Heating with convectors. Floor and wall convectors. What is better to choose - convectors or radiators Wall-mounted water heating convectors in the apartment
The heating convector (water), the price of which depends on many factors, has a number of advantages:
- Compact dimensions and light weight. Such a heater will take up a minimum of space in your room.
- Ease of installation. Installation of one device takes only a few minutes.
- Low thermal inertia. These units heat up quickly and also cool down quickly, which reduces the cost of space heating.
- Enhanced Level security. The hottest part of the convector - the heat exchanger - is securely hidden inside the device, and the body heats up very slightly, and it is impossible to get burned on it.
- Reliability. Convector-type heaters are made of corrosion-resistant materials (copper, aluminum, steel), which ensures a very long service life.
- Presentable appearance. In the standard version, such devices are characterized by a strict discreet design, universally suitable for any interior. However, it is also possible to order a decorative case without restrictions on color and shape. Replacing the casing is quick and easy enough.
Water heating convectors - price in ITK
According to the type of installation and installation location, water heating convectors offered by our company are divided into the following types:
- floor-standing - self-standing devices of small height;
- wall-mounted - mounted on the surface of the wall, most often under the window;
- intra-wall;
The range of MTK includes models of the world's leading brands: Kermi, JAGA, Varmann, Regulus and others. The cost of these devices, compared with conventional radiators, is quite high. However, we sell these heaters at a very favorable prices: You can verify this by examining the offers of other companies. In addition, at your service are consultations of experienced specialists who are always ready to provide comprehensive assistance to customers.
If you decide to buy a convector heater from us, just place an order. Your purchase will arrive at the specified address with maximum efficiency.
Increasingly, the owners of private houses are choosing convectors instead of the usual radiators for heating residential premises. These heaters can have a very diverse appearance and different design, depending on the location and characteristics of the operational purpose.
A water heating convector is perfect for sophisticated interiors in which central composition is a wall with panoramic windows. If an ordinary battery, even having the most elegant look, is far from being able to fit into the decorative design of a living room or hall in all cases, then the convector can become completely invisible or perfectly complement the style of the interior, without losing at all its qualities as a heating device. .
Why, instead of conventional batteries, they began to borrow more and more often? What special functions can they perform? There are four answers to this question:
- The convector is able to create maximum protection from the cold streams coming from window openings and entrance doors. This is due to the powerful thermal curtain created by this element, which almost completely blocks the access of cold masses.
- The convector is guaranteed to create the desired air temperature, comfortable conditions for living or working in the room in which it is installed.
- The ability to create, quickly and evenly distribute heat throughout the volume of the room, due to the movement of warm air, sometimes makes the convector for some large rooms simply indispensable.
- The convector perfectly resists the formation of condensate on windows or on slope walls. And this means that the glass will remain transparent, not frozen even in severe frosts on the street, and the slopes will not get damp, that is, the threat of mold spots on them is minimized.
Basic design of the convector
The word "convection" comes from the Latin " convectio"- transfer. In the case now considered, it is the transfer of heated air in streams or jets that come from a pipe with a heat exchanger, passing through the body of the device, gaining speed and power, and then getting the final direction on the grate, often with adjustable blinds.
Directed heat, according to all the laws of physics, quickly rises to the ceiling, creating a curtain of cold coming from windows or doors, and creating a convection movement of air in the room. Then, cooling down, the air descends again to heat up again and continue the cyclic movement. It is this constant air circulation that allows you to maintain almost the same temperature, with a difference of only 1 ÷ 2 degrees under the ceiling and near the floor surface.
Design conventional convector- very uncomplicated
The design of a water convector is quite simple and to some extent resembles an ordinary battery, but the principle of its operation is somewhat different from the latter. If from an ordinary battery that is not equipped with special convection channels, heat comes from the entire surface, and it is directed mainly to only one side, that is, direct thermal radiation predominates, then the convector, as it were, passes through itself cold air, warming it and directing it towards the ceiling.
Prices for built-in convectors Techno
Built-in convector Techno
The convector fundamentally includes a t-shirt (in modern models, most often copper), which is surrounded by metal heat-exchange plates that are in direct contact with it. - these elements are the core of the convector. The more such plates in the device, the higher the level of heat transfer. The pipe with the heat exchanger is located in a special housing, which has an exit window in its upper part, covered with a grill or blinds controlled in the direction.
Modern models are equipped with a controlled thermostatic regulator, which allows you to maintain the desired air temperature in the room. In addition, the design usually provides for an air release valve.
To increase the power of the convector, two or even three heat exchangers can be installed in its body. And some convectors, in addition, also have a built-in fan - this allows, in some cases, if necessary, to warm up the room much faster.
Advantages and disadvantages of water heating convectors
Like each of the existing heating devices, convectors also have their pros and cons, which you need to know about before purchasing and installing them.
To positive The criteria for using this type of device include the following:
- Efficiency of the convector with uniform heating of the premises with the help of air circulation.
- Very fast spread of heat, but how the result is heating rooms.
- Saving energy resources, since the heating system does not require a large amount of coolant and its strong heating - usually a temperature of no higher than 60 degrees is enough.
- The compactness and lightness of the design facilitates the installation of convectors. If desired, models can be used to save "precious" space in the room.
- Powerful convection currents and thermal curtains prevent the formation of condensate on window surfaces and in the corners of rooms.
- Elegant modern look, allows you to "fit" the heater into any interior style.
- The convector also has the advantage over some modern radiators that it has the ability to heat the coolant to critical levels of -90 degrees, while for the battery I often have an upper “threshold” of 60 ÷ 70 degrees. This option is especially attractive for installing such heating in homes located in regions with a harsh winter climate.
- At the same time, it is very difficult to get burned on the convector, since the highest temperature is on the pipes, which are hidden in a special box and are also protected. shell« heat transfer plates. This factor is especially important for families with small children.
- Another clear advantage of this heater is that it does not dry the air much - this is due to constant circulation and enrichment with moisture. To increase, if necessary, the humidity in the room, a container with water can be installed on the convector. Some models have this capacity already in their design.
To shortcomings in operational qualities convectors include the following:
- If the heating system is built on convectors, then in the rooms it is necessary to produce wet cleaning. This is due to the fact that along with the heated air masses, dust will also constantly rise up. which means that the level of dust content in the air will be increased.
- Not all people like constantly circulating air currents, especially along the floor when the cooled air returns to the heater. It turns out something like a constant light draft.
- Convectors are not very efficient for organizing heating in rooms with high ceilings, since the air has to make an excessively large circulation, and at the same time the volume of the room will not have time to fully warm up. True, there is a way out - but you will have to purchase convectors with several heat exchangers in order to increase the total area of \u200b\u200bactive heat exchange.
- A heating system with can only be effective if natural ventilation. If in a house or apartment a forced ventilation scheme, then the warm air will simply be removed from the premises, and the heating efficiency will drop sharply.
Classification of water heating convectors
As mentioned above, water convectors are produced, providing exclusively natural circulation heated air, and having the ability to switch to forced flow mode. Devices with natural circulation are marked KBE, and having forced system- KVP.
In the first variant, warm streams rise up, and the cold ones, descending, fall back into the convector solely due to the difference in air density at different heating temperatures, that is the whole cyclic process is carried out naturally.
In the second case, the speed of circulation of air flows can be enhanced by the influence of built-in device design electric fans. The general distribution of heat in the volume of the room occurs much faster due to the increased intensity of air movement, which means that it will take less time to provide a comfortable microclimate in the room. Fans in such devices operate from a voltage of only 12 volts, which ensures complete safety during operation, wherever they are installed.
In addition, convectors are divided according to the following parameters:
- Devices can have different sizes in height, width and length.
- Convectors may have different thermal power, which will depend on the size, volume and number of heat exchangers.
- Convectors can differ significantly in the design layout, which often depends to a greater extent on the typical installation location.
- The difference may be in the presence or absence additional elements control, adjustment, management, in the degree of automation of the device.
Types of convectors by installation method
As mentioned above, convectors are divided according to the place of their installation. They are wall-mounted, floor-mounted and built-in.
Wall mounted water convectors
Wall convectors are hung on special brackets fixed to the wall. They are light in weight, so their installation is quite easy. The big advantage of this type of convectors, unlike, is the fact that due to the small mass (both their own and the coolant circulating through them), they can even be fixed to plasterboard partitions.
An example of the use of two types of heating convectors - wall-mounted and hidden floor at the entrance
If necessary, you can choose a narrow compact device that will protrude from the wall by only 80 ÷ 100 mm - this is especially important if the room has a very limited area. The required power in this case can be compensated for by the height or length of this element of the heating system, that is, by increasing the area of active heat exchange.
Floor radiators
The floor convector is not much different from the design of the wall convector. It is also enclosed in a light casing, has all the elements necessary for adjustment, but, in addition, it is equipped with reliable legs for installation and stationary fixing it to the floor.
Floor options, as a rule, are designed for a low level of thermal power, so any objects can be placed on them for drying or light heating.
Despite the compactness, squatness of such devices, they have excellent heat dissipation, so they can be used as the main source of heat in the premises.
In spacious rooms with panoramic wall glazing, such convectors are more often installed as additional heating devices. They are placed along the glazed wall, which helps to avoid fogging, as the constant circulation of warm air dries the glass.
Built-in convectors
Built-in heating convectors are suitable for any interior, both for modern and retro styles. This type of device must be provided with a niche in the floor, so its body is installed during work on floor insulation with raising it to a certain height. As a result, the convector grill should be on the same level with the surface of the finished floor covering.
Such models of convectors, depending on the power and the number of hidden installed appliances, are able to heat not only a small room, but also spacious areas of halls and halls, especially when they are equipped with a forced air circulation system. They are often used in buildings with large area wall glazing, for example, in swimming pools, gyms, shopping malls, winter gardens and other similar structures.
The built-in convector can be placed not only in the floor structure, but also in the window sill, if you choose the right size.
Grilles for closing the exit channel are often given original design. They may be a solid rigid piece, or they may be arranged according to roll type- turn if necessary.
Criteria for choosing a water heating convector
There are several criteria that you need to pay special attention to when choosing water heating convectors for your home:
- Thermal power indicator. Usually proceed from the norm of 1 kW per 10 square meters. m of floor space (with a ceiling height of not more than three meters). However, it should be noted that this is true only for “ideal” conditions with the most effective thermal insulation, which is unattainable in principle. There is always heat loss - this is facilitated, for example, by windows. For each window, even the highest quality, with double-glazed windows, it is necessary to add another 0.2 kW.
The power of a particular device depends on its dimensions, the number of pipes placed in it and, accordingly, total area active heat exchange. A variety of models allows you to make the right choice - both compact convectors with a power of several hundred watts and overall products capable of "putting out" up to several kilowatts are on sale.
Prices for built-in convectors Varmann
Built-in convector Varmann
Unlike conventional batteries, the convector will not allow changing the heat output in one direction or another by adding or removing sections. This imposes special requirements on the initial right choice the desired device.
You must immediately select the model of the required size and power - the range of these parameters is very wide
In order for convector heating to be effective with non-standard, extensive or panoramic wall glazing, more complex calculations are made, which are made by specialists.
- If a convector with forced circulation air, which is carried out with the help of a fan, it is necessary to think in advance how to connect it to the power supply. In addition, it will be necessary to foresee the installation location of the transformer, which will convert the AC mains voltage of 200 V into the required working 12 V.
- The dimensions of the convector are important when choosing any type of device. Therefore, you need to take measurements from the place where it is planned to be installed - hanging on the wall, installing on the floor or hidden installation.
If you choose the option built into the thickness of the floor, then you need to provide for the possibility of raising the floor to a certain height or preparing a recess so that the convector body stands at the desired depth. In the event that it is planned to install floor appliances in an already finished, finished floor, it is necessary to find out in advance the depth of the existing underground space.
- It is important to choose the right quality convector, taking into account the material of manufacture of its outer casing. If the device is to be built into the floor or into a window sill, the box must be made of durable, having anti-corrosion coating alloys. The same requirements apply to the shut-off valves located inside.
- The working pressure of the coolant, which the heating elements must withstand, is up to 10, and the pressure pressure, up to 16 ÷ 20 atmospheres.
- A certain operational “reserve” is usually laid in the convector - its design must be able to withstand temperatures in the coolant circuit up to 125 ÷ 130 degrees, but at the same time, the heating of the body should not rise above 60 degrees.
- The volume of water in the heating system will depend on the number of pipes in the heat exchangers of each convector. On average, each of the devices holds from 0.7 to 2 liters of coolant.
- You need to pay attention to the weight of the convector, especially if it will be hung on the wall. As already mentioned, this parameter must also take into account the weight of the coolant in the pipes of the device.
- It is necessary to evaluate the degree of automation of the operation of the device, the possibility of fine adjustments of the air heating temperature.
- And, of course, the appearance of the convector and the style of its design become very important, and often the determining factor.
The modern way of heating with the help of water convectors is becoming more and more popular. It is used both as the main and additional source heat, joining common system at home, which significantly increases its efficiency. The main thing is to choose really high-quality models that correspond to the parameters of heated rooms, produced by well-known domestic or foreign companies and having proper certification, reliable technical documentation and, of course, a manufacturer's guarantee.
Find out the technical specifications, and also check out the selection tips from our new article.
And in the end - an interesting visual video on the device and installation method of the floor convector.
Video: floor convector installation process
Water heating is valued for its versatility - it can be connected to a boiler that runs on electricity, gas, solid and liquid fuel and even a wood-burning stove. The system works simply - the heated coolant circulates through pipes and appliances installed in residential premises. Radiators and convectors are used as heating devices. The former heat the air by radiation, while the latter work on the principle of convection. How are water heating convectors arranged and what do manufacturers offer?
The device and principle of operation of convectors
Water convectors are a block consisting of a body, inside of which there are copper pipes for the circulation of the coolant and the plate heat exchanger surrounding them. The principle of operation of the device is based on heating the air passing through the chambers with heat exchangers. Grilles are provided at the bottom and top of the case through which air flows freely.
In devices with natural circulation, air is taken in without the help of fans - cold air masses descending enter the body of the device, heat up, leave it, rush up and mix with the surrounding atmosphere. These batteries operate silently and do not require connection to power sources.
The performance of convection equipment depends on the temperature of the coolant and on the intensity of the air flows created around the heat exchanger. Water heating convectors with a fan work more efficiently.
Diagram of a convector radiator
Forced ventilation accelerates the circulation of air masses and makes it uniform, increases the performance of the device and reduces the time required to heat the room. forced convection especially important for rooms with high humidity and heating large areas. By changing the fan speed, it is easy to control the heat output of the device. The fan requires an electrical connection to operate.
Convectors are more efficient and economical than conventional radiators, since their full operation does not require a high temperature of the coolant. They are safe and practically do not dry the air, and the case never heats up to high temperatures - its average temperature is 40-50 degrees.
Overview of the main types of convectors
Convection heating devices are usually classified according to the principle of operation, method and place of installation. Modern heaters bear little resemblance to the usual cast-iron batteries, and some of them are not easy to find in the interior.
Wall convectors for water heating
Wall-mounted water heating convectors in appearance resemble familiar radiators, but unlike cast iron batteries, in which air convection is very small, their design contributes to the intake of cooled air and its rapid heating. Convection batteries are installed in the same places as radiators, most often under windows. It is important to observe correct distance between elements - an incorrect calculation can lead to the damping of turbulent air flows inside the case.
Wall model device
Wall-mounted convector radiators differ in size, shape, number of heat exchangers and plate material. It can be copper or aluminum, but more often they use combined option– copper pipes and aluminum plates. Modern devices are compact and lightweight, have a streamlined shape and a durable housing.
Convection radiators of the latest generation are equipped with Mayevsky taps designed to bleed air from the system, valves for adjusting the coolant supply, and thermostats. To paint the cases, powder dyes are used that are resistant to high temperatures and detergents.
Convectors for floor installation
Floor water heating convectors outwardly resemble wall devices, have a small height and are attached to the floor. This installation is ideal for underfloor piping and for rooms with large windows. Air intake in these models also occurs from below, so it is important not to impede the circulation of air masses and install the battery in free space.
Modern floor appliances harmoniously fit into the interior and even decorate it. An example of a successful design solution can serve as a bench radiator, complemented by a comfortable wooden seat that does not block the movement of heat. These devices are not attached to the walls and can be installed anywhere, which is very convenient for studio apartments without internal partitions.
floor heat source
Floor convectors
Modern tendencies design require that there is nothing superfluous in the interior - this served main reason creation of built-in heating equipment. Underfloor heating water convectors are mounted in the floor. The visible part of the appliance is a decorative grille installed flush with flooring. Removable grilles are made of steel, aluminum and wood - the choice depends on the floor finish.
The device and principle of installation of the floor convector
Built-in water heating convectors are suitable for rooms with panoramic windows. Installing heaters along windows and doors creates a heat shield to cut off cold air. Underfloor heating systems are used independently and in combination with other radiators.
Plinth water heating
Compact baseboard heating meets all modern requirements and does not disturb the comfort in the house, does not take up space and consumes energy economically. A warm plinth is mounted around the perimeter of the room at the bottom of the wall. The system is a closed circuit, consisting of an aluminum housing, decorative lattice and several heat exchangers interconnected by PVC pipes.
Installation along the walls contributes to their uniform heating and helps to avoid dampness in the room. Proximity to the floor solves the problem of cold floors and ensures uniform heating of the air. Due to the closed body, reduced heat loss coolant, which helps to save on heating.
Installation of water plinth heating
What to look for when choosing
Having decided on the type and shape of the device, we proceed to study specifications water heating convectors.
- Power - main indicator heating equipment. For each square meter dwellings need 100 watts of power. This is a base value that may change after taking into account the height of the ceilings, the quality of thermal insulation and other important parameters. AT large rooms The problem is solved by several devices.
- Permissible operating and maximum pressure pressure - these parameters are especially important for apartments with central heating, since the seasonal check of the system is carried out under high blood pressure.
- The number of heat exchangers - the more there are, the more efficient the device works.
It is also worth paying attention to the volume of circulating liquid, the maximum temperature of the coolant, the hourly circulation of water, the weight of the product, the material used to manufacture the parts. We advise you to dispel any doubts together with a specialist competent in this field.
Video: how to choose a heating convector
Electric convectors are often used as main or additional heating devices, especially in non-gasified settlements. With the help of these devices, you can set the desired temperature in the house, apartment or cottage without special costs and hassle. What you need to consider when choosing an electric convector will be discussed in this article.
Electric for heating: how to choose a good unit
Device, advantages and disadvantages of electric convectors
The principle of operation of electric convectors is based on the physical process of the same name - air convection. This process is the ability warm air rise upward, displacing colder air masses. For the movement of air, it does not require the installation of a fan or other mechanism, they completely cope with this.
The device of the convector is extremely simple: a metal case with holes installed inside heating element and control unit. The intake of cold air occurs through the holes in the lower part of the case, the return - through the holes at the top of the front panel. There are models equipped with a switchable fan, which is designed to quickly warm up the room and accelerate the convection of air flows.
Electric convectors have a whole list of advantages:
- rapid heating of the room;
- high efficiency - up to 96%;
- safety in use;
- silent operation;
- high level of automation;
- a large selection of models of various sizes and capacities;
- long service life.
The disadvantages of electric convectors include the high cost of electricity compared to other coolants and certain requirements for the power of the home electrical network.
The choice of a convector for heating a summer house or apartment is carried out taking into account several criteria:
- thermal and electrical power;
- installation method;
- the shape and dimensions of the body;
- heater type;
- type of temperature control in the control unit;
- the presence of the necessary protective functions;
- degree of automation.
Some characteristics of convectors, such as power and installation method, directly depend on the size and type of the heated room. The rest affect the reliability, durability and usability of the device, as well as its safety.
Electric convector power
The efficiency of electric convectors is quite high, it reaches 96%, so the value of thermal power is almost equal to the value of electric power. These parameters are measured in kilowatts. The calculation of the required power is carried out for each room separately, while taking into account the area of \u200b\u200bthe room and the height of the ceilings.
When determining the power of the convector used as the main heating device for rooms with different height ceiling, you can use the data from table 1.
Table 1. Determining the power of a convector depending on the height of the ceilings.
| Ceiling height, m | Convector power per 1 sq.m., kW |
|---|---|
| 2,5-2,7 | 0,1 |
| 2,7-3,0 | 0,11 |
| 3,0-3,3 | 0,12 |
| 3,3-3,5 | 0,13 |
| 3,5-4,0 | 0,15 |
For poorly insulated buildings and premises with two or more external walls, this figure is increased by a factor of 1.3-1.5.
Calculation example: for a corner room with an area of 18 m 2 with a ceiling height of 3.0 m, a convector with a heat output of 18 0.11 1.3 = 2.57 kW is required. The resulting value is rounded up to the nearest standard power. In this case, it is better to give preference to more powerful device if the parameters of the home electrical network allow.
If the convector is intended for additional heating of rooms with stove or water heating, it is enough to install a device with a capacity of 40-60% of the calculated one.
Note! In corner rooms with two or more windows, it is better to use several convectors with the required total power.
Installation method
According to the type of execution and installation, electric convectors are:
- wall-mounted, they are attached to the wall on brackets;
- floor, on legs or wheels;
- universal– The scope of delivery includes both brackets and legs.
Wall brackets are convenient when using convectors as the sole source of heating or in combination with stove heating. In this case, the convector is placed under the windowsill, like. The heat emanating from it not only warms the bulk of the air, but also creates a thermal curtain at the window, reducing heat loss. Wall convectors can be wired hidden, which improves their appearance.
Floor convectors more often used for temporary space heating: in the country or during severe frosts in addition to radiator heating. Floor models convenient for their mobility, but take away usable area rooms and sometimes interfere with free movement.
The installation method of universal convectors is chosen depending on their use and the characteristics of the room. There are also floor convectors that are mounted at the stage of pouring the subfloor. It is built into the floor with a grate in the upper part, through which cold air is taken in and heated air is released.
Case shape and dimensions
The convenience of installation, as well as the appearance of the device, mainly depends on the shape of the convector. The shape can be square, rectangular or round. Round models often equipped with a fan.
Geometric dimensions affect the thermal characteristics of the convector. The rate of supply of warm air into the room depends on the height of the device; the optimal height is about 50 cm. In some cases, you have to give preference to lower models, for example, when installing a convector under a panoramic window.
The thickness of the case affects the heat transfer: the larger it is, the higher this parameter, as well as the efficiency of the convector. wall and universal models usually thinner, floor can have a thickness of 10-15 cm.
Note! When choosing the height of a wall-mounted convector installed under a window, it is important to take into account the minimum allowable distances to the floor and window sill. They are specified in the documentation for the device.
Heating element type
An important characteristic that you can check with the seller or look in the passport for the convector is the type of heating element; he can be:
- needle;
- tubular;
- monolithic.
Needle heaters consist of a steel plate with a zigzag thread of nickel wire. Electrotechnical varnish is used as electrical insulation on nickel wire. The heating of the nickel filament occurs very quickly, but the convection in such devices is not high and is due only to the design of the housing.
This type of heater is the most unreliable and short-lived due to the fragility of the nickel filament and rapid overheating. Such convectors must not be used in a room with high humidity and possible splashes or drops of water. The only merit is low price, therefore, you can buy such convectors only in case of short-term use with constant monitoring.
Tubular heater is a sealed steel tube containing nichrome wire. It is isolated from the tube by a layer of ceramic backfill. Aluminum fins are soldered onto the tube to improve heat transfer and air convection.
Convectors with heating elements are durable and reliable, but they have one drawback: in the first minutes after switching on, they crackle due to the difference in thermal expansion of the heater materials. What “, You can see in our article.
Monolithic heaters- the most reliable and silent. They are a ribbed plate from a single piece of material, therefore they have high strength and durability. The price of such convectors is usually higher than analogues, it is advisable to buy them for permanent use.
Temperature controller type
The regulator in the control unit is designed to automatically maintain the temperature in the room. Based on the readings of the sensor installed in the lower part of the convector body, the regulator turns on and off the heating element when the set temperature is reached.
There are two types of temperature controllers:
- mechanical;
- electronic.
Mechanical regulator made on the basis of a step switch, it is characterized by the simplest design. The disadvantage of mechanical control is low accuracy with an error of 1-3 degrees, as well as low reliability. When the mechanically controlled heater is turned on, a distinct click of the relay is heard.
The advantages of this type of switches include resistance to voltage drops in the network. When a mechanical regulator fails and fails, it can be quickly and inexpensively replaced.
Electronic control unit- a more complex device that allows you to set the temperature with an accuracy of 0.1 degrees, as well as different modes of use: night, day, mode of maintaining positive temperature. Turning the heater on and off is silent. Electronic controllers are often equipped with an LCD display that displays the temperature in the room, as well as the mode parameters when programming it.
Electronic regulators are generally more reliable, but fail when the voltage drops by 15-20% of the nominal value. Repair and replacement of the electronic unit are expensive, so it is better to install the device in conjunction with a voltage stabilizer or protective voltage relay.
Note! For heating rural or country house it is better to choose models with a mechanical regulator, since voltage drops are quite common in rural networks.
Protective functions
Almost all modern convectors are equipped with built-in overheating protection. It is activated when the temperature controller fails or when the convection holes in the housing are closed, for example, when drying clothes on the convector. The protection turns off the heater when the temperature reaches a dangerous level for the insulation of the device or people.
Protection against water splashes is provided by the design of the housing, the size and location of the holes. It can be determined by the IP index indicated in the passport. For bathroom or kitchen minimum value this index should be 24.
Many floor and universal convector models are also equipped with tip-over protection. If the convector falls and changes its position to horizontal, the protection ensures quick shutdown of the heater.
Like all other household appliances, convectors must have a degree of protection against damage electric shock at least "2". This means that the power cord and plug of the appliance have a built-in ground, so the metal case does not need a separate ground.
Note! The convector must only be connected to a socket with a grounding conductor.
Degree of automation and additional functions
Convectors with an electronic control unit can be equipped with additional functions:
- "restart" - the ability of the regulator to remember the last switched on mode and reproduce it even after a complete blackout of the device;
- "antifreeze" - when the air temperature in the room reaches +5°C, the convector will automatically turn on and maintain it at this level;
- "ionization" - a relatively new function that allows you to clean and improve the air in the room, in most convectors it works even when the heater is turned off;
- remote control - allows you to turn the device on and off, as well as change the mode remotely.
The choice of feature set depends on your needs and financial capabilities. However, you don't have to pay for additional functions which you probably won't need. For example, the "anti-freeze" mode is relevant for giving or country house with periodic residence, in a city apartment with central heating, it is practically useless.
Wiring Requirements
The standard power of convectors, depending on the model, can vary from 0.5 to 3 kW. Wiring and protective equipment in old houses are unable to withstand maximum power device.
In this case, you can focus on the following conditions:
- a convector with a power of up to 2.0 kW can be connected to any standard home electrical wiring with an introductory circuit breaker with a rating of at least 10 A;
- for a device with a power of 2.0-2.5 kW, electrical wiring with a cross section of 2.5 mm 2 for aluminum or 1.5 mm 2 for copper, a 16 A socket and a rating of the input circuit breaker of at least 16 A is required;
- a convector with a power above 2.5 kW must be connected separate cable with a cross section of at least 2.5 mm 2 for copper through a separate circuit breaker with a face value of 16 A.
Important! Do not use extension cords of dubious quality to connect convectors; they often use small-section wires that can melt under load.
How to choose a convector - step by step instructions
Choosing a convector is not the best difficult task, but to ensure its efficient and safe work it is important to follow the recommendations of experts.
Step 1. Determine why you need a convector: for constant full heating or as a source of additional heating, and in accordance with this, calculate the power of the device.
Step 2 Determine the installation location and required mobility. Mounted convectors are usually installed under a window or on a wall that has direct contact with the street. Floor convectors can be placed in any place where there is a socket rated for the rated current of the appliance.
Step 3 For wall models it is necessary to measure the distance from the floor to the window sill and select the height of the device in order to ensure necessary distances for air intake from below the convector.
Step 4 When buying, it is important to clarify the type of heater. For wet rooms you can use convectors with heating elements or a monolithic heater, models with a nickel thread are not suitable for this.
Step 5 Select the type of control knob. For a country house and a summer residence, models with mechanical control are more suitable, for a city apartment - with an electronic unit. If you have a voltage stabilizer, you can use electronic control and at the cottage.
Step 6 Define a list necessary functions, as well as the shape of the device, its color and other external characteristics.
Note! When choosing, it is also important to take into account the manufacturer, its reputation and availability service centers– in case of minor malfunctions, it will be easier for you to find components and parts for repair.
Video - Choosing an electric convector
The first water heating systems used the so-called gravitational scheme (with natural circulation induction).
Coolant in closed loop pipes circulated due to the different density of hot and cold water. In order for the system to work, it was required to use pipes large diameter, and in general, it was very inertial, that is, it slowly heated up and cooled down just as slowly. Now such a scheme is still occasionally used for heating small private houses.
At first, heat transfer in water heating systems carried out through conventional or finned tubes. Due to the relatively small area of contact with air, they were not very effective.
And it was in Russia, or rather, in St. Petersburg, that a fundamentally new heating device was invented - a cast-iron radiator, which was several thick pipes with vertical disks. It was created by the Russified German of Italian origin Franz Karlovich San-Galli in 1855, calling his invention "Heitzkörper" (hot box), or, more familiar to the Russian ear, "battery".
Such batteries soon became popular all over the world, and were used not only in water systems, but also in steam heating, which developed in parallel, where the temperature of superheated steam reached 150-200 o C, and the pressure was several atmospheres. Compared to current cast iron radiators, they were more bulky and richly decorated with ornaments.