What is a convector

This is a device for heating residential, office or industrial premises, the main principle of which is convection or, in other words, the circulation of air flows. Its use is relevant in the off-season, when the heating season has not yet begun, and weather conditions make living in an apartment not very comfortable due to low temperatures and high humidity. There are two types: gas and electric. If the first option is more problematic to use, then the second is quite popular in use.

Principle of operation

From physics lessons at school, everyone knows perfectly well that warm air is lighter and rises, while cold air is heavier and therefore lies much lower. The main principle of operation of a convector is considered to be air circulation, i.e. it takes in cold air, uses a special heating element to raise its temperature to a certain point, and then this air flow rushes upward. After a certain time it cools down and goes down, the convector again produces a fence and this happens in a circle. This type of convection is called natural.

External characteristics

Externally, the convector is a rectangular box made of stainless material. It is mostly white in color, but sometimes other colors can be found. There are holes at the top and bottom of the device; they are necessary for the intake and release of air flows. The heating element also occupies the lower position. Its shape is universal and allows it to be installed both on walls and on the floor; it does not take up much space.

Types of heating elements

The needle type is a plate of material that is a fairly poor conductor of electric current (dielectric). A thread representing the shape of a loop is attached to a dielectric base. A characteristic feature of the needle heating element is its ability to quickly heat and cool.

Reference! It is not recommended to use a convector with this type of heating in rooms with high humidity, since the heating filament is very poorly protected from moisture.

Tubular is a tube into which a nichrome thread is placed. The free space around the thread is filled with material that acts as insulation. The heat exchange element in this case is aluminum fins, which are attached to the tube. Working with this type of heating is characterized by increased noise.
Monolithic is a solid aluminum body with ribs, inside of which there is a heating filament filled with dielectric components. The main advantage of such heating is noiselessness and durability in operation.

Security questions

The operation of the convector, like other devices operating from the electrical network, requires certain safety precautions.

Obvious risks, improper use

For long-term and safe operation of such a heating device, a number of conditions must be met.

1. The convector cannot be used to dry wet laundry. This means that hanging items cover the top openings, which prevents warm air from escaping. If this rule is violated, heating the room will not be effective, and in worst cases, it may damage the device.
2. Not all convectors can be placed in rooms with high humidity. Before installation, it is necessary to consult about the electrical protection class of the device, it should be IP class.
3. Do not turn the body upside down. The grille for the outlet of heated air should be located strictly at the top of the housing.
4. The grilles must not be obscured by furniture; this will again lead to disruption of the heater’s operation.

Important! The convector can be operated unattended!

Remote control

In modern conditions, it is possible to remotely control the operation of the convector. Such control is more relevant for private or country houses, where several heating outlets are installed at once. The principle of this control is that you can set the temperature regime, the intensity of air movement, and turn the device on and off without being at home. To do this, you need to purchase a special design, if there is a need to synchronize the operation of several convectors, install the necessary program on your cell phone. You can control it via WI-f and SMS messages.

Obvious advantages of the convector

1. Heating of the room is very fast.
2. Relative noiselessness (depending on the selected heating element).
3.Low cost.
4.The highest efficiency is 95%
5. Doesn't take up much space.
6. The convector body practically does not heat up, which makes it absolutely safe to use in rooms with children.
7. One of the few heating devices that do not burn oxygen.