Heating a house with electric heaters is simple and convenient. Modern models are compact, beautiful, their installation practically does not affect the decoration of the room. The only drawback is the disappointing price per kilowatt of energy consumed, and the heaters "eat" pretty well. Therefore, for the rational organization of electric heating, systems have been created that, working together with them, reduce electricity consumption. Such devices are called thermoregulators. An electric wall convector with a temperature regulator has long been known to everyone, but now independent thermostats have appeared, to which any heating elements can be connected.
What is a thermostat
A temperature controller is a sensor that monitors the temperature in the room (on the device body) and closes or opens the power circuit of the heating element in accordance with the specified parameters of the upper and lower temperature limits. The simplest temperature regulator for domestic heaters is a thermostat operating on a bimetal plate. When the plate is heated, its shape changes (it bends), and it exerts a mechanical effect on the electrical contact, breaking it.
Types of temperature regulators
Modern thermostats produce various modifications, and they are quite functional, they allow you to program the temperature parameters hourly and weekly. There are systems that can be controlled using a computer and smartphone.
Structurally, thermostats are stationary type, which are fixed in a constant place and let the power wires. There is also a portable temperature controller for connection to a wall outlet. By type of location of the temperature sensor - with built-in and remote sensors.
There are also systems, for example, an electric wall convector with a temperature regulator built into the device itself. Adjustment is carried out by controlling the degree of heating of the convector.
The principle of operation of the electronic temperature controller
Thermostats of electronic type are equipped with a temperature sensor, an electronic key, a control circuit and a switching relay. When certain temperature parameters are set, the following occurs:
- The sensor monitors the temperature and converts its indicators into electrical resistance.
- This resistance has a controlling effect on the electronic key, which is closed, and the electric circuit is broken at room temperature indicators exceeding that installed on the device.
- As soon as the temperature drops below the set value, the key opens and the power relay is activated, closing the electric circuit - the heater starts to work through the thermostat, connected to the outlet.
- Exceeding the temperature of the specified parameters instantly closes the key, and the circuit opens.
To be more precise, there is not a fixed point, but a certain temperature range within which regulation occurs. For example, at set 20 degrees according to the indicator, the device can turn on when the temperature drops below 19, and turn off when it reaches 21.
Thermostat to the outlet
It is very convenient to use a mobile temperature controller, which can be installed directly on any outlet. It is an adapter from an outlet to a heater. For this type of device, it does not matter by what principle the load connected to it works, that is, oil is a heater, spiral or quartz. The most important thing is that the power of the device does not exceed the permissible power of the thermostat.
Thermostat installation rules
In order for the temperature regulator to work effectively in the outlet, it is necessary to install it correctly, or rather, successfully position the temperature sensor itself:
- Install the unit in the area of 1.5 meters from the floor, of course, if there is a socket at the same level in the room. But not lower than 0.4 meters. Otherwise, the sensations of temperature in the room will not correspond to the readings.
- The distance to the heater should be sufficient. Otherwise, the unit will quickly heat up and turn off, but there will be no heat in the room.
- The rays of the sun should not fall on the thermostat.
- The thermostat housing has ventilation holes and must not be covered by objects.
- The device must be protected from small children.
When designing a house and laying in it an electric heating system, it is easier to immediately lay the location of the power leads, where thermostats will be installed in the socket for heaters.
Remote temperature sensor on thermostat
Thermostats with a remote sensor are much more convenient than with a built-in. Despite the fact that the latter are cheaper, the former provide:
- More accurate temperature readings. Even if you install the thermostat in a socket with a built-in sensor in accordance with all the rules, the internal circuit of the device still heats up, adds an error to the measurements of the ambient temperature. The remote sensor does not have this drawback.
- Convenience of installation. This is especially true for models with a temperature sensor on a long wire (there are up to 10 meters in length), because the unit can be attached anywhere, this will not affect the readings.
A significant drawback of such a system is the need for additional fastening of the wire with the sensor and less mobility of the unit. Although there is a thermostat with a sensor in a remote type socket on a short wire.