The popularity of cottage villages, and in particular country houses, could exceed the demand for urban housing, but this is largely hindered by the problems of electricity supply and gasification. Owning a private house, the engineering and communication content of which depends on the quality of the central network, often turns into torment for the owners. The only way out is to use autonomous equipment for house maintenance. In these realities, the popularity of UPSs for gas boilers is steadily growing. User reviews highlight many positive aspects in the operation of such equipment. For example, there is a high potential for MTBF, minimum maintenance requirements, and also the economy and availability of the installation. However, much depends on the particular unit, so the main backlog in favor of a gas boiler with a UPS should be ensured even at the time of purchase, making the right choice.
What is a UPS?
Externally, the device resembles a massive block, which is installed near the boiler or other heating unit. From a functional point of view, the design of the UPS contains two modules. The main one is the stabilizer, which provides the immediate task of the equipment - the normalization of electricity supply. The second module is a battery, which, in turn, maintains the operational status of the entire unit. There can be several or one batteries - this depends on the capacity of the unit. It must be said right away that the batteries for the UPS of gas boilers are very important elements that not only feed the main source of energy, but also can disable it. This usually happens if unsuitable car batteries are used. If the unit is correctly equipped and correctly connected, the owner can count on a stable AC frequency and protection of the boiler from voltage surges. Also, UPSs can be equipped with additional options, but first things first.
Primary UPS Features
Despite the high responsibility of the power source of the home boiler house, there are only two main selection criteria: this is the time period during which the unit will have to provide its support, and power. In this case, the power should not be considered as thermal, but as electric - that is, that which is required for the operation of automation and equipment pumps. The maximum limit of this indicator rarely exceeds 400 W, but there are exceptions, so you should first find out the power in the equipment passport. Modern UPSs can provide it at the level of 3000-5000 watts. Of course, for a 400-horsepower aggregate this volume will not be required, and models for 500-700 W will be the best options.
Next, you should decide on a time interval. To understand how to choose a UPS for a gas boiler according to this criterion, it is necessary to take into account the battery capacity and load power. Lowering the power and increasing the volume of the battery contribute to an increase in the autonomous functioning of the boiler. It would seem that it is enough to immediately focus on a large capacity, which can ensure continuous operation of the boiler. But there is one caveat - in this case, the operation of the equipment will entail high financial costs. Therefore, it is better to pre-calculate the closest inactivity interval of the main network and select a specific UPS model for it.
Varieties of UPS
From the point of view of the operating principle, the devices can be divided into three categories: linear-interactive models, backup-type sources and On-line modifications, which are considered the most efficient UPSs for a gas boiler. How to choose the appropriate option from the types described above? The answer to this question depends on the requirements for heating equipment. Line-interactive devices are distinguished by the ability to independently ensure the operation of the boiler for 15-20 minutes, but they are equipped with the simplest stabilizer, which is not suitable for servicing powerful units. Redundant models are even simpler - they do not have a stabilizer, so this source can only be used for equipment operating in conditions of reliable network operation. On-line models are considered the most reliable, functional and productive, as they are equipped with high-precision stabilizers, the operation of which can be supplemented by several batteries.
Helior Product Reviews
The manufacturer produces good models of the budget segment, with which you can ensure a short, but stable operation of the boiler with a capacity of about 500 watts. Of greatest interest is the Helior Sigma 1 KSL model - this is a UPS for gas boilers, reviews of which note the compact size and ease of installation, as well as a large Russian-language display. However, there are complaints that the battery charge is not displayed accurately. This option attracts primarily those who are not able to seriously invest in such equipment. The cost of this model varies from 17 to 20 thousand rubles. For this money, the buyer gets the opportunity to ensure 13-hour operation of the gas boiler at 100 watts, or 2-hour operation of the unit at 500 watts.
Zenon Model Reviews
From the Zenon brand, it is worth offering a good solution in the form of a modification of the 1000LT-24. This option is praised not only by ordinary people, but also by the maintenance staff of server rooms, medical facilities, heating complexes, etc. Being in approximately the same price category as the previous model, this option is able to provide even greater autonomy. In particular, this is facilitated by the fact that the device is an On-line model. These are the most advanced UPSs for gas boilers, reviews of which note the possibility of instant switching from mains to battery. This effect is achieved due to double conversion. The device can be used for boilers whose power does not exceed 800 watts. At the same time, for a 100-horsepower unit, such a UPS can provide autonomy for 35 hours, and in the case of a 500 W boiler, about 5 hours.
Tieber Model Reviews
Models of this brand, namely the T2000 48V version, are more suitable for consumers who use high-power boilers. Or to those users who plan for a long time to "eat" only from the UPS. Owners note a high degree of autonomy.
For example, for a 100 W boiler, this device can extend operation by 160 hours. But it is important to consider that this is a double conversion UPS for gas boilers that require 4 batteries. That is, it is necessary to prepare for the rather costly maintenance of heating equipment. However, in terms of reliability and performance, this option is more than justified. Owners characterize the work of the source as stable and "omnivorous." This means that the device ensures the full functioning of the most demanding and capricious boilers in operation.
East Model Reviews
The manufacturer focuses its products on solving complex problems. For example, for a 6-day supply of boiler autonomy at 100 watts. Already 6 batteries are included in the package of this equipment, which, again, indicates a high potential. So, the EA930 version has a power of 2700 watts. In terms of functionality, this is one of the most profitable UPS for gas boilers. Reviews, for example, note that the source is able to work correctly with phase-dependent boilers, which cannot be achieved using budget UPSs. Also among the advantages it is worth noting the tightness of the device, which guarantees stable performance without third-party intervention.
What else to consider when choosing?
Not all uninterruptible power supplies provide the so-called pure sine during operation. High-quality devices, as a rule, with double conversion, fulfill this condition not only when working on the battery, but also under the supply from the central network. You should also distinguish between models designed for short-term support of network parameters, and "long-playing" versions of the UPS.
Energy for gas boilers from sources of the LT (long time) system is able to provide long-term autonomy due to the high-power intelligent charging element. It will also not be amiss to take into account the dimensions of the device and its interface - nevertheless, ergonomics play an important role in our time, and many manufacturers strive to ease the tasks of users even in small things.
How to choose a battery?
In addition to capacitance and voltage, that is, parameters that are fundamental when choosing a battery for the UPS, you should pay attention to the service life and physical characteristics. For the simplest devices servicing low-power equipment, lead-acid, maintenance-free models of 12 V are suitable. However, modern batteries for UPS gas boilers are mainly performed using AGM technology. This means that in their manufacture an absorbent glass wool based separator was used. If a reliable and safe battery is required, then it is worth taking a closer look at these options. In addition to the fact that AGM batteries are available in different designs and differ in volume with voltage indicators, their advantage is the absence of harmful fumes, as well as fire safety.
Is it possible to make a UPS with your own hands?
Home-made power supplies of this type are a reality, however, it should be borne in mind that their performance will be lower than factory analogues, and the dimensions, on the contrary, are larger. We are not talking about reliability at all, however, sometimes it is advisable to use just such UPSs for a gas boiler. With your own hands, the device can be assembled from a pulse block with inverters. It is advisable to purchase equipment with a capacity of 28 V, which will allow you to connect without adapters. For cooling, it is better to use not fans, but radiators, especially if a powerful stabilizer is used. The inverter is also sold separately. The best option is a device with a modified sine wave. During operation, such a unit must be regularly checked for oxidation of the compounds and treated with special compounds.
Connection Order
Equipment should be installed in a room protected from mechanical influences with optimal humidity and temperature conditions. It is worthwhile to plan the configuration of the device’s location in advance, since you can purchase a wall-mounted UPS for a gas boiler, and its analogue of the floor type. In any case, the connection is performed according to the following instructions:
- In series, using jumpers (one or more, depending on the number of batteries), the UPS is connected to the batteries.
- You can place the batteries anywhere near the UPS, but so that the latter does not close the battery terminals.
- Now you can connect the UPS to a wall outlet, but it is important to consider that it must be earthed.
- Connect and start the load.
In this case, the choice of uninterruptible power supply for gas-fired boilers is considered. The fact is that such equipment can be phase-dependent. That is, if the connection of the UPS to the gas boiler did not lead to the ignition of the burner, then you must turn the plug and turn it on again. Turning the fork 180 degrees usually helps solve the problem.
Operation tips
The very concept of uninterruptible power supplies requires a high degree of reliability from them. However, to extend their service life will only allow appropriate operating rules. In particular, manufacturers recommend even in the presence of a main power supply to conduct preventive sessions of the boiler from UPS. It is advisable to perform this procedure twice a year for 2-3 hours. Also in the summer, if the heating unit will not be used, then the backup supply should be turned off. To do this, the network cable is removed from the device, and the device itself is turned off by pressing two OFF buttons simultaneously.
Conclusion
Many refuse to purchase auxiliary equipment for servicing heating systems for the reason that financial expenses for the maintenance of the formed infrastructure will inevitably increase. In this regard, of course, the best UPS for a gas boiler should be selected on the basis of efficiency. But this does not mean that the device should be equipped with low-power batteries with a minimum volume. Rationality in this case means the maximum proximity of the device to the requirements of technical support for battery life. For this, the capacity of the boiler itself is calculated and the average time for which the power supply can be turned off is determined.