Installing a heating element in a heating battery allows you to maintain an optimal temperature regime in any room. In stores, you can see them in a large assortment, but before making a purchase, it is imperative to make power calculations in order to purchase the most suitable option.
The device and principle of operation of heating elements
The heating element in a cast-iron and aluminum battery has a rather primitive design. It is a cylinder made of metal, the inner cavity of which is equipped with a spiral made of strong copper / steel wire. Since the heating element is equipped with a temperature controller, it is used to adjust the temperature regime of the carrier, and not only as a heating element.
The spiral cylinder is housed in a sealed casing, which is equipped with a control sensor. Its main task is to prevent the device from overheating. The galvanizing process provides additional device reliability. Nickel and chrome plating increase the strength of the heating element and also form an additional protective barrier.
Varieties of heating elements
The heating element for a heating radiator can be made in several modifications. Each of them has individual technical characteristics and design features.
In terms of power, heating elements for a heating battery vary within 0.3 - 6 kW.
According to the version of the housing, the heating element for the battery can be with right and left threads. Such design solutions allow them to be installed in batteries of various configurations.
According to the diameter, the heating element in the heating radiator is divided into two types. The devices are designed for cast iron or aluminum radiators. In the first case, the diameter of the device is 1.25 ", and in the second, it is only 1".
Manufacturers can equip electrical appliances with additional functions:
- Turbo heating. This option allows you to force an increase in the temperature in the room. This was achieved, since the built-in thermostat is able to modify the heating intensity. Such modifications are recommended to be installed in rooms with periodic attendance or outbuildings.
- Anti-freezing. This option allows you to prevent possible freezing of heating devices with the arrival of cold weather. When the heating element is operating in this mode, the electricity consumption is minimal.
When buying a heating element, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the quality certificates of the goods, otherwise you can purchase a low-grade and fire-hazardous fake.
Advantages and disadvantages
A tubular thermostat can be used to create an efficient heating system that can be used as an additional or main heating.
Main advantages:
- Easy to install. Even an inexperienced person can cope with the task.
- Possibility of automatic control if the system is equipped with additional equipment.
- Acceptable construction cost.
- Compared to oil coolers, the system is more reliable. The batteries are repairable.
Among the shortcomings, it is worth highlighting the impressive operating costs due to the high cost of electricity.It is possible to reduce consumption, but for this you will have to additionally purchase an automated control system.
Selection options
When choosing an electrical appliance, it is necessary to take into account the technical characteristics of the radiators. The main criteria that influence the choice:
- Automatic control. Not all models are equipped with such an option, but for convenience it is better to give preference to just such.
- Battery Type. In order for the thermostat to optimally fit the heating system, you need to study its technical passport.
- Electric heating tube length. The optimal parameter is 10 cm shorter than the battery length. Thanks to the correct selection, it is possible to evenly warm up all sections.
Properly selected power is of great importance when choosing. Heaters can be installed up to 203 kilowatts.
For aluminum radiators
The heating element for an aluminum radiator with a thermostat is no different from heating elements for cast iron appliances. The differences lie in the material of manufacture of the plug and the shape of the outer part of the case. The radiator has a 1 "plug. The plug diameter for standard cast iron batteries is 1.25 inches.
When buying a heating element, it is important to familiarize yourself with the information on the package.
Power calculations
To select an electric heater of optimal power, you must first carry out calculations.
- The power of an electrical appliance is determined by the amount of heat that is required to heat the room. To heat 1 square meter of room, you need to spend 100 V. It is important to take into account that the power and length of the heating elements must correspond to the needs of the radiators.
- You will need to calculate the volume of the coolant in the structure. Even the most powerful heating elements will not be efficient enough if there is not enough coolant (liquid) in the batteries. The volume of a cast-iron battery ranges from 0.6-1.5 liters, depending on the model, in aluminum radiators only 0.2 liters.
Approximately 15 liters of coolant is taken for every 1 kW of heater power. Based on these data, the required number of sections and the power of the electrical appliance are calculated.
Do-it-yourself rules for installing a heating element in a battery
To install a heating element in a battery, certain knowledge and skills are not required. The main thing is to strictly follow the instructions and comply with safety requirements.
- It is imperative to stop the water supply to the radiators and drain the residues from the system.
- Remove the bottom plug and install an electric heating element in its place.
- After screwing the plug, the electronics are installed and water is again fed into the system to check the tightness.
Safe installation rules:
- It is forbidden to use heating elements if the room is not equipped with a proper ventilation system.
- There must be no flammable objects near the appliance connected to electricity.
- Before proceeding with the design and installation of the heating element, you need to make sure that the wiring will withstand the additional load.
- It is forbidden to dry shoes and clothes on radiators connected to the network.
Modern electric heating elements combine a large number of advantages, due to which the demand for them is growing.
