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What You Need to Know About an Electric Heater Electric heaters are a great option to provide a quick burst of warmth whenever you need it. They are typically rated for a certain size of room and include features such as thermostats, overheat switches and timers. An electric heater converts electrical energy into joule heating. The heating element uses the nichrome wire that is supported by ceramic insulators. Resistor The resistor is an electrical component that blocks the flow of current in circuits by reducing its voltage and absorbing some of it as heat. It transforms electrical energy into heat, wasting just one watt. This is a typical method used in electric light bulbs and heating elements. The thickness, material and other characteristics of the resistor determine its resistance. It is important to keep in mind that the higher the resistance's resistance, the greater energy it can dissipate. This is because higher currents lead to more electrons in the resistor and more electrons lead to more collisions between them. The greater the temperature, the more collisions take place. Resistors have a maximum power level they can safely discharge. This usually ranges between 1/8W (0.125W), and 1W. Resistors with a higher power rating can be identified by their larger packaging. The maximum power rating of a resistor could be determined from the packaging it comes in, or by comparing its physical dimensions against other resistors with a known power rating. Electric heaters are a special type of power resistor made to convert electricity into heat. They can generate convective or radiant heating by emitting infrared rays. They are typically used with fans to improve the efficiency of heating. If the maximum power rating of an resistor is exceeded it will heat up. This could cause damage to nearby components. In extreme cases the resistor can reach a point where it self-ignites, causing the fire to spread. To avoid this from happening, a limiting resistance is recommended to be placed in the circuit. The color of the heater resistor is a code that indicates their worth as well as other information such a manufacturing accuracy and temperature coefficient. For instance, a 6-banded resistor has the first five bands that reveal its digits, and the sixth band will tell you its multiplier and tolerance. There are a variety of online calculators you can use to calculate the value for your own resistor. Coil Electric heating coils are at the heart of any electrically powered device which makes use of heat to heat objects or liquids. They convert electricity into heat through a process known as conduction, and they can be made into a variety of shapes based on the purpose for which they are used. Electric heating coils are capable of producing a substantial amount of heat in a short period of time, making them suitable for applications that require fast temperature fluctuations or high levels of thermal efficiency. The heart of an electrical heating coil is a tightly twisted structure of wires made of metal. This tightly packed structure allows for the maximum number wires to be able to fit in an area of a smaller size, thus increasing conductivity. The coil can be protected in a variety ways, based on the use. For instance, the insulation of an electric heater used for liquid immersion could be made of a non-flammable material such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polyester or polyimide, while a coil used for cryogenic applications is usually lined with molybdenum disilicide. In addition to providing protection against the elements, these materials also provide resistance to corrosion and oxidation making them suitable for a wide range of industrial applications. Stainless steel is the most common element for a heater coil, but nickel-chrome and iron-chromium-aluminum alloys are also commonly used. These alloys are a great combination of cost, corrosion resistance, and resistance to oxidation. Metals used in heating elements are exposed to extreme temperatures and environment that is corrosive. They must be protected. This protection includes coatings and sealants, improved drainage and ventilation, regular maintenance and inspections. Moisture intrusion is another major issue that needs to be dealt with since it can harm the internal components of a heater and reduce its life expectancy. Coils can also be used in other devices, such as ovens or furnaces, as well water tanks. They can be shaped in various shapes based on the purpose and are often printed onto substrates such as aluminum 6061-T6, mica sheets (muscovite, phlogopite, or muscovite) or conductive plastic. They can be coated with various materials including silver, nickel and gold, to enhance their appearance. Thermostat It's likely that you don't think about it too much however, your thermostat is an essential element of your home's comfort system. The primary function of a thermostat is to turn the heater on and off so that it maintains your preferred temperature setting. It can also adjust the temperature based on your daily routine, which is a big benefit for those who have unpredictable schedules. The most commonly used type of thermostat is the electronic, digital type which you can program with a smartphone app or computer interface. Some of the latest models include a learning function that automatically adapts to your specific lifestyle, so you'll never have to worry about when you should be home for dinner. In the older thermostats that did not have digital technology, the electrical circuit was controlled by a bi-metal coil, or metal strip that would expand or contract depending on the temperature. As the strip expanded or contracted, it activated a mercury switch to tip, which activated the relay that started the heating system. As the strip cooled down it bent backwards and then snapped back to its initial position. This turned off the heating. Modern electronic thermostats have replaced electromechanical thermostats with a more precise technology that uses a temperature sensor and small relay to do the same task. However, electric heaters 's still possible to comprehend the workings of an electromechanical thermostat by looking at its components. A thermometer coil with mercury in it is among the most crucial components. When you move the thermostat lever up or down, the coil rotates and tilts the mercury switch in one direction or another. If the mercury switch is tipped to the left, it will activate a relay and switch on the heater. But as the room heats up the mercury switches to right and breaks the circuit, so that the heater turns off. When the room cools, the mercury reverts to its original position, and the heater comes back on. If you continue to alter the temperature of your electric thermostat, it may have to work overtime in order to keep up with the changes. This could cause it to use more energy than it needs to. Timer A wall heater timer is an efficient device that allows you to schedule your heating and lighting. It has a built in clock that automatically turns on and off your lights or heaters according to the time you set. You can also save on your daily energy costs by avoiding excessive usage. These devices are typically employed in homes, however they are also located in commercial and industrial locations. They offer energy efficiency, convenience, and security by regulating when electric circuits are turned on and off. They can be connected to appliances such as water pumps, lights and ovens. They are an excellent choice for those who want to manage their electrical appliances without the need for a complex programmer or a computer. Connecting a timer switch to an extension cord or outlet lets you set the timer. Then, plug in the appliance you wish to control. Depending on the model, you can also plug in several devices at once. Some models have a socket at the center of the timer, while others have an outlet on the side or below it. You can select from several plug-in switches for instance, those that can be controlled by smartphones or tablet. Most mechanical timers come with a dial with hour and half-hour markers. They also have small teeth that you can pull outward to set the “ON” time, and push inward to set the “OFF” time. There are models that have multiple sets. This allows you to set the time for different days. It's important to remember that mechanical timers do not always work as expected, particularly when the internal clock is slightly off. Examine the wiring and ensure that all pins are properly pressed into the timer. If you can't solve the issue, it's recommended that you contact an expert. You can also replace the timer by a new one. It's also a good idea to keep the timer in a safe location, where it won't be easily disturbed by children or pets.