Thermal sensors for switching on, switching off: selection, connection, instruction

The complete set of modern heating equipment rarely does without temperature regulators. Such devices allow without unnecessary manipulation to adjust the unit to the appropriate operating mode in accordance with current requests. Moreover, the control is performed in an automatic mode, without requiring the participation of the owner. How does such a system make decisions during self-monitoring? It's pretty simple. Signal generators for commands to the equipment being operated are thermal sensors for switching on, switching off and other functions. These are sensitive elements that fix the microclimate values and transmit them on a thermal relay directly controlling the heating system.

General information about temperature sensors

The main control complex is a controller through which signals are transmitted 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 systems, etc. In any case, heat sensors for turning on / off heating act as a source of signal about the parameters of the served environment. The fact is that a boiler or other heating device must maintain the temperature regime of a certain zone. Depending on the current performance in this section, the operating parameters of the boiler also change. Accordingly, to this end, the equipment must receive information from the source in the form of a sensor about which currently the temperature regime will be optimal.

In this case, it is necessary to demarcate 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 the thermal sensors send to the on / off or other tasks is processed in accordance with the program laid by the user.

Varieties of the device

Developers of control thermostats offer sensors of different types, which differ in the principle of operation, the construction device, the way information is transmitted and other characteristics. The simplest element is considered to be a thermal sensor for the boiler, which converts the temperature value into electrical resistance. In essence, these are thermoresistors, which seem to resemble conductor elements, for which they are considered the simplest indicators. The disadvantages of such models include low accuracy and problematic in the organization of stable interaction with thermostats. More technological designs of temperature sensors demonstrate gas and electrochemical sensing elements.

In addition, the sensors are wired and wireless. Thermostat with remote temperature sensor, which operates by radio signal, differs widely in its installation possibilities. Such models can be installed on the street if necessary. Wired devices during installation are limited by the distance of the cable, the length of which is usually 20-30 m.

Mounting and connection of the sensor

To begin with, choose the appropriate place where the temperature should be measured. Further, a cable route is stretched along the entire length of which it is desirable to avoid contact with metal elements, too warm or cold surfaces. When installing, it is important to consider that the flow of the measured air medium and the electrical connector of the element must be in the opposite direction. After fixing the circuit, the temperature sensor for the boiler can be connected to the pre-installed relay. This is done with the help of complete accessories. As a rule, the black wire is fed to the minus thermostat, and the red wire to the "plus".

Additional components

In their kits, manufacturers sometimes provide adapters and fuses, which are also connected via the appropriate connectors. The adapter, for example, serves to implement transition points and branchings 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, which is complemented by modern thermal sensors for on / off, is also an antiperspirant. This is a specific thermal device that corrects temperature values, providing a higher rate of change in heating. In other words, the antisipator makes the sensing element of the sensor more susceptible to a change in the ambient temperature, which has a positive effect on the accuracy of the signals supplied.

User's manual

The work begins with programming the thermostat for a suitable operating mode. Next, make sure that the thermostat sensor shows the correct data and is ready for use. By this time, the connection must be organized and tested. In order for the device to show the correct values, it must be safely protected from external physical influences. It is desirable to provide a robust housing, but without sealed insulation.

Evidence that the sensor is communicating with the relay and the controller will reflect the specific temperature values on the control panel. Some temperature sensors for switching on / off heating can also send information about humidity and wind speed - provided the element is installed in the street.

How to choose the optimum temperature sensor?

Specialists recommend to purchase sensors already in a single package with heating equipment and a thermostat. Although it often happens that the same boiler meets the requirements according to the characteristics, and the sensor with a thermostat does not fit. In this case, you need to purchase separate devices, fully guided by the conditions of use. Also it is necessary to take into account the functional orientation of the device. The basic version represents thermal sensors for on / off, the indication of which will not allow the controller to make more complex decisions. Multifunctional sensors provide the possibility of fine automatic adjustment with an accuracy of 1-2 ºC.

Conclusion

Many users of home heating equipment view control electronics as a useless functional and an extra item of energy. In fact, this is not so. Of course, such equipment costs money, but high-quality thermal sensors, the prices for which vary within 2-3 thousand rubles, will be able to return the spent investments already in the first months of operation. The fact is that the regulator is not just a means of ergonomic provision, which makes the operation of the heating system convenient for the user. This is also an effective tool for optimizing energy costs, since the pawned control programs may well exclude the misuse of equipment resources for other purposes.