Managing modern heating systems is a simple process. The main thing in it is to properly organize the work of automation and make the connection of the necessary accessories. In order not to have to independently monitor the parameters of the equipment and compare them with the current microclimate, manufacturers offer convenient and functional thermostats. A classic solution of this type is a temperature sensor for the boiler, which acts as a kind of informant of equipment automation. With the help of such a device, the heating system independently adjusts to the desired operating parameters.
Sensor Overview
The sensor itself is rarely seen as part of the heating infrastructure. Usually it is included in the basic configuration of thermostats and control relays. Like other spare parts for boilers, like nozzles, fittings, burners and adapters for boilers, the sensor is combined with certain types of equipment. Of course, there are universal models, but it is also recommended that they initially be compared in terms of characteristics with the target operating units.
Externally, temperature sensors are small devices that may involve different ways of attaching to the surface. In this case, it is desirable to provide means of protection. Especially if an outside temperature sensor is used for the boiler, insulation should be prepared from moisture, frost and mechanical influences.
Principle of operation
The main task of the sensor is to determine the temperature indicators. Further, the received information is sent to the thermostat board, which already, depending on the program configured by the user, gives a command to the boiler installation. The temperature is determined either by the traditional principles of expansion and contraction of the active substance, depending on the characteristics of the environment, or by the principle of sensitivity of semiconductors. Most often, the temperature sensor for a gas boiler works on the principle of electrical resistance, which allows you to record operating readings, but also silicon and resistive devices are found. Actually, from the point of view of domestic use, the principle of determining the temperature regime does not have much significance, since the error of the sensor will still be compensated by deviations in the operation of the boiler station in the range of 1-2 ° C.
Types of sensors
In addition to separating the sensors according to the method for determining the temperature, there is also a classification according to the type of interaction with the thermostat. In this regard, you can divide the device into wired and wireless. The first option has the advantage of the possibility of stable transmission of more accurate readings, and wireless models save the user from the hassle of laying an additional cable. In addition, the temperature sensor for the boiler is presented on the market in the form of street and room modifications.
It has already been noted that outdoor devices require a more careful approach to protection. For this reason, developers of sensors for outdoor use endow them with more durable, wear-resistant and moisture-proof housings. By the way, it is advisable to use an external temperature sensor for the boiler itself because it will give the thermostat more complete information about the microclimate, which will allow more efficient control of the heating system without the owner.
Main characteristics
The main quality that determines the operational capabilities of such sensors is the temperature range. Simple entry-level models typically support a spectrum of 10 to 40 ° C. But this is not enough to work with productive boiler plants. Therefore, a win-win option may be a range from -10 to 70 ° C.
As for the sizes, the room temperature sensors for boilers have modest dimensions - about 2-3 cm in length and width. Another thing is that multifunction devices with several measuring channels are equipped with additional units. Also, the cable length should be taken into account when choosing a wired model. There are several sizes. For example, the same room sensors, which provide for close installation relative to the boiler, contain a wire of up to 5 m in the configuration. Outdoor devices are connected to the boilers with a wire longer than 10 m. Wireless models, in turn, it is important to purchase, given the possibility of such a connection with the thermostat over the air.
Manufacturers
Often, heating equipment developers themselves are involved in the production of boiler sensors. Among such companies, one can distinguish “Baksi”, “Weissmann”, “Welliant”, etc. The manufacturers specializing in precisely thermostatic controllers include the companies “Proterm”, “Thermo”, “Maybes”, etc. The same manufacturers produce accessories and spare parts for boilers, including thermostats, hoses, heating elements, as well as automation elements.
Conclusion
The equipment of a modern boiler in the basic configuration is considered by many users as unnecessary. We are talking about a wide range of functions providing for the possibility of making complex equipment settings. Against this background, it may seem unjustified to provide the heating system with another element, which even requires a separate wiring line. One way or another, the temperature sensor for the boiler really brings tangible benefits. With its help, the automation of the thermostat correctly analyzes information about the local microclimate and, based on its processing, controls the boiler itself accordingly. That is, the participation of a person who can make a mistake in tuning is practically excluded. All that is required of the user is the initial definition of the parameters in which the unit must operate under certain temperature conditions.