How to choose a temperature controller

The thermostat is a device for controlling the temperature of air or water that enters the apparatus. When the temperature value set in the thermostat is reached, it turns off the heating device. Subsequent inclusion occurs after the temperature has decreased. Some heating devices are equipped with temperature controllers or built-in relays, but for those in whose equipment this accessory is not included, it is purchased separately.

Why the thermostat

is required The heaters not equipped with thermostats are not convenient for use. They must be periodically disconnected, independently focusing on the level of warming up the housing. The temperature controller performs this work automatically and makes it possible to heat the dwelling or industrial premises in advance.

Thermostats reduce the level of fire hazard of heating equipment. A heater with a thermostat operates for a long time and does not overheat due to a temperature sensor that regulates the heating level. From here follows one more plus of use of thermoregulators - economy of the electric power. Use thermostats and owners of aquariums. With the help of these devices the optimum temperature in the fish dwelling is maintained.

The thermostat functions quite simply - the optimum temperature is set for the air or water environment, the relay in the thermostat is triggered when the specified value is reached and the heating device is switched off. It is very convenient for all types of premises - warehouses, apartment houses, office buildings, etc.

Thermoregulators work not only on heat, but also on cold. An example of this is the equipment of refrigerators, which shuts off the engine when the set temperature is reached in the chamber. All heat controllers are divided into three main groups:

• electronic;
• electromechanical;
• mechanical.

Electronic thermostats

Electric temperature controllers have one main advantage - a high indicator of determining and adjusting the heating of housing. They are easily adjusted and controlled by the heaters connected to them. There is a thermostat of this type from:

• , which determines the heating of the air of the sensor;
• microprocessor, processing and transmitting signal;
• details switching control, which in this case serves as a thermal relay.

Use electronic temperature controllers to complete the overall heating system of industrial buildings and private housing, adjust the functioning of air conditioners and climate control. Thermoregulators of this design are often included in the "smart house" system, in which they monitor not only the heating of the air in the house, but also the number of degrees in the devices that make up the system. This is necessary to reduce the likelihood of fire.

Electromechanical thermostats

Electromechanical thermostats by design are the simplest. The heart of this device is a relay, it carries out disconnection and connection of devices. Devices of this type are installed in irons, electric hot plates, placers and other household appliances that change the temperature of their surface or internal elements.

The design of the relay in these devices is a group of contacts and a double plate made of metal. When heated, the plate changes its position and opens the contacts, this stops the current flowing to the plate and the spiral. When cooled, the plate comes to its original position and closes the contacts. This cycle keeps the temperature at the required level.

There is another popular form of mechanical temperature controllers, they have a slightly different design and operating principle. The relay in these devices expands when exposed to high temperatures. This thermostat is installed in heating tanks, oil heaters. The relay in this type of construction has the form of a cylinder filled with a substance sensitive to raising and lowering the temperature. As the temperature rises, this substance expands and opens the contacts. There is a special and complex chain drive. When cooled, the substance returns to the original volume and the contacts close.

Thermostats

The thermostat regulator is another widely used in the household appliances group of temperature controllers. One of the popular applications of regulators of this type is heating systems. Externally, the thermostat is similar to a locking tap. Such a device helps to maintain the necessary temperature level in residential, administrative and office buildings. Also equipped with these devices are automobile engines. For the flexible programming of the temperature regime, it is not recommended to use the thermostat, since they have basic operating modes, beyond which the system loses its integrity and breaks down.

The design of the thermostat is a thermal cylinder with a rod that is filled with a substance that is sensitive to temperature increase. When the substance is heated to a certain level, it increases in volume, the rod extends outwards and blocks the movement of water in the pipes.

Mechanical thermostats for infrared heaters

Infrared heaters are very popular in domestic and industrial use. The principle of their work is to heat objects located in the radiation zone. These devices, as well as other heaters, are equipped with temperature controllers, but a slightly different design. The first major category of thermoregulators for infrared heaters is mechanical.

Mechanical thermostats for infrared heaters are marketed by most brands that manufacture this type of product. Each brand has some design features and differences, but in general, according to the principle of operation, all mechanical thermostats are similar to each other. In most cases, the installation of such regulators is done on the wall - they are superimposed or cut into it. Due to this, it is possible to connect the thermostat to any type of wiring.

The temperature range of the thermostat is from +5 to +30 C. The dimensions of the device are small - the size of a standard household outlet. This allows you to harmoniously fit the equipment into the interior. The regulator has a knob to determine the temperature level to which the heater heats the system. There is also a button for switching off or on the thermoregulator itself.

Programmable thermostats for infrared heaters

A programmable or digital thermostat for infrared heaters makes it possible to achieve maximum comfort in the house. This is the most perfect type of equipment, convenient in operation and practical. The range of the set-point temperature is wider than that of mechanical devices and is 5-45 C. This allows to significantly increase the scope of the equipment and the level of comfort it creates.

The main difference between programmable equipment is the ability to specify a complex heating program that will function for several days or weeks. The program allows you to set a different sequence of temperature changes and control over it for each day. Equipped with a thermoregulator two sensors, the purpose of the first - to monitor the heating of the room as a whole, the second - after heating the heater itself. Programmable devices are used for the equipment of "smart house" systems.

When choosing which thermoregulator to buy, it is necessary to consider such factors:

• conditions of external climate;
• quality of thermal insulation of the heated structure;
• number of heaters in the system;
• type of appliances used for heating.

The regulators designed for infrared heaters are able to support the operation of several heaters, but their total power should not exceed 3-3.5 kW.For circuits exceeding this value, a built-in magnetic starter is used, which redistributes the load to different network devices.

Overview of manufacturers of temperature controllers

1. Thermoregulators DEVI, Poland. The main part of the products of this manufacturer is designed for installation in separate premises of the building. Models Devireg TM540 and 550 help to create optimally comfortable conditions and save energy. Equipped with a prediction system and built-in power supply, these add-ons store information about each power-on and power-off cycle for 100 hours. The thermostat protects the room from freezing, has an error reporting system, is equipped with temperature sensors for the floor, for air or both. Additional function of determining the open window allows to ventilate the room without increasing the energy costs. The controller is equipped with an intelligent timer, which allows you to create up to 300 programs for 7 days. Most DEVI temperature controllers are equipped with a liquid crystal display, which facilitates the process of controlling the equipment. Controllers are controlled by one handle. The maximum current value is 16A, the load is 3500W.

2. Auraton, Poland. The products of this trademark help to significantly reduce the amount of energy consumed by the operation of heating or water heating equipment. For optimum boiler operation, the Auraton 2005 or 2005 TXPlus models are recommended. These devices are equipped with a wired and remote type of installation. Standard equipment contains 9 programs - 6 standard and 3 installation. The maximum current is 5A, the work cycle is 7 days, the adjustment accuracy is 0.25C. The price for this thermoregulator is 50 EUR on average.

3. Thermo, Sweden. The model range of thermoregulators of this manufacturer is not wide, since the company's policy does not provide for a variety of proposals, but the search for the best technical solutions. The best offers from the brand:

• classic TI-200, it is not programmed, it is equipped with a mechanical control;
• TI-900 is an excellent floor thermostat, it has the function of setting the user program for several days, it is equipped with an electronic display and illumination;
• TI-950, has a modern design body, a program function, an electronic display, a backlight, an air sensor.

4. Caleo, South Korea. Quality products at a not very high price. Thermoregulators from this manufacturer are equipped with warm floors of any design. According to the type of installation, the regulators are represented both as built-in and as invoices. The design of the models is beautiful and original, the control is simple and convenient, the installation does not create problems.

5. Salus, Germany. The product line from the German company Salus has positively established itself in the market of Germany and the UK.They are distinguished by modern design, high quality of used materials, convenient installation method and clear functional. These regulators are used for the equipment of boilers, convectors, heating systems and heating panels.

• • model RT500 and its wireless version RT500RF have 5 programs for daily operation, which are set by the user. Models RT300 and RT300RF support one user-defined temperature level. All models are equipped with LCD display and backlight.

Choosing a thermostat for private purposes, two basic rules should be observed:

• to select products that meet the requirements;
• pay attention to the price.

A good temperature controller will not cost less than 15-20 EUR.The cheaper products increase the risk of buying a counterfeit made of poor-quality materials. As a result, losses will be calculated not only by the price of the thermoregulator itself, but also the equipment connected to it, if it breaks down as a result of overheating.