Here you will find out:
- The principle of operation of the column on batteries
- What batteries are used in speakers
- How to choose power supplies
- Why do they sit down quickly
- How to change the batteries in the column
- Is it possible to transfer the column to a power supply
The battery in the gas column is used for the sole purpose of igniting the gas due to the spark. Despite the low voltage and power of the batteries, a spark is formed behind the electrical system, in which the voltage increases to such values that the air breaks through with a discharge.
Considering the relatively high energy consumption during the ignition, only products with certain parameters can be used for installation in hot water geysers.
The principle of operation of the column on batteries
All water heaters work in the same way - in a short time they need to warm up the running water in the heat exchanger to the set temperature. The differences appear in the ignition and protection systems.
In the battery-powered columns, a spark is created automatically when the hot water valve is opened. The spark is powered by two D batteries.
The wick in the gas water heater does not burn continuously - it goes out immediately after the main burner is turned on. The column has a water flow sensor. When the valve is opened, it works and closes the electrical circuit, supplying voltage to the actuators.
As a result, the gas supply valve to the main burner opens, a spark is formed. The gas starts to burn and heat the running water. When the tap is closed, the water flow stops. The water flow sensor shuts off the gas supply.
All speakers must be equipped with the following sensors:
- determination of chimney draft;
- pressure control in the supply pipe;
- presence of a flame.
Additionally, a maximum flowing water temperature sensor and an overpressure safety valve can be installed.
Can I turn on the speaker without batteries?
I would like to answer this delicate question in the negative, but, alas, in some models it is quite possible to carry out ignition on your own. The method is banal, simple and incredibly dangerous.
So, if the model of the installed water heater does not have a special protection system, then you can unscrew the hot water mixer and bring the fireplace match to the burner in the column. The flame from the match will light the gas, the column will start its work.
It is important that the ventilation system is properly equipped in the room with gas equipment, and the ventilation ducts should be regularly checked for traction
It is worth remembering that such handling of the column can result in an explosion. Jokes with blue fuel are often fatal. Therefore, it is much safer to go to the nearest trusted store for batteries.
What batteries are used in speakers
For the full operation of the gas column, power supplies with a total voltage of 3 volts are required. Therefore, batteries for a water heater stand out against the background of more familiar finger and mini-finger modifications. These are thicker Class D “barrels”, each delivering 1.5V.
There are actually two types of batteries on the market: D-LR20 and D-R20. They differ from each other in price and "filling": inside the battery there may be salt or alkali.
Saline batteries D-R20 confidently give up their positions, which is more a plus than a minus. Cheaper power supplies are known for extremely fast discharge rates. Therefore, even a low attractive price does not make the purchase of the D-R20 worthwhile.
Alkaline alkaline batteries D-LR20 are more expensive, but do not require such frequent replacement, working properly for up to six months. The salt power supply will last a couple of weeks at best.
To save as much money as possible on routine battery replacements, it is worth purchasing rechargeable batteries. Do not dispose of used batteries and accumulators with household waste, as power sources require special disposal.
Comparison of the appearance of batteries of different classes. Class D batteries look really impressive compared to other categories of power supplies
For gas water heaters, nickel-metal hydride versions of batteries - NiMH D / HR20 are best suited. However, before installing, it is worth making sure that the voltage in each battery is 1.5 V.
Subject to operational standards, such batteries will last 5-6 years, gradually losing their capacity in volume. But it is worth remembering that the battery charger will have to be purchased separately.
How to choose power supplies
The safest option not to make a mistake in choosing a product is to go to the store with old batteries and buy batteries with similar parameters.
When choosing, be sure to take into account the manufacturer's recommendations and pay attention to the appearance of the product when buying it. However, even this approach may not save you from buying low-quality units.
Additionally, you should pay attention to the following nuances:
- compliance with the expiration date;
- the integrity of the packaging;
- absence of abrasions and mechanical damage on the case;
- the correctness of the shape of the power source.
The abundance of counterfeits on the market and storage of products in improper conditions without observing the correct temperature regime significantly affects the service life of batteries and accumulators.
Power supplies purchased in the next transition are unlikely to be certified and reliable goods. Therefore, purchase batteries from official offline and online stores. After all, the use of any damaged battery is fraught with fires and damage to equipment.
Why do they sit down quickly
If we talk about why the batteries in the gas water heater are quickly consumed, the main reason is usually not very high-quality batteries. In the columns produced in our time, two D-type batteries are usually installed, having a voltage of one and a half volts. If cheap batteries made in China are installed there, then they can last two or three weeks maximum.
The principle of operation of batteries in the case of using such equipment is simple and consists in the fact that when the device is turned on, the batteries are triggered and a current is sent to the control unit. And already he gives a signal to the spark plug, which generates a spark in the ignition block. Under pressure, the valve opens and gas begins to flow into the burner. In a similar way, ignition is carried out.
If the batteries run out, then the spark will start to be generated unstably or the column will stop turning on. In a number of models, this can be understood by flashing a special LED, which is designed specifically for this.
But there can be several reasons for the rapid discharge of batteries:
- high humidity;
- incorrect operation of the ionization sensor;
- displacement of the electrode responsible for ignition;
- problems with the control unit;
- poor quality batteries.
Now let's talk about each reason in as much detail as possible. Increased humidity can be observed when installing the column in the bathroom. Moisture and steam simply begin to settle on the spare parts, which do not allow normal ignition. Contacts oxidation begins, and corrosion appears on the parts. You should clean up and ventilate the area more often, and install a good ventilation system.
If we talk about the incorrect operation of the ionization sensor, then such a sensor is responsible for the presence of a flame in the burner. If it has shifted too much to the side, then the spark will be generated for a long time, and the charge energy will simply be spent nowhere. In this case, you should see where the sensor is located and correct its location, if necessary. It can also just get clogged up due to soot. When gas enters, the spark should immediately ignite and transform into fire. If this does not happen, we are talking about the displacement of the ignition electrode, then you can try to move the electrode closer to the burner.
Speaking about problems with the control panel, we note that the batteries are responsible for the stable operation of the electronic module. If there are any problems in it, then it will take more energy to work than usual. If this is the problem, then you should remove the cover and inspect the unit. After that, we turn off the wires leading to it, open it and check all the parts for burns. If there are no visual problems, then you should call the wizard.
We already wrote about low-quality batteries above. If we talk about what kind of batteries are needed, then it is better to follow the recommendations given by the manufacturer in the instructions for the gas water heater. It is best to use the alkaline version of LR20 from manufacturers such as Energizer and Duracell.
How to change the batteries in the column
In flow-through gas boilers, a special place is provided for the batteries. Usually this is a plastic container located at the bottom of the case. There is a hinged lid with a lock-lock. Insert batteries into the column after turning it off. To this end:
- open the lid;
- carefully pull out the barrels, slightly bending back the plastic clips;
- install new batteries, observing the +/- polarity;
- close the lid and do a test run.
To extend the life of the batteries, if you do not plan to use the column, you can turn it off using a special switch at the bottom of the case. The button disconnects the ignition unit from the batteries.
How to connect a power supply for a gas water heater
The process of creating a power supply is not as easy as you might think. Therefore, if you are not confident in your abilities, you can purchase a ready-made block in the online store.
At the moment, the choice of such devices is very large. Here you can find products of domestic companies, models of foreign manufacturers, and Chinese electrical goods. Of course, the last option from China is the most economical in terms of acquisition, but it is not a fact that such a power supply will work for you for a long time.
To connect the power supply for the gas water heater, you need to do everything according to the instructions
If you decide to purchase a ready-made 3-volt power supply instead of batteries, you need to understand how to connect it correctly. This is a completely simple task that you can handle, even if you have no experience in electrical work.
How to connect the power supply to the gas water heater instead of batteries:
- Remove the battery compartment from the speaker. It usually comes off very easily right into your hand.
- Connect the terminals of the block to the terminals of the battery box. It is very important to observe the polarity of the contacts.
- Plug in the power supply. Use the column as before.
As you can see, the method of replacing batteries with a ready-made unit is very simple. The main thing here is to follow the instructions exactly, and carefully follow all of its points.
Is it possible to transfer the column to a power supply
To redesign a battery-powered column, you need:
- Purchase a power supply unit with parameters 220V / 3V / 500 mA.
- Buy two connectors of the "mom-dad" type.
- Route the two wires located inside the compartment for the battery box down from the body of the device. On them you will see the mother halves and markings.
- If the wires are not marked with a different color, mark which one is “+” and which one is “-”.
- Cut off the plug from the power supply unit, separate the wires and solder the dad halves to each.
- Connect the halves of the connectors with respect to the polarity.
- Plug the unit into a power outlet.
Using a power adapter instead of batteries
In order to significantly save money on replacing batteries and not spend money on the purchase of expensive batteries, the gas water heater can be upgraded on your own. After installing an adapter for a household gas water heater, instead of batteries, the ignition will be powered from the mains.
But this procedure has two drawbacks:
- in case of power outages, hot water will be absent;
- such "tuning" can deprive the right to free warranty service of the water heater.
If the owner does not have experience in connecting a power supply unit for a household gas water heater or other equipment, it is better to entrust this procedure to a professional.
When performing work, do not forget about aesthetics. Some homemade designs still look somewhat clumsy.
For self-alteration of the column, you will need an adapter that matches the parameters of the water heater. Since the batteries provide a total voltage of 3 V, a unit with the same output voltage is needed. The operating voltage in the network is 220 V, the adapter must have a similar one at the input.
The marking of the suitable device will contain the following designations - 220V / 3V / 500mA... Additionally, you need to buy female-to-male connectors.
To reconnect, you need to follow a series of steps:
- Access the speaker power box and disconnect the wiring from it. For your own convenience, the connectors can be photographed or marked in any way, indicating their polarity.
- Cut off the plug from the purchased power supply, separate its wires and carefully solder to the purchased connectors, observing the polarity. To determine the polarity, you can use a multimeter: positive readings of the device in the voltage measurement mode indicate the correspondence of the polarity of the wires.
- Connect the prepared wires to the speaker.
- Connect the adapter to the mains and carry out a test run of the instantaneous water heater.
If the connection is made correctly, the gas water heater will work properly, maintaining the required water temperature. After a test run, you can hide the wires in the case.
To avoid malfunctions due to current fluctuations in the network, it is appropriate to add a stabilizer to the design. The device will keep the column from voltage surges.
