What You Need to Know About an Electric Heater
Electric heaters can provide warmth quickly when required. They are usually classified based on the size of the room and include features like thermostats, an overheat switch and timers.
Electric heaters convert electrical energy into joule heating. The heating element is comprised of nichrome wire and ceramic insulators.
Resistor
The resistor is a component of the electrical circuit that hinders the flow of current within the circuit by reducing its voltage and absorbing some of it as heat. It works by converting electrical energy into thermal energy, using only a tiny fraction of a watt. This is a standard process found in electric light bulbs as well as heating elements.
The resistance of the resistor is determined by its thickness, material and other properties. It is important to keep in mind that the greater the resistor's resistance, the more power it will dissipate. This is because higher resistances result in more electrons, which means more collisions. The higher the temperature, more collisions take place.
Resistors have a maximum power rating they can safely dissipate. It is typically between 1/8W (0.125W), and 1W. Resistors with a high power rating can be distinguished by their larger packaging. You can determine the maximum power rating by examining the packaging or comparing it with other resistors with known power ratings.
Electric heaters are special types of power resistors that are designed to convert electrical energy into warmth. They can produce radiant heat or convective heating by emitting infrared rays. They are often used in conjunction with fans to boost the efficiency of heating.
If the maximum power rating of the resistor is exceeded, it will begin to heat up. This can damage nearby components. In extreme cases, it may even become self-igniting and cause a fire. To avoid this from happening, a limiting resistor is required to be incorporated into the circuit.
Heater resistors are tagged with an identifier color that indicates its value and other information, like the accuracy of manufacturing and the temperature coefficient. For instance, a 6-banded resistor will have the first five bands that tell you its digits, and the sixth band informs you of its multiplier and tolerance. There are many online calculators that you can use to calculate the value for your own resistor.
Coil
Electric heating coils are the heart of any electrically powered appliance which makes use of heat to heat objects or liquids. They convert electricity into heat by a process called conduction. They can be shaped into a variety of shapes depending on the application. Electric heating coils are also capable of producing a large amount of heat in a short amount of time and are therefore suitable for applications that require quick temperature changes or high levels of thermal efficiency.
The core of an electric heating coil is an intricately twisted structure made composed of wires made from metal. This tightly packed structure allows the maximum number of wires to be confined within an area of a smaller size, which increases conductivity. The coil can be insulated in a variety of ways, based on its use. For instance, the insulation of an electric heater used in liquid immersion could be made of a non-flammable material like polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyester, or polyimide. A coil used in cryogenic applications is typically lined with molybdenum disilicide.
In addition to protecting against elements, these materials also offer resistance to oxidation and corrosion which makes them suitable for a wide range of industrial applications. Stainless steel is the most common element for a heater coil, but nickel-chrome and iron-chromium-aluminum alloys are also commonly used. These alloys have a great balance of cost, oxidation resistance and corrosion resistance.
Metals used in heating elements are exposed to high temperatures and environment that is corrosive. They need to be protected. This protection includes sealants and coatings, improved drainage and ventilation, regular maintenance and inspections. Moisture ingression is another critical problem that must be addressed, as it can damage the internal elements of a heater and reduce its life expectancy.
Coils are also used in other devices, such as ovens or furnaces, as well water tanks. They can be shaped to different shapes based on the intended use and are typically printed on substrates such as mica sheets (muscovite, phlogopite or muscovite), or conductive plastic. They can be coated with a wide variety of materials to improve their appearance and performance, including silver, gold and nickel.
Thermostat
It's likely that you don't give it much thought however, your thermostat is an essential component of your home's comfort system. The primary purpose of the thermostat is to switch on and off the heater, so that you can maintain your desired temperature. It also has the ability to adjust the temperature in accordance with your daily routine which is a major benefit for those who have an unpredictable schedule.
Most thermostats are electronic models that can be programmed via an interface on a computer or apps for smartphones. Some of the latest models have a learning capability that automatically adjusts to your specific lifestyle so you don't have to worry about when you should be home for dinner.
In older thermostats that did not have digital the electrical circuit was controlled by a bimetal coil or metal band which would expand or contract based on the temperature. As the strip expanded and contracted the mercury switch tipped into action, activating the relay that switched on the heating. As the strip cools, it bent and snapped away from its original position, which shut off the heating.
Modern electronic thermostats have replaced the electromechanical ones with an improved technology that makes use of a temperature sensor and small relay to do the same thing. It's easy to comprehend an electromechanical thermostat's mechanics by looking at its components.
A thermometer with mercury in it is among the most important components. When you pull the lever on the thermostat upwards or down, it rotates the coil and tips the mercury switch in one direction or the other. If the mercury switch tip to the left, current flows through it and activates the relay, which turns on the heater.
As the room gets hotter, the mercury switches to the right and interrupts the circuit so that the heater turns off. When the room cools, the mercury returns to its original position, and the heater comes back on. If you continue to alter the temperature on your electronic thermostat, the system may need to work overtime to keep up with your changing preferences, which causes it to use more energy than it needs to.
Timer
A wall heater timer permits you to set the timing of your heating and lighting. It comes with a built-in clock which will automatically turn on and off your heaters or lights at the time you specify. It also helps you save money on your daily energy costs by avoiding excessive usage.
They are mostly used in the home however they can also be found in industrial and commercial establishments. They offer convenience, energy efficiency, and security by regulating when electric circuits are turned on and off. They can be connected to appliances like lights, water pumps, and ovens. They are a great option for those who need to control electrical appliances without a computer or complex programming.
The plug of a timer switch onto an extension cord or outlet will allow you to set it. Connect the appliance you want to control. Depending on the model, you can plug in multiple devices at a time. Some models have the socket located in the middle of the timer, while others have the socket either on the side or beneath it. You can pick from a variety of plug-in timer switches, such as those that can be controlled with tablets or smartphones.
The majority of mechanical timers have a dial with hour and half-hour marks. You can also use the teeth to set an "ON" and "OFF" time. There are models that have multiple sets. This allows you to set the time for different days. Be aware that mechanical timers might not always work correctly especially when their internal clock is slightly off. If electric log burners that look real does not turn on or off when it is supposed to, check the wiring for any issues and ensure that all the pins are properly inserted. If you're still unable to get it to work, you'll need to consult a professional for help. Alternately, you can replace the timer by a new one. It's important to keep the timer in a secure place, where it won't be easily disturbed by children or pets.