How to connect a thermostat to an infrared heater
Infrared heaters are quite popular today. There are several varieties of such heaters, which differ in price, operating features and installation method. As for the principle of operation, it is almost the same for everyone. The advantage of choosing an infrared heater is the ability to significantly save energy. Such a heater can be controlled by connecting a thermostat.
In general, a thermostat or thermostat is a device through which you can periodically measure the amount of heat in a room, the air temperature, and also regulate the operation of the heating device. To explain it more clearly, when the optimal temperature for the room is reached, the heater pauses operation for a while and resumes it only when the temperature begins to drop significantly.
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Types of thermostats
Today there are two types of thermostats:
- Mechanical. The device looks like a small plastic box. On the outside there is a switch, usually round in shape, that allows you to adjust the temperature in the room;
- Electronic. These devices have much more control options and are equipped with additional functions. This type of heaters is considered more popular and modern.
Important! The mechanical type of thermostats is suitable if someone is constantly present at home. It is not recommended to leave the device turned on if there is no one nearby who can monitor its operation.
Connecting a thermostat to an infrared heater
Before you begin installing the heater, you first need to decide on the installation location of the equipment. It is very important to choose the right location to ensure the safest possible use of the device and its trouble-free operation. A few tips will help with this:
Tip 1. Do not place the device where there is high humidity. This is extremely unsafe, especially for electric-type thermostats.
Tip 2. Exposure to sunlight will negatively affect the operation of the device, so it is best to choose a place hidden from the sun. The fact is that, being in the sun, they will begin to show inaccurate data, which will negatively affect the heating process.
Once the location has been selected, you can proceed to preparing all the necessary tools and the installation itself.
Required materials and tools
One of the main tools required is a tape measure - it will allow you to measure the required distance from the ceiling to the selected location for installing the device. Additionally, it is worth stocking up on a building level in order to carry out the installation as smoothly as possible.
Also during the installation process you will need the following tools and materials:
- drill or bit;
- perforator;
- dowel;
- bracket.
Thanks to all these devices, it is possible to install the equipment.
Installation features
When installing the heater, it is worth considering some features, and one of these features is also the mounting of the thermostat. You can consider the process of installing and connecting a thermostat using the example of a Balu brand thermostat.
In order for the device to efficiently cope with all the functions assigned to it, you must first familiarize yourself with the installation rules, and then perform it as correctly as possible. Among the basic rules that you need to pay attention to are:
- The thermostat can only be installed 1.5 meters from the floor.
- Before installing the device, you need to place a layer of insulating material under it.
- Under no circumstances should the thermostat be mounted next to pieces of furniture or behind curtains.
The last point is due to the fact that such an arrangement will be extremely inconvenient, as well as dangerous due to the lack of air that would cool the operation of the device.
Thermostat connection diagram
There are several schemes that allow you to connect a thermostat to an infrared heater.
The first - it is also the simplest - through the use of single copies of the thermostat and heater. Thanks to this, you can get the easiest possible connection diagram: the machine will have two pairs of wires, one of which will need to be connected to the thermostat, and the other directly to the heating device. You just have to take into account that each pair of wires has a different purpose, and all these wires need to be connected correctly.
Another method will be a little more complicated than the first, but it will also allow you to connect yourself. The essence of this method is parallel connection.This allows you to turn on as many as two heaters and at the same time use only one thermostat on them.
Finally, the most difficult way is to use one thermostat for several heating devices at once. Because of this, this connection is becoming more popular. To carry out the process, you will need a magnetic starter, as well as an individually designed circuit. Therefore, it is better to seek help from professionals.
However, when considering any installation scheme for an infrared heater and thermostat, it is worth paying attention to a few more nuances:
- It is possible to install control devices in a room where wall or ceiling heating devices are located. This will allow you to take the measuring device directly into the room and install it in the most suitable place.
- Both mortise-mounted and surface-mounted models of devices that can be used to regulate the heat supply may be available for sale. Therefore, if you do not want to specifically drill additional holes, you can use the second option of such devices.
Important! It is also recommended to calculate the circuit to ensure maximum safety of using the thermostat. Any failure in the system or any errors resulting from design and installation errors can lead to dire consequences.
Thanks to infrared heaters, you can significantly save on electricity, and the thermostats or thermostats that come with them will help you cope with this.Regardless of the price, type or shape of these devices, they are all designed the same, so don’t worry if you don’t have enough money for a more expensive option.