The geyser is based on a potentially hazardous fuel. Therefore, manufacturers provide it with a security system. In the event of a malfunction and the threat of an emergency, protection is triggered and the equipment is blocked. Geyser sensors are located in different parts of the unit and monitor the operation of the system. What they are and what they are intended for, every user should know.
Varieties and principle of operation of sensors
To understand how the heater works, you need to understand its components. In the publication "The device of a gas column" we described in detail what parts the unit consists of. Now let's talk about the purpose of the sensors.
Traction sensor
It is located in the connecting part of the chimney and the body. Its main task is to determine the presence of ventilation (draft) in the chimney.
Under normal traction, the products of combustion are discharged into the street through a chimney. If ventilation is impaired, then back draft may occur, which leads to the extinguishing of the burner and the ingress of carbon monoxide into the room.
Violation of ventilation occurs for various reasons: blockage or damage to the chimney, accumulation of soot on the walls, improper installation of the shaft. To detect violations and a sensor is installed. When it fires, the column stops working.
Depending on the type of gas boiler or column, the combustion chamber may be open and closed. The type of sensor and the principle of its operation depend on this.
Devices with an open camera provide for atmospheric type of burner. The flame is supported by ventilation in the room, and the draft - due to the correct diameter of the chimney.
The protective sensor in such units is metal plate with outgoing contact. She responds to fever. The flue gases have a temperature of 120-140 degrees.
When they are normally displayed, the values do not exceed the norm. But when a malfunction occurs, gases accumulate and the temperature rises. From this, the metal on the plate expands, the contact departs and closes the gas supply valve.
As soon as the work returns to normal, the plate returns to its original position.
In turbo speakers closed combustion chamber. The flow of clean air, as well as smoke exhaust, occurs through a coaxial channel with a fan. In such devices, the protection system is made in the form membrane air membrane. The device monitors the exhaust gas velocity of the fan.
With normal flow, the membrane is in a bent state, the contacts are closed. As soon as the flow weakens, the membrane returns to its normal position and the contacts open. Then the gas valve closes.
Therefore, when the protection is activated, do not ignore the breakdown, but try to fix it immediately.
Overheating sensor
The element is installed on the tubes of the heat exchanger and monitors the temperature of the water. When heated above 85 degrees, it works and blocks the work. Overheat protection is also called a thermal relay or thermostat. If the thermal relay did not work on time, the liquid would boil in the heat exchanger. This can lead to combustion of the radiator and damage to the column itself.
The heating thermostat is made on the basis of bimetallic plates or thermistors. When the values increase, its contact opens, which makes the equipment turn off. When it fires:
- with excessive heating of water;
- with a malfunction of the sensor itself, a wiring violation;
- in case of poor contact with the installation site.
If the thermal relay breaks down, an error code may appear on the display of the boiler or column.
Flame and ionization sensors
A flame or combustion sensor is a thermocouple that is heated by a flame. With constant heating, the pressure inside the element rises, so the fuel supply valve remains open. As soon as the burner goes out and the element cools, the valve closes. It can also be called a gas sensor, as it protects the equipment from fuel leakage during burner shutdown.
The ionization element is in contact with the flame of the burner. As a result of combustion, ions are generated that are attracted to the sensor and generate current. If a sufficient amount of ions is fixed, the technique continues to work. If the quantity decreases, the device ceases to function.
When it can work:
- if there is a violation in the supply of air-fuel;
- with clogged valve or electrode;
- contamination of ignition elements.
Water flow sensor
Controls the power of the water flow through the column. It is necessary in order to turn off the operation of the device when the mixer is turned off.
There is also a sensor that detects the force of the pressure of water. It will not allow the column to turn on until the force of pressure reaches the norm.
How to check and disable sensors
If you want the equipment to function normally, then you cannot disable protection. When the device turns off some time after heating, this already indicates that the sensors are working properly. Another thing is when the error code is displayed on the board indicating to check the part. Then the contacts are disconnected, and the protective device is called by a multimeter.
To ensure that the equipment and its safety systems work properly, clean the components and parts from clogging and scale. So, fouling of the heat exchanger with scale leads to untimely operation of the thermal relay. Therefore, use reagents to clean it.
A safety system for gas equipment is very important. Therefore, before buying, study the accessories column, usually they are indicated in the documentation of the equipment.