One workable option for effective home heating in a private residence is to install an electric boiler. This kind of system runs quietly, needs little maintenance, and distributes heat evenly throughout your house. Knowing the fundamentals of installing an electric boiler is crucial, regardless of whether you’re installing one for the first time or replacing an outdated heating system. We’ll go over the important actions and things to think about in this section to help you get started on this project.
When preparing to install an electric boiler, one of the first things to think about is the boiler’s size. Selecting a boiler that meets your home’s heating needs is essential. Too big or too small of a system can result in inefficiency and higher energy expenses. In order to guarantee that the boiler runs effectively and can be easily maintained, its location should also be carefully considered.
The planning that goes into an installation is another crucial factor. This entails being aware of your home’s layout, your existing heating system, and any necessary modifications to make room for the new boiler. Because electric boilers need a consistent power source, electrical requirements are also important. A successful installation of the new boiler depends on your electrical system’s capacity.
Finally, it’s usually advisable to hire a professional even though an informed homeowner can install an electric boiler themselves. Experts can guarantee that the installation complies with all safety guidelines and standards. In addition, they can offer insightful advice and recommendations tailored to your unique heating requirements and house design, guaranteeing that the boiler runs as efficiently as possible.
For a private home, installing an electric boiler is a sensible option for controlled and effective heating. In order to meet the house’s heating needs, this process entails choosing the proper boiler type and size and making sure it works with the electrical system of the house. In order to comply with local codes and safety regulations, installation should only be done by qualified electricians. If you want your boiler to operate as efficiently as possible, you should also take your home’s insulation into account. Ultimately, regular maintenance is essential to maintaining the efficiency of the electric boiler and extending its lifespan, which makes it an affordable option for home heating.
- Electric boiler for heating: how to install in a private house
- Varieties
- Requirements for power supply
- How to avoid freezing and boiling of the coolant
- Water heating safety
- Connection to the water supply of boiler equipment
- How to install an electric boiler
- Installation and connection of electric boiler in a private house
- Tools and materials
- Installation rules
- Safety rules
- Video by topic
- Heating on electric boiler ZOTA in 5 minutes
Electric boiler for heating: how to install in a private house
Varieties
Electric heat generator circuit diagrams and design methodologies lead to a broad range of capacities for these kinds of boilers.
Thermal converters are categorized as follows in addition to being split into single-phase devices and three-phase units based on the type of power supply network:
- Thane. Heating of the circulating coolant is carried out through the interaction of the liquid with thermoelectric heating elements in the chamber of the device.
- Electrode . Resistance of electrolyte (salt solution) when passing through it alternating current is accompanied by the release of heat energy, which is transferred to heating radiators (warm floors).
- Induction . The heat is extracted from a kind of transformer with primary and secondary (short-circuited) winding.
Requirements for power supply
Electric boilers for residential use have rated outputs between 1.5 and 36 kW.
A dedicated line is needed to connect the converter to such a high-demand load on the power grid.
Direct supply cables are installed from the metering device (electric meter) to it. Use circuit breakers to turn off the generator in an emergency or on a scheduled basis. In the event of a short circuit, they operate similarly to a fuse.
Up to 9 kW of power, inclusive, can be connected to a single-phase network; equipment that operates on three phases can be selected to provide more power.
Note: The boiler must be connected to the electrical grid via a grounding connection.
How to avoid freezing and boiling of the coolant
Boiling the liquid is a risk when using electric heat sources in water heating circuits.
As a result, the units are installed in a complex with circulation pumps rather than practically built into the gravity heating systems of individual homes. ensuring that the heating medium is circulated.
The thermostatic device, which turns on and off the electric boiler in automatic mode, receives extra care during installation. When using a generator as backup equipment, the thermostat relay can also prevent the system from freezing.
Water heating safety
Installation of safety devices and devices in the heating scheme is necessary for the continuous, cyclic operation of electrical equipment and accident-free operation.
They are installed singly or collectively as a safety group, symbolized by the following parts:
- Automatic valve for air release from the water circuit (AVC).
- A diaphragm-type safety valve for releasing excess pressure from the system in case of thermoregulator failure or clogging in the pipeline.
- Pressure gauge. The control and measuring device serves for visual monitoring of the working medium condition in the circuit. Sometimes a combined device is used instead of a pressure gauge, which shows not only the pressure but also the temperature of the heat carrier.
Note from a specialist: Install a one-liter expansion tank in the closed heating scheme to compensate for the system’s total coolant volume’s linear expansion.
Connection to the water supply of boiler equipment
A reduction in the volume of liquid in the circuit is an inevitable consequence of prolonged (seasonal) heating operation.
The purpose of connecting the water supply to the space heating system is to level this phenomenon.
Generally, there are two ball valves on the connecting pipeline, which are used to install water treatment equipment in between. It might be a polyphosphate salt-filled filter. On the heating elements of boilers, salt deposits are prevented by the chemical filler.
Be aware that the concentration of salt in the electrolysis solution determines how effective electrode boilers are; in this instance, salt enrichment of the liquid is done in conjunction with water treatment.
The supervisory authorities do not regulate the installation of electric boilers. Only when the equipment’s consumption surpasses the contracted limits is agreement on the equipment’s capacity allocation required.
Modernization of the metering unit consumed kilowatts is determined by the optimization of payment for electricity, the cost of which varies throughout the day.
Install a metre that has a minimum of two tariff grades.
Time-based tariffing results in a significant monthly savings when heating with an electric boiler.
You can connect the electric boiler to the heating system on your own, but installation companies with a lot of experience are the ones to call if you want to make sure everything is done correctly, are unsure of your skills, or don’t have enough time for independent work. If you want your home’s heating system to last as long as possible, only purchase products from reliable manufacturers.
Watch the video to learn how the expert connects the electric boiler for heating in the proper manner:
How to install an electric boiler
Regardless of the arguments made against using an electric boiler to heat a home, these pieces of equipment are still in high demand. There may not always be a choice. Although using a solid fuel unit to heat is one of the options, not everyone will find this appealing. As a result, installing an electric boiler is important for heating both a private home and an apartment in the city. A lot of people are curious about how to install an electric boiler, the prerequisites, whether a permit is required, etc. Let’s be precise.
Electric boilers are installed more easily than gas equipment, both in terms of installation and obtaining authorization paperwork. A small (up to 100 m2) heated area can be adequately heated by an electric boiler with a 10–12 kW capacity. These devices usually use single-phase electric current and are powered by the 220 V household power grid. In this instance, approvals are not required. To find out if the transformer capacity on your site is sufficient to power the electric boiler, all you need to do is ask the power engineers.
Higher capacity units need a three-phase (380 V) connection. It will be required to conduct if there aren’t three phases. In this instance, the necessary permits, approvals, and material costs for particular kinds of work will be needed.
Simultaneously, it is preferable to swap out the meter for a three-mode one in order to maximize the efficiency of the electric hot water heating apparatus.
We will now offer suggestions regarding the electric boiler’s location. This is something to watch out for in terms of safety.
- Virtually all boilers powered by electricity need to be installed outside the living space. This may not necessarily be a boiler room, but a technical room with limited access for the household. In residential areas it is allowed to install factory-made TEN models of small (up to 12-16 kW) capacity.
- It should not be allowed that the elements of strapping represent a load on the design of the electric appliance. Therefore, the hot pipe and return should be fixed rigidly to the wall.
- It is necessary to avoid the situation when the cables supplying the boiler are located under water or heating communications. If it is not possible otherwise, the wires should be placed in cable ducts or protected by special boxes (both are better).
- Connect the unit to the power supply directly from the switchboard using a cable with conductors of the cross-section recommended by the manufacturer.
- It is obligatory to ground the electric heating appliance, whatever its type or capacity is. This will prevent the risk of electrocution.
How to properly install an electric boiler
Based on the idea of turning electricity into heat energy, there are three primary categories of modern heating units that run on it:
It is best to leave the installation of the final two kinds of devices to the professionals. To begin with, the products are not inexpensive (it would be unfortunate to break anything in the process of installation). Second, it’s essential to understand the intricate strapping and connection schemes for these electric boilers.
Everything is much easier to install and connect when boilers are equipped with TENS, whether they are manufactured or homemade. Thus, let us examine these concerns using these products as an example. Depending on how they were installed, these electrical appliances include:
Typically, the initial products are lightweight, low-powered, and compact. Using strong dowels or specialized self-tapping screws, they are fastened to the wall, depending on the material used in their construction. It is important to remember that the product should be installed in accordance with the vertical and horizontal levels. These electrical appliances are frequently positioned in pre-made niches. The boiler’s bottom should be at least 1.5 meters above the floor when the installation height is set.
Products that are floor standing are heavier. They typically have unique stands, or legs, that let you change their location in relation to other objects. The base at the installation location needs to be sturdy, water-resistant, and electrical current-conductive. An ideal floor for these uses would be tiled. It is preferable to lay electric cables and connect the required communications before installing a floor-mounted electric boiler.
Piping and connection of the electric boiler
A mini-boiler room is a modern factory-made electric heat generator. This means that they have a neck for pouring coolant and a circulation pump in addition to regulating automation. Some models have a closed expansion tank that is built in. As a result, the boiler’s piping system is fairly straightforward. For the electric boiler to be a part of the heating system, you will require:
- ball valves;
- coarse filter (strainer);
- expansion tank (if the unit is not equipped with it);
- check valve.
A ball valve and "American" are used to connect the heating system’s hot pipe to the appropriate electrical outlet of the appliance. The return is connected to the electric boiler in the same manner as before, but it has extra components installed on it in line with the following plan. You will always need to make cuts in the return pipe if you drive to the boiler:
- water filter (strainer);
- expansion tank (if necessary);
- check valve;
- spigot for draining the coolant with a stopcock.
In order to remove the filter for cleaning, it is preferable to place a tap before the strainer.
This is how to connect a modern factory electric boiler with a TEN to the heating system and create an electric heating boiler circuit diagram. Everything is more complicated with other types of boilers (electrolysis and induction). In this instance, special components required for the piping of such units should be included in the scheme as well. Thus, it would be best to avoid taking on this case if you lack the necessary expertise.
Boiler connection to the power source
A modest electric boiler can place a significant burden on the home’s power supply system. As a result, a single cable from the electrical board with a specific cross-section is conducted to it. If the boiler is single-phase, you can connect it to the electricity yourself if you know how. Everything is much more complicated with a three-phase unit, so you will need an electrician’s assistance.
You must adhere to specific guidelines even when connecting an electric boiler intended for 220 V. The plan must inevitably consist of:
- individual circuit breaker (automatic circuit breaker), the appropriate capacity;
- RCD for the possibility of emergency shutdown.
One of the aforementioned devices may be incorporated into the heating device’s power supply scheme. However, experience has shown that it is never too late to add an additional layer of protection when it comes to electricity.
The electric boiler’s power supply, the electric cable, needs to be installed so that it is always accessible. In other words, it shouldn’t be set into the wall. It is preferable to install the wire in a cable channel above the wall’s finishing layer and conceal it with a detachable decorative box. Do not permit wire connections made by twisting; instead, use specialized docking devices to make any copper-aluminum contacts.
You should only install and connect the electric boiler to the power supply and heating system on your own if you are confident in your ability to do so. It is best to leave the work to experts who are knowledgeable in their field if you are unsure. After all, mistakes are occasionally unforgivable when it comes to electricity—even domestic electricity.
Installation and connection of electric boiler in a private house
Because they are safe and convenient to use, electric heating units are in great demand. Although they can act as the primary heat source, they are more frequently used as supplemental heat generators because electricity is the most expensive energy source. Permits are not needed for the installation of an electric boiler in a private residence; you can install the unit on your own.
Connecting a private home’s electric boiler
Tools and materials
An electric boiler must be mounted and installed using a:
- tape measure, construction level, pencil or marker;
- perforator/electric drill;
- the diameter of the anchoring elements (the diameter of the anchors must correspond to the diameter of the drill bit);
- electric wires, cables (cross-section is determined at the stage of preparation for installation);
- metal or metal-plastic pipes;
- Fittings, fittings corresponding to the pipes.
A user handbook that is attached to the unit and a planned plan for installing an electric boiler in the heating system are also essential.
Installation rules
When figuring out where to install an electric heating boiler, be sure to take this into consideration. Ideally, it is a separate room called the boiler room that is locked off from children and unauthorized individuals and furnished with electric power equipment. Electric boilers manufactured in factories that are TENS models can be installed in kitchens.
It is important to install the heating unit so that there is space above its top and sides. This will allow for the convenient completion of maintenance and repair tasks. The following separations are noted:
- to the ceiling – from 80 cm;
- up to the floor (for a hinged model) – from 50 cm;
- from the casing to the walls – 5 cm;
- to the pipelines – from 50 cm;
- in front of the front panel – from 70 cm.
When learning how to install a boiler correctly to heat a home or apartment, pay close attention to how the installation location is marked. Since the unit needs to be positioned precisely horizontally, the marking process is done with a level and the same instrument that is used to check the outcome after the boiler is installed on the fasteners.
Boiler with mechanical electric heating
Creating a plan for connecting the heat generator to the power grid and the heating circuit is necessary before installing an electric heating boiler. Pipeline cross-sections should match the specifications of the boiler’s internal circulation pump.
Consider the unit’s power when choosing the cable’s cross-section for connection to the electrical network. Note that powerful units need a three-phase network with a voltage of 380 V, while smaller capacity models can connect to a household network at 220 V.
Manufacturers also provide floor-mounted versions of their products in addition to wall-mounted models. Electric boilers that are freestanding are installed either on a site that has been specially prepared or using a standard stand.
Safety rules
The following safety regulations must be followed when installing the electric boiler:
- Before starting work, make sure that the power supply is switched off.
- It is forbidden to install the electric heating boiler in the immediate vicinity of the water supply or water source.
- The recommended distances between the unit and building structures must be observed.
- Make sure that the electrical wiring parameters correspond to the boiler capacity (connecting a powerful unit to the household network 220 V can cause overload and short circuit).
- The boiler must be connected to the earthing circuit.
- Installation of the electric boiler is allowed on the wall of non-combustible material. If the wall structures are made of wood or other material prone to fire, a non-combustible lining of basalt cardboard and sheet metal is mounted on the wall.
- Power cables must not be laid under heating or water pipes. If this cannot be avoided, use special hermetic covers made of metal or plastic to protect the cable from possible moisture penetration.
- Installing the heating boiler with your own hands, the pipelines of the heating circuit, which are connected to it, should be securely fastened to the wall, so that they do not add load to the body of the unit.
Setting up a mains disconnect mechanism
Step | Description |
1. Choose the right location | Select a safe, dry area for the boiler, ideally close to the water supply and power source. |
2. Prepare the installation site | Ensure the site is clean and stable. Install a mounting board if necessary. |
3. Mount the boiler | Secure the boiler to the wall or floor according to the manufacturer"s instructions. |
4. Connect water pipes | Connect the boiler to the incoming and outgoing water pipes, using proper fittings and seals to prevent leaks. |
5. Electrical connections | Connect the boiler to the power supply, adhering to all electrical safety standards. Consider hiring a professional electrician. |
6. Test the system | Fill the boiler with water, turn on the power, and check for any leaks or operational issues. |
For a private home, installing an electric boiler is a workable solution for dependable and effective heating. This technique provides a cleaner substitute for fossil fuels while also guaranteeing a comfortable living environment. Homeowners can handle the installation themselves if they have the proper equipment and instructions, but it’s best to hire an expert to guarantee safety and adherence to regional building codes.
It’s critical to select the appropriate boiler size and type for your home’s heating requirements before starting the installation. Your choice should be influenced by elements like the climate, insulation levels, and the size of your home. In addition to maximizing efficiency, proper sizing avoids the needless costs associated with operating an oversized boiler. A successful installation also depends on carefully designing the boiler’s layout and the locations of all of its parts, including the pipes and electrical connections.
After installation, maintaining an electric boiler is not too difficult. System efficiency can be ensured and sediment buildup can be avoided with routine maintenance and cleaning. In addition, electric boilers usually require less maintenance and have a longer lifespan than their gas counterparts because they have fewer moving parts.
In general, although the initial expenses associated with buying and setting up an electric boiler may be greater than those of other heating systems, over time, the savings on energy and maintenance can make it a more economical option. Electric boilers also help households reduce their carbon footprints, which is in line with global efforts to adopt more environmentally friendly lifestyles. As a result, anyone building or remodeling a home should give this heating option some thought.