What batteries are needed for a gas water heater: how to select and replace batteries in the power supply

The geyser is the “heart” of the water heating system of a private house or apartment.Maintaining this type of equipment requires certain knowledge and skills, right? You don’t know what batteries are needed for a gas water heater and how to replace them correctly?

We will help you sort out these issues - in the article we will look at the types of batteries used for the speaker and detailed instructions for replacement. We will also look at the reasons why they become unusable and how to choose new ones correctly. The publication is equipped with visual photos and videos, which will help solve a number of operational problems associated with the use, selection and replacement of power supplies.

Features of batteries for the speaker and nuances of choice

Modern speaker models rely on electricity to operate. Food, thanks produced spark, ensures the ignition of the flame necessary to heat the water, and also guarantees the functioning of the display, which displays the current temperature and other information.

It is noteworthy that ignition in the very first gas water heaters was carried out manually using a rather dangerous method - using matches. Subsequent modifications of water heaters were equipped with more ergonomic operation piezoelectric element, batteries or hydrogenerator. There are also models of speakers with ignition from the network.

Nowadays, speakers with battery-powered ignition are in greatest demand. Analogue models with a hydrogenerator that replaces batteries are in much less demand. We have given the rating of the best geysers popular among buyers in this article.

The principle of operation of the hydrogenerator is quite simple: the flow of water rotates the blades, due to which an electrical impulse is produced

Significant disadvantages of columns with a hydrogen generator:

• the cost of such equipment exceeds the price of battery-powered speakers;
• the generator mechanism and blades are extremely sensitive and often suffer from poor water quality, and therefore require regular cleaning;
• The pressure in the water supply may not be sufficient to generate a strong spark.

Ignition of a battery-powered gas water heater is quite simple. So, in column with igniter The process goes like this: a small amount of gas is supplied to the igniter, and then, using an electrical impulse generated by the batteries, it is ignited. The ionization sensor detects the presence of a flame and only after that gas is supplied to the main burner, where smooth ignition is carried out from the igniter.

U direct fired speakers the gas is immediately supplied to the burner, which is ignited by an electrical impulse created by the batteries.

Discharged batteries can lead to malfunctions in the heating equipment. Insufficient charge level provokes prolonged switching on or complete cessation of operation.

The need to replace the batteries in a geyser can be indicated by a popular “symptom” of incorrect operation of the equipment: the water heater starts idle several times in a row, making sounds characteristic of ignition. Some models are equipped with an indicator that indicates battery wear.

What batteries are used in the speakers?

For full operation, the gas water heater requires power sources with a total voltage of 3 volts. Therefore, batteries for a water heater stand out from the more familiar finger-type and minifinger modifications. These are thicker “barrels” class D, producing a voltage of 1.5 V each.

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.

D-R20 salt batteries are confidently losing ground, which is more of a plus than a minus. Cheaper power supplies are notorious for extremely fast discharge rates. Therefore, even the low attractive price does not make the purchase of the D-R20 worthwhile.

Alkaline alkaline D-LR20 batteries are more expensive, but do not require as frequent replacement, working properly for up to six months. A salt power source will last a couple of weeks at best.

To save as much money as possible on routine battery replacements, you should purchase rechargeable batteries. Used batteries and accumulators should not be disposed of 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 power sources of other categories

Nickel metal is best suited for geysershydride battery versions – NiMH D/HR20. However, before installation, you should make sure that the voltage in each battery is 1.5 V.

If operating standards are observed, such batteries will last 5-6 years, gradually losing their capacity. But it is worth remembering that you will have to buy a battery charger separately.

Subtleties of choosing power supplies

The safest option to avoid making a mistake in choosing a product is to go to a 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 purchasing it. However, this approach may not protect you from purchasing low-quality units.

Additionally, you should pay attention to the following nuances:

• compliance with the expiration date;
• packaging integrity;
• absence of abrasions and mechanical damage on the case;
• correct shape of the power source.

The abundance of counterfeits on the market and storage of products in inappropriate conditions without maintaining the correct temperature conditions significantly affect the service life of batteries and accumulators.

Power supplies purchased at the nearest crossing are unlikely to be certified and reliable products. 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 batteries lose their charge quickly?

If high-quality and expensive batteries or accumulators quickly lose their charge, it’s time to diagnose the geyser.There are a number of common reasons why batteries are suddenly thrown into the trash instead of working as expected. The following factors contribute to rapid wear and tear.

Reason #1 - excessive humidity in the room

Moisture and evaporation gradually settle on the parts of the gas water heater. Oxidative processes are started, which leads to corrosion of the contacts.

The main sign of such damage is Batteries get very hot in progress.

The photo shows batteries for the speaker. They oxidized and began to rust. If oxidation has already damaged the contacts, they need to be carefully cleaned

To prevent such a situation (oxidation of contacts), it is necessary to carefully consider the ventilation system in the room and regularly ventilate the room.

Reason #2 - incorrect operation of the ionization sensor

This sensor is responsible for the flame produced in the burner. If the sensor is physically moved to the side, it “does not see” the flame and gives a signal, and the solenoid valve stops the gas supply. Batteries need to supply energy over and over again to ignite. Therefore, it is worth checking the converter and correcting its position.

We have provided more information about the flame sensor, its features and types, as well as other important gas equipment sensors in next publication.

The sensor is also prone to contamination, because soot can settle on it. Cleansing will restore his sensitivity

Reason #3 - displacement of the ignition electrode

When the system starts and gas flows, a spark should be generated in a fraction of a second.

However, the ignition electrode may also deviate from its predetermined location in the structure.If ignition takes a relatively long time, it is worth moving the electrode closer to the burner.

The gap between the burner and the ignition electrode should be approximately 5 mm

Reason #4 - faulty control unit

An electronic module that is powered by batteries can also cause the problem of rapid battery discharge. Due to minor faults, the unit often spends more energy on its operation.

Therefore, it is worth inspecting the control unit for visual defects and burns after first disconnecting the wires leading to it

Some diagnostic measures can be carried out independently by turning off the gas and water supply.

But it is important to remember that a gas water heater is serious and quite dangerous equipment. That's why repair and preventive inspection It is better to entrust the technique to a professional master. If there is a warranty, you should not open the case at all, as this may deprive the water heater of free service.

Instructions for replacing old batteries

If you do not know how to correctly change the batteries in a gas water heater so as not to damage anything, we recommend that you carefully read our instructions - then we will describe in detail the process of replacing batteries so that none of the users have any difficulties in performing this task.

The batteries are located in an easily accessible place, often at the bottom of the case, and can be easily removed.

Actually special compartment for batteries can have two types of configuration:

• retractable;
• on latches.

Retractable the boxes are opened by pressing on their wall.

In compartments that can be closed with clamps, batteries are often installed vertically.The batteries are held in place with a special latch, so they do not fall out of the box when opening the box.

Depending on the design features of the speaker, the batteries can be positioned vertically or horizontally, for example, in the “Neva” speaker model.

Replacing worn-out batteries in a gas water heater takes place in several successive stages:

1. It is necessary to turn off the gas and water supply to the column.
2. Carefully open the battery compartment by pressing on its side or bending the locking latches.
3. Remove old batteries.
4. Install new batteries, observing polarity.
5. Return the box to its place (or close the lid). Correct installation is characterized by a characteristic click.
6. Resume water- And gas supply.

All that remains is to conduct a test run to ensure that the equipment operates correctly.

Using a power supply instead of batteries

In order to significantly save money on replacing batteries and not spend money on buying expensive batteries, you can upgrade the gas water heater yourself. After installing the adapter for a household gas water heater, instead of batteries, the ignition will carry current from the network.

But this procedure has two disadvantages:

• in case of power failures, there will be no hot water;
• similar "tuning» may deprive the right to free warranty service of the water heater.

If the owner does not have experience in connecting the power supply 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 a little clumsy

To remake the column yourself, you will need an adapter that matches the parameters of the water heater. Since the batteries produce a total voltage of 3 V, you need a unit with a similar output voltage. The operating voltage in the network is 220 V, the adapter must have a similar input.

The labeling of a suitable device will contain the following symbols − 220V/3V/500 mA. Additionally, you need to buy female-male connectors.

To perform preconnection, you need to complete a number of steps:

1. Gain access to 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.
2. Cut off the plug from the purchased power supply, separate its wires and carefully solder them to the purchased connectors, observing the polarity. To determine the polarity, you can use multimeter: positive readings of the device in voltage measurement mode indicate that the polarity of the wires matches.
3. Connect the prepared wires to the column.
4. Plug in the adapter and perform a test run of the instantaneous water heater.

If the connection is made correctly, the geyser will work properly, maintaining the required water temperature. After a test run, you can hide the wires in the housing.

To avoid malfunctions due to current fluctuations in the network, it is appropriate to add to the design stabilizer. The device will protect the column from voltage surges.

Is it possible to turn on the speaker without batteries?

I would like to answer this sensitive question in the negative, but, alas, in some models it is quite possible to carry out ignition yourself. The method is banal 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 a fireplace match to the burner in the column. The flame from the match will ignite the gas, the column will begin its work.

It is important that the ventilation system in the room with gas equipment is properly equipped, and the ventilation ducts should be regularly checked for draft

It is worth remembering that such treatment of the speaker can result in an explosion. Jokes with blue fuel often lead to death. Therefore, it is much safer to go to the nearest trusted store to buy batteries.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Recommendations for replacing batteries in a gas water heater in the following video:

Detailed instructions for connecting the power supply to the speaker yourself are given in the following video:

The operation of any gas equipment is associated with certain risks. Therefore, it is important not only to follow the rules safe operation, but also be careful even when carrying out basic work such as replacing batteries in a gas water heater.

Remember that any manipulations can only be carried out when the water and gas supply is shut off. It is better to entrust serious work on repairs or modifications to equipment to a competent technician..

Would you like to share your own experience of choosing and replacing batteries? Or do you still have unanswered questions that we did not address in this publication? Ask them to our experts and other site visitors - the feedback form is located below.