What is a convector

This is a device for heating a residential, office or industrial premises, the main principle of which is convection or, in other words, the circulation of air flows. Its use is relevant in the off-season, when the heating season has not yet begun, and weather conditions make living in the apartment not very comfortable due to low temperatures and high humidity. There are two varieties: gas and electric. If the first option is more problematic in operation, then the second is quite popular in use.

Principle of operation

From the physics lessons at school, everyone knows that warm air is lighter and rises, while cold air is heavier and therefore much lower. The main principle of convector operation is considered to be air circulation, that is, it takes in cold air, with the help of a special heating element raises its temperature to a certain point, and then this air stream rushes up. After a certain time, it cools and falls down, the convector again makes a fence and so it goes in a circle. This type of convection is called natural.

External characteristics

Externally, the convector is a rectangular box made of stainless material. It is mostly white, but sometimes other colors can be found. At the top of the device and at the bottom there are holes, they are necessary for the intake and release of air flows. The heating element also occupies a lower position. Its shape is universal and allows you to install it both on the walls and on the floor, it does not take a lot of space.

Types of heating elements

The needle type is a plate of material that is a rather poor conductor of electric current (dielectric). A thread representing the shape of a loop is attached to the dielectric base. A characteristic feature of a needle heating element is its ability to quickly heat and cool.

Reference! A convector with this type of heating is not recommended for operation in rooms with high humidity, because the heating thread is very poorly protected from moisture.

A tubular is a tube into which a nichrome thread is placed. The free space around the thread is filled with material that acts as insulation. In this case, the heat exchange element enters aluminum ribs, which are attached to the tube. Work with this type of heating is characterized by increased noise.
Monolithic is a solid aluminum case with ribs, inside of which there is a heating thread filled with dielectric components. The main advantage of this heating is its noiselessness and durability.

Security questions

The operation of the convector, as well as other appliances powered by the mains, provides for certain safety measures.

Obvious risks, misuse

For the long-term and safe operation of such a heater, a number of conditions must be observed.

1. The convector must not be used to dry wet laundry. This means that the hung items close the upper holes, which prevents the release of warm air. Due to a violation of this rule, heating the room will not be effective, and in the worst cases, it can damage the device.
2. Not all convectors can be placed in rooms with high humidity. Before installation, it is necessary to consult about the class of electrical protection of the device, it must be an IP class.
3. Do not turn the case upside down. The grill for the exit of heated air should be located strictly at the top of the housing.
4. Do not cover the grilles with furniture, this again will lead to a malfunction of the heater.

Important! Convector operation can be carried out without supervision!

Remote control

In modern conditions, it is possible to remotely control the convector. Such management is more relevant for private or country houses, where several heating partitions are installed at once. The principle of this control is that you can set the temperature, the intensity of air movement, turn the device on and off without being at home. To do this, you need to purchase a special design, if there is a need to synchronize the operation of several convectors, install the desired program on your cell phone. You can control by means of WI-f and SMS messages.

Obvious advantages of the convector

1. Space heating is very fast.
2. Relative noiselessness (depends on the selected heating element).
3. Low cost.
4. The highest efficiency - 95%
5. Does not take up much space.
6. The convector case practically does not heat up, which makes its use in a room where children are absolutely safe.
7. One of the few heating appliances that do not burn oxygen.