. The fact is that the regulator is not just an ergonomic tool that makes the operation of the heating system convenient for the user. It is also an effective tool for optimizing energy costs, since the established control programs may well eliminate the unnecessary use of equipment resources for other purposes.