The operation of modern water heaters is impossible without being connected to electricity. Batteries for the gas water heater provide uninterrupted power supply to equipment in cases of power supply problems. It is not difficult to replace the elements yourself, saving on calling the wizard.
- Description and principle of operation of a battery-powered gas water heater
- How long does the battery charge last?
- Why batteries fail quickly
- High humidity
- Problems with the ionization sensor
- Electric ignition malfunctions
- Burner clogged
- Control unit malfunction
- How to choose batteries
- Manufacturers rating
- Replacement procedure
- Is it possible to connect a power supply to the speaker
- Replacing batteries with rechargeable batteries
- Is it possible to do without batteries
Description and principle of operation of a battery-powered gas water heater
Batteries are installed in heating gas columns operating in flow mode... It is pointless to use batteries in boilers that heat the house, since the power reserve is not enough for the circulation pump.
The heater is constantly in one of three modes: off, standby and heating.
Electricity is used to work correctly:
- control boards;
- gas valve;
- pressure sensors at the inlet (flow sensor) and water temperature at the outlet of the column, gas, ionization and removal of combustion products;
- ignition electrode.
In off mode when water is supplied, the control unit will not turn on. The gas valve is not energized, it is closed, and this ensures safety.
In standby voltage is applied to the control unit, the desired water temperature is set.
After opening the tap on the mixer, the water activates the reducer (frog) and the gas valve. At the same time, the rod of the gas mechanism acts on the microswitch and turns on the column. If the water pressure and fluid flow rate are sufficient, a voltage pulse is generated across the ignition electrode, which ignites the gas.
As the column enters the operating mode, the control unit monitors the presence of a flame (ionization sensor), the flow of burnt gas in the exhaust pipe leaving the ventilation system, and the water temperature. The preset water heating mode is maintained by regulating the gas flow. If the sensor readings are "wrong", the device turns off.
When you turn off the tap, the rods of the "frog" and the gas valve return to their original position, the voltage supply to the control unit is stopped, the column goes into standby mode.
How long does the battery charge last?
Life time batteries depends on their quality. It is higher for well-known manufacturers. It is important how long and in what conditions the batteries were stored before being sold. The duration of use before replacement is different for products with different chemical composition. Failure to maintain the column in time also reduces the time to replace the elements.
High-quality batteries with fully serviceable and preventive equipment serve, as a rule, about 6 months... Malfunctions in units and control systems can reduce runtime to 2–3 weeks. If this period persists with several changes of batteries, you must call the wizard or fix the malfunction yourself.
Why batteries fail quickly
There are several reasons why batteries do not last long.
High humidity
High humidity in the bathroom leads to oxidation of the contacts in the housing where the batteries are installed.Plaque increases the resistance at the point of contact, increasing the overall energy consumption - the charge is spent not only on powering the circuit, but also on heating the contact plates.
It is not difficult to check the condition - you need to open the cover and remove the blue plaque from the contacts and from the battery itself. Use sandpaper if necessary.
Problems with the ionization sensor
The fire sensor monitors the presence of flame during ignition and burner operation in water heating mode. For proper operation, the tip must warm up with a flame for a few seconds. All this time, the energy of the batteries is spent on generating an igniting spark.
Prolonged operation of the ignition may indicate a malfunction of the ionization sensor.
As a result of prolonged operation, the "leg" of the element may deform and deflect the device away from the flame. Start-up heating lasts longer, which directly affects energy consumption.
The working contact of the sensor can be dirty, which also increases the response time.
It is important to find out where the control device is located and keep it clean.
Electric ignition malfunctions
Deviations in the ignition work are manifested in numerous discharges at the moment of switching on.
The reasons, just as with the ionization sensor, are the deviation of the contacts from the burner or their contamination.
It is necessary to carefully return the part to its original position and remove carbon deposits.
Burner clogged
During operation, carbon deposits are deposited on the holes (nozzles) of the burner, the gas exit from the first holes decreases. As a result, a sufficient amount of gas enters the ignition site with a slight delay. Batteries consume spark energy during this time, which reduces battery life.
Externally, the malfunction manifests itself in a smaller flame from the burner holes close to the ionizer and ignition.
Control unit malfunction
The problems with the unit can be judged by several featured:
- interruptions in the ignition;
- spontaneous shutdown;
- instability of heated water temperature;
- broken indication of operating modes.
Before calling the master, try replace batteries they are known to be in good working order and are trying to understand if there are any problems with the ignition and ionizer.
Block failures can be caused byfaulty sensors liquid temperature and control of the removal of combustion products. Identification should be entrusted to a specialist.
In addition, damage to the mechanical parts - flow regulator and gas valve - is possible.
How to choose batteries
Usually gas water heaters are powered by two batteries D-size... If experience does not allow us to accurately establish the type of elements, the data are taken in the instructions for use.
The entire range is represented by several types of batteries. The classification is based on chemical composition:
- Alkaline alkaline the elements last about 7-8 months if the column is used to heat water in the shower, and about 3 months when using water in the kitchen. According to the IES classification, LR20 elements will be required.
- Saline batteries, they are also zinc-carbon ones, R20 are inexpensive, but they last no more than a month.
Based on the price / quality ratio, preference is given to alkaline products.
Manufacturers rating
For batteries that were stored in suitable conditions and did not expire in time, the rating looks like this in descending order of ratings:
- Duracell
- GP
- Energizer
- Varta
Other firms also make reliable products, but the quality may vary from batch to batch.
Replacement procedure
You can change the batteries in the gas water heater according to the same for most models algorithm:
- Close the gas valve.
- Open the compartment with the elements. It can be latched or fixed with screws.
- They take out the old elements.
- Observing the polarity, insert new batteries.
- Close the compartment cover, the rubber seal must be installed.
After replacement, open the gas valve and conduct a test switch on of the column.
Is it possible to connect a power supply to the speaker
The main advantage of power supply from replaceable elements is independence from voltage drops in the network. In each specific case, the owner decides for himself whether to replace the power supply method.
Typically, the columns use two series-connected elements of 1.5 V each. Therefore, the power supply for the gas water heater must provide 3 V, at a power of 500 mW.
Soldering traces of the power supply wires to the contacts of the battery compartment can lead to a denial of warranty repair.
You can change the type of power supply yourself if you have knowledge in electrical engineering. Important:
- choose the right adapter, the output parameters of which should correspond to the column design;
- when connecting, be sure to observe the polarity;
- exclude the presence of a power outlet and a block under the column - water leakage can cause an electric shock;
Replacing batteries with rechargeable batteries
Despite the high cost of rechargeable batteries, their use can ultimately bebuy after 2-3 years of operation.
It is recommended to use nickel metal hydride elements, their designation HR-20 or nickel-cadmium models denote KR-20.
Lithium ruler elements 32600, may not be suitable for the size and output voltage, which is 3.7 V.
Is it possible to do without batteries
Some resources give advice on how light a gas water heater without connected batteries... Long matches are recommended.
Most likely, the column will not work, since the new models have multi-level protection, which allows you to turn on the device only if there is power supply.
In older models, switching on sometimes occurs, however, to perform such manipulations unsafe - a pop or gas explosion is possible, the protection will not work at the right time.
Where did the author take that the batteries last for 6 months. I have the second column "vector". Duracell batteries last at least a year, or even more.