The gas water heater is the "heart" of the water heating system of a private house or apartment. Maintenance of this type of technique requires certain knowledge and skills, right? You do not know what batteries are needed for a gas water heater and how to replace them correctly?
We will help you deal with these issues - in the article we will consider the types of batteries used for the column, and detailed instructions for replacing. We will also analyze for what reasons they become unusable, and how to choose new ones correctly. The publication is provided with visual photos and videos, which will solve a number of operational problems associated with the use, selection and replacement of power supplies.
The content of the article:
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Features of batteries for the column and the nuances of choice
- What kind of batteries are used in the speakers?
- The subtleties of choosing power supplies
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Why do batteries lose power quickly?
- Reason # 1 - excessive humidity in the room
- Reason # 2 - incorrect operation of the ionization sensor
- Reason # 3 - displacement of the ignition electrode
- Reason # 4 - faulty control unit
- Instructions for replacing old batteries
- Using a power adapter instead of batteries
- Can I turn on the speaker without batteries?
- Conclusions and useful video on the topic
Features of batteries for the column and the nuances of choice
The work of modern speaker models is tied to electricity. Nutrition thanks to produced spark, provides ignition of the flame necessary for heating the water, and also ensures the functioning of the display, which shows the current temperature and other information.
It is noteworthy that the ignition in the very first gas water heaters was carried out manually by a rather dangerous method - with the help of matches. Subsequent modifications of water heaters were equipped with more ergonomic operation piezoelectric element, batteries or hydrogenerator. There are also models of columns with ignition from the network.
Now the most in demand are columns with ignition from batteries. Analog models with a hydrogenerator replacing batteries are in much less demand. We have provided a rating of the best gas water heaters popular among buyers in this article.
The principle of operation of the hydrogenerator is quite simple: the flow of water turns the blades, due to which an electrical impulse is produced.
Significant disadvantages of columns with a hydrogenerator:
- the cost of such equipment exceeds the price of battery-powered speakers;
- the mechanism and the blades of the generator are extremely sensitive and often suffer from poor water quality, therefore they require regular cleaning;
- the pressure in the water supply may not be sufficient to generate a strong spark.
Firing up a battery-powered gas water heater is quite simple. So, in column with pilot the process goes like this: a small amount of gas is supplied to the igniter, and then, with the help of an electric pulse 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.
Have columns with direct ignition gas is immediately fed to the burner, which is ignited by an electrical impulse generated by the batteries.
The discharge of the batteries is fraught with malfunctions in the heating equipment. Insufficient charge level provokes prolonged activation or complete cessation of functioning
The need to replace the batteries in the gas water heater may be indicated by a popular "symptom" of incorrect the operation of the equipment: the water heater starts up idle several times in a row, issuing characteristic ignition sounds. Some models are equipped with a battery wear indicator.
What kind of batteries are used in the speakers?
For the full operation of the geyser, power supplies with a total voltage of 3 volts are required. Therefore, the batteries for the water heater stand out against the background of the more familiar finger and mini-finger modifications. These are thicker "kegs" class D, issuing a voltage of 1.5 V each.
In fact, there are 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 their 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 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
Nickel-metal is best suited for gas water heatershydride battery versions - NiMH D / HR20. 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.
The subtleties of choosing 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;
- 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 batteries lose power quickly?
If high-quality and expensive batteries or accumulators quickly lose charge, it's time to diagnose the gas water heater. There are a number of common reasons why batteries are suddenly thrown into the trash instead of lasting as long as they should. The following factors contribute to rapid wear.
Reason # 1 - excessive humidity in the room
Moisture and vapors gradually accumulate on the parts of the gas water heater. Oxidation processes are triggered, which leads to contact corrosion.
The main sign of such damage is strong heating of batteries in progress.
The photo shows the batteries for the column. They oxidized and began to rust. If oxidation has already damaged the contacts, they must 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 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 release energy over and over again to ignite. Therefore, it is worth checking the converter and correcting its position.
More information about the flame sensor, its features and varieties, as well as other important sensors of gas equipment, we have provided 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 up and gas enters, the spark should be generated in a fraction of a second.
However, the igniter electrode can also deviate from its intended location in the structure. If the 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 approx. 5 mm
Reason # 4 - faulty control unit
An electronic module that is powered by batteries can also cause a fast battery discharge problem. Due to minor faults, the unit often spends more energy on its work.
Therefore, it is worth inspecting the control unit for visual defects and burns after first disconnecting the wires leading to it
Some of the diagnostic measures can be carried out independently by shutting off the gas and water supply.
But it is important to remember that a gas water heater is a serious and rather dangerous piece of equipment. That's why repair and preventive inspection it is better to entrust technicians to a professional master. If there is a guarantee, it is not worth opening the case at all, as this can deprive the water heater of free maintenance.
Instructions for replacing old batteries
If you do not know how to properly change the batteries in the gas water heater so as not to damage anything, we recommend that you carefully read our instructions - further we will describe in detail the process of replacing the batteries so that none of the users have any difficulties with performing this tasks.
The batteries are easily accessible, 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 closed with retainers, batteries are often installed vertically. The batteries are held in place by a special latch, so that when the box is opened, they do not fall out of the box.
Depending on the design features of the speaker, the batteries can be placed vertically as well as horizontally, for example, in the Neva speaker model
Replacing worn-out batteries in a gas water heater takes place in several successive stages:
- It is necessary to turn off the gas and water supply to the column.
- Carefully open the battery compartment by pushing down on its side or bending down the retaining latches.
- Remove old batteries.
- Install new batteries observing polarity.
- Put the box back in place (or close the lid). Correct installation is characterized by a characteristic click.
- Resume water- and gas supply.
It remains to conduct a test run to make sure that the equipment is working correctly.
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 the 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;
- like "tuning»May revoke 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 working 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 execute nreconnection, you need to complete 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 multimeter: A positive reading in voltage mode indicates that the polarity of the wires is correct.
- 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 to the structure stabilizer. The device will keep the column from voltage surges.
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.
Conclusions and useful video on the topic
Recommendations for replacing batteries in a gas water heater in the following video:
Detailed instructions for self-connecting the power supply to the speaker 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 to be careful even when carrying out elementary work such as replacing batteries in a gas water heater.
Remember that any manipulations can only be carried out with the water and gas supply shut off. And it is better to entrust serious work on the repair or modification of equipment to a competent master..
Would you like to share your own experience of choosing and replacing batteries? Or do you still have unanswered questions that we have not touched upon in this publication? Ask our experts and other site visitors - the feedback form is located below.
