Thermostat in a socket for household heaters: types, device, selection tips
People's mood, well-being and performance depend on the air temperature in the surrounding space.Its meaning, comfortable for each person, is very individual. While some people work well at +18°C, others need at least +23°C.
In such cases, it is convenient to install a thermostat in a socket for household heaters to set the desired temperature. The device independently reads the room temperature and controls the operation of the heater.
Agree, this is very convenient - you don’t have to constantly be distracted by turning the heater on and off. All that remains is to select the optimal thermostat and install it. We'll show you how to do it.
To understand the variety of offers, you need to find out the operating features of different thermostats, take into account the parameters that determine the practicality of the device itself and the comfortable operation of the heater. Installing the thermostat is quite simple; the main thing is to adhere to the installation rules outlined in the article.
The content of the article:
Thermostat: purpose and principle of operation
When you are in the office, you want nothing to distract you, and all thoughts to be focused only on the work process. Optimal temperature conditions in the room help achieve this goal.
It’s good if you don’t need to bring a warm jumper with you in the cold season to warm up slightly, run to the heater or air conditioner, setting and changing the settings. A thermostat will help regulate the temperature in the room.
Purpose of a household temperature controller
It is convenient when the heater is working and does not require additional attention. It’s also good when you don’t have to turn it off at all, and if it gets cool in the room, you can run again and plug it in. Thermostats help monitor the temperature in the room. Moreover, the simplest and most popular option among consumers is an outlet one.
A socket thermostat, also known as a thermostat, installed in a socket. This is a device that allows you to achieve the optimal temperature in your home/apartment/office. By using temperature sensor it controls the temperature in a specific room, focusing on indicators specified by the user.
One of the significant advantages of using rosette thermostats is that you do not need to invite a specialist to install them. Any person who encounters the device for the first time can cope with the installation.
A socket thermostat looks like an adapter socket or cover plate. On the back side it has a plug for connecting to the network, and on the front side there is a socket into which you will insert the plug of a household heater.
Many models of thermostats can be used not only to control the operation of heating devices, but also for air conditioners, lamps, electric kettles and other equipment powered by electricity. Depending on the type of device, its capabilities differ and, accordingly, the number of settings that can be made.
Features of the socket thermostat
To get started, you will need to insert the thermostat into a regular outlet, which will be used to turn on a household heater. Its operation does not depend on the type of heating device, brand and manufacturer. Only one thing is important - that the heater power does not exceed the permissible power value for which the thermostat is designed.
Next, you need to set the desired temperature settings for a specific room. Insert the heater plug into the thermostat connector. That’s it – the heater will start heating the room until the temperature in it reaches the upper limit of the temperature range set by the owner.
The principle of operation of a socket thermostat is that a special sensor collects information about the temperature around it. If it reaches the lower limit set by the user, then the reacting mechanism is activated - a relay or a bimetallic plate and the circuit is closed.
Accordingly, a heating device connected through a thermostat gains access to electricity and begins to work for heating. When the room has warmed up and its temperature has reached the upper limit of the range set by the owner, the sensor records this.
The response mechanism receives information and closes access to the power grid. If the device is equipped with a bimetallic plate, then when it heats up, it opens the circuit itself, and the supply of electricity to the heater stops.
Underfloor heating temperature regulators work in a similar way. Read more about such devices Here.
And here heating radiator thermostats operate on a different principle. Such thermal heads are installed directly on the heating device.
Video description of the purpose and operation of the Enaut socket thermostat:
Types of thermostats for heaters
The market is replete with offers for the purchase of thermostats. Manufacturers offer such a wide variety of models that it’s easy to get lost among them. All devices differ in appearance, color, material used for production, functions performed, type of settings, and cost.
Depending on the type of installation, thermostats are divided into two types:
- stationary — the device is installed in the wall, connecting to the wiring;
- portable or plug-in - can be freely carried and used in any room.
A thermostat installed in an outlet is in great demand among buyers. The ease of connection, setup and use wins over many potential clients.
After all, by connecting the heater through a thermostat socket and setting the operating mode for a week, you can safely go on a business trip. All plants will be in comfortable conditions, and the electricity bill will not scare you.
Based on the type of location of temperature sensors, thermostats are divided into:
- models with a remote sensor;
- thermostats with built-in sensor.
The remote sensor is usually located at the end of the cable attached to the regulator itself. The length of the wire can be very different - both short and quite impressive.Most often, there are models with a long cable from 1.5 m to 3 m and a short one - from 10 cm to 20 cm.
Based on their design features, there are the following types of thermostats:
- mechanical;
- electronic;
- GSM controlled;
- Wi-Fi adjustable.
Mechanical models
Such thermostats are considered the simplest and most affordable. The main reacting element in them is a bimetallic plate. Adjustment and settings of the device occur using a lever or a rotary wheel.
The main difficulty lies in installation - mechanical models are installed in the wall and connected to the power cable. Because of this feature, many potential clients who do not have experience in installing electrical equipment and the corresponding tools refuse mechanical models.
Electronic thermostats
They work thanks to the presence of an electronic circuit. It consists of a sensor, an output relay, overhead/touch control buttons, sometimes a rotary wheel, a microprocessor that processes input commands and issues signals, a thermometer (resistive sensor) that measures temperature.
This type of controller has a monitor that displays the set temperature values. Electronic thermostats require 24 V for power supply.
Among them there are programmable models in which you can configure different operating modes - for day, night, weekend, work, week. Such electronic thermostats can operate from a built-in, remote, or two temperature sensors together.
An increase in temperature reduces the resistance of the sensor; at a certain moment, when the critical set temperature is reached, the thermostat is activated and opens the circuit - the heater is turned off. And vice versa.
GSM controlled controllers
The devices allow you to send commands from anywhere in the city. The main thing is that there is mobile communication at the place where the outlet thermostat is installed and at the location of its owner. For their operation, a mobile operator SIM card is required, which is installed in a special connector on the controller.
Most often, many GSM-controlled devices have very extensive capabilities that allow you to control not only the air temperature in the house, but also the inclusion of a boiler, coffee maker, electric kettle or other appliances. The main disadvantage of these models is the cost, which can reach quite high limits.
Portable GSM control devices are installed into regular sockets, having previously topped up the account and activated a new SIM card.
Demonstration of the operation of a smart device - a GSM plug-in thermostat:
Wi-Fi adjustable thermostats
Expensive and multifunctional socket thermostats.Many of them can be controlled using SMS messages and calls, as well as using the Internet. A prerequisite is the presence of a Wi-Fi connection in the house.
Nuances of choosing a thermostat
Having decided to purchase a plug-in thermostat to control the operation of a household heater, you will need to select the right model. After all, it is important that the purchase fully satisfies all the requirements and wishes of the buyer.
The market for plug-in thermostats is replete with a variety of models. When faced with the need for this kind of purchase for the first time, you must first decide what criteria the device must meet. The cost will directly depend on the requirements placed on it.
FirstlyWhen choosing a controller for your heating device, you need to pay attention to models that control the air temperature. After all, there are devices that monitor the temperature in the heater itself. This option will not allow you to achieve the most comfortable conditions in the desired room.
Secondly, you should consider the power of your heater. It should not exceed the maximum permissible load on the thermostat. Manufacturers most often produce models that can withstand loads of 2 kW, 3 kW, 3.5 kW.
It is optimal if the needs of heating devices are 30% less than indicated in the technical data of the controller.
Third, the purpose of the room where the outlet thermostat is to be installed is important.Each device model has individual technical characteristics, including a range of adjustable temperatures.
Possible temperature gradation values:
- -5°С to +45°С;
- 0°С to +100°С;
- -15°С to +30°С;
- and other options.
Depending on the purpose of the room, you should select a thermostat with the appropriate temperature range.
Fourth, you need to decide what other functions the purchased device should have. If he only has to control the operation of a household heater, turning it on and off if necessary, then these will be cheaper models.
In the case where a thermostat option is required that can receive commands via the Internet and send a report on their execution, we will talk about a completely different price level. These smart devices, in addition to programmable temperature settings for each day of the week, are capable of controlling other equipment in the house.
It is advisable to use models with such capabilities only to control the operation of heating devices in a country house. A couple of hours before arrival, you can send a command from your phone or via the Internet to heat the premises to +19°C.
For the rest of the time, when no one uses the dacha, you can set the air heating in the rooms to +7°C. This temperature will help maintain comfortable conditions for furniture and plants while saving energy.
FifthlyWhen choosing the optimal controller model, you will notice that devices from Western manufacturers are slightly more expensive than their domestic counterparts, although the quality of many inexpensive devices is at a high level.
Most often, plug-in thermostats are purchased from manufacturers such as Sardo (China), Deegre, Devolt, Terneo, Tessla, Digitop, Enaut, Hager EK051 (France), Socket and others.
At sixth, don't forget about degree of protection of the device (IP). In most cases it is IP20. Such models are strictly prohibited from being used in bathrooms and other rooms with high levels of humidity. For safety reasons, for such rooms you should choose models with a degree of protection of IP44 and higher.
An additional criterion for choosing a thermostat is the color and shape, which will allow it to fit harmoniously into the existing interior of the room. As for size, all proposals are compact. There are also models that have a child safety lock.
Correct installation of the thermostat in the outlet
In order for the purchased controller to perform its assigned duties well, it must be installed correctly, taking into account the characteristics of a particular room. It is also important to set the desired temperature regime, and then he will be able to control the operation of household heaters, making it as efficient as possible.
To ensure that the thermostat sensor correctly perceives the temperature conditions of the room, it is advisable to install it at a height of 1.2 - 1.5 m from the floor level.It is very good if the desired room has an outlet located at this level.
Otherwise, you can use a plug-in thermostat with a remote sensor on a long cable - 1.5-2 m. Such a sensor can be placed in a place convenient for measuring the average air temperature in the room.
You should not place the sensor above or next to a heating radiator, near a window or on a windowsill - this will prevent you from obtaining correct temperature data.
The device should only be installed in working socket. Household heaters connected via a thermostat must be in good working order. It is important that their power matches the load that a particular controller model can withstand.
Having plugged the thermostat into the outlet, you need to make settings according to which it will turn the household heater on and off. Depending on the model purchased, the settings themselves and their number may differ significantly.
Each device is supplied with detailed instructions. It well describes the process of making settings in the device’s memory, its technical characteristics, possible operating modes, as well as rules for safe operation.
Conclusions and useful video on the topic
Types of thermostats and their comparison:
By choosing the optimal thermostat model and correctly installing it in the outlet, you can make your life much more comfortable.
Now, in order to maintain the desired temperature in your home/office, you don’t have to constantly pay attention to the heater, turning it on and off.The thermostat itself will control this process, taking into account the settings set by the user, which will help to save energy.
Are you looking for a practical and convenient plug-in thermostat? Or do you have experience using such devices? Please leave comments on the article and share your impressions about using thermostats for heaters.
If you are going to buy such a thermostat, then you must definitely buy products from a normal company and of normal quality. To be honest, I am somewhat alarmed by such devices that will independently supply voltage to the device or turn it off. It’s better to immediately buy a heater with a built-in temperature controller. At least there will be one less additional device.
Igor, the problem with built-in regulators is this. that they are located directly on the device. Accordingly, they cannot properly monitor the room temperature.
Of course, the thing is convenient and all that. But, as mentioned above, it does not inspire confidence, especially in this regard: “Models controlled from a phone and computer can be left unattended.” It seems to me impossible for something like this to exist in principle; this is a device that itself supplies the required voltage! What if something goes wrong? There is not a single device that works without interruption and is absolutely perfect, in my opinion.
Maybe someone has already purchased this device? I would like to read real reviews.
Anastasia, you apparently have a poor understanding of the concepts of “operating devices” and “devices under continuous load.”So, there are electrical appliances that always work. From year to year, day and night. But these sockets are simply a bridge between the equipment and the voltage source. That's all! And also, Anastasia, a huge number of computers ALWAYS work. Among them are those that now allow you to write reviews on sites.
Such “socket-in-socket” thermostats have one big disadvantage - an additional contact pair - extra. resistance, contact heating.
For low-power heaters and heated towel rails, there is a rather elegant solution - a plug with a built-in electronic thermostat EF16P and EF16T.
Advantages - compact, several heating modes, controlled by 1 button, a triac is used instead of a relay, electrolytic capacitors are not used (which are extremely unreliable at high temperatures), lead-free solder.