The popularity of cottage settlements and, in particular, country houses could surpass the demand for urban housing, but this is largely hampered by problems of electricity supply and gasification. Ownership of a private house, the engineering and communication content of which depends on the quality of the central network, often turns into continuous torment for the owners. The only way out is the use of stand-alone equipment for maintaining the house. In these realities, the popularity of UPS for gas boilers is steadily growing. User reviews highlight many positive aspects in the operation of such equipment. For example, there is a high potential for MTBF, minimal maintenance requirements, as well as the economy and availability of the installation. However, a lot depends on the specific unit, so the main backlog in the use of a gas boiler with a UPS should be provided at the time of purchase, making the right choice.
What is a UPS?
Externally, the device resembles a massive block, which is installed near the boiler or other heating unit. Withfrom a functional point of view, the design of the UPS contains two modules. The main one is the stabilizer, which provides the immediate task of the equipment - the normalization of the power supply. The second module is represented by a rechargeable battery, which, in turn, maintains the operating state of the entire unit. There can be several batteries or one - it depends on the power of the unit. It must be said right away that the batteries for the UPS of gas boilers are very important elements that not only feed the main source of energy, but are also able to disable it. This usually happens if the wrong car batteries are used. If the unit is properly equipped and correctly connected, then the owner can count on a stable AC frequency and protection of the boiler from voltage surges. UPSs can also be equipped with additional options, but first things first.
Primary UPS specifications
Despite the high responsibility of the power source of the home boiler house, there are only two main selection criteria: this is the time period during which the unit will have to provide its support, and power. In this case, the power should be considered not as thermal, but as electrical - that is, the one that is required for the operation of automation and equipment pumps. The maximum limit of this indicator rarely exceeds 400 W, but there are exceptions, so you should initially find out the power in the equipment passport. Modern UPSable to provide it at the level of 3000-5000 watts. Of course, for a 400-horsepower unit, this volume is not required, and the best options would be models for 500-700 W.
Next, you should decide on the time interval. To understand how to choose a UPS for a gas boiler according to this criterion, it is necessary to take into account the battery capacity and load power. Reducing the power and increasing the volume of the battery contribute to an increase in the autonomous operation of the boiler. It would seem that it is enough to immediately focus on a large capacity that can ensure long-term operation of the boiler. But there is one caveat - in this case, the operation of the equipment will entail high financial costs. Therefore, it is better to calculate in advance the interval of inactivity of the main network closest to the maximum limit and select a specific UPS model for it.
UPS types
From the point of view of the principle of operation, devices can be divided into three categories: line-interactive models, backup type sources and On-line modifications, which are considered the most efficient UPS for a gas boiler. How to choose the appropriate option from the types described above? The answer to this question depends on the requirements for heating equipment. Line-interactive devices are distinguished by the ability to independently ensure the operation of the boiler for 15-20 minutes, however, they are equipped with a simple stabilizer, which is not suitable for servicing powerful units. Backup models are even simpler - they do not have a stabilizer, so you can use such a source only for equipment,working in conditions of reliable functioning of the network. On-line models are considered the most reliable, functional and productive, as they are equipped with high-precision stabilizers, the operation of which can be supplemented by several batteries.
Helior product reviews
The manufacturer produces good models of the budget segment, with which you can ensure a short, but stable operation of a boiler with a power of about 500 watts. Of greatest interest is the Helior Sigma 1 KSL model - this is a UPS for gas boilers, reviews of which note compact dimensions and ease of installation, as well as a large Russian-language display. However, there are complaints about the fact that the battery charge is displayed inaccurately. This option attracts, first of all, those who do not have the opportunity to seriously invest in such equipment. The cost of this model varies from 17 to 20 thousand rubles. For this money, the buyer gets the opportunity to ensure a 13-hour operation of a 100 W gas boiler, or a 2-hour operation of a 500 W unit.
Reviews about Zenon models
From the Zenon brand it is worth offering a good solution in the form of a modification of 1000LT-24. This option is praised not only by the inhabitants, but also by the staff of server rooms, medical institutions, heating complexes, etc. Being approximately in the same price category as the previous model, this option is able to provide even greater autonomy. In particular, this is facilitated by the fact that the device belongs to On-line models. This isthe most advanced UPS for gas boilers, reviews of which indicate the ability to instantly switch from mains power to battery. This effect is achieved by double conversion. The device can be used for boilers whose power does not exceed 800 watts. At the same time, for a 100-horsepower unit, such a UPS can provide autonomy for 35 hours, and in the case of a 500 W boiler, about 5 hours.
Reviews about Tieber models
Models of this brand, namely the T2000 48V version, are more suitable for consumers who use high-power boilers. Or those users who plan to “eat” only from the UPS for a long time. The owners note a high degree of autonomy.
So, for example, for a 100 W boiler, this device can extend the operation by 160 hours. But it is important to consider that this is a double conversion UPS for gas boilers that requires 4 batteries. That is, it is necessary to prepare for the rather costly maintenance of heating equipment. However, in terms of reliability and performance, this option more than justifies itself. The owners characterize the operation of the source as stable and "omnivorous". This means that the device ensures the full functioning of the most demanding and capricious boilers.
Reviews of East models
The manufacturer focuses its products on solving difficult problems. For example, for a 6-day autonomy of a 100 W boiler. The package of this equipment already includes 6 batteries, which, again,indicates high potential. So, the EA930 version has a power of 2700 watts. In terms of functionality, this is one of the most profitable UPS for gas boilers. Reviews, for example, note that the source is able to work correctly with phase-dependent boilers, which cannot be achieved using budget UPSs. Also, among the advantages, it is worth noting the tightness of the device, which guarantees stable performance without third-party interference.
What else to consider when choosing?
Not all uninterruptible power supplies provide the so-called pure sine during operation. High-quality devices, as a rule, with double conversion, fulfill this condition not only when operating on a battery, but also under supply from the central network. You should also distinguish between models designed for short-term support of network parameters and "long-playing" versions of the UPS.
Energy for gas boilers from sources of the LT (long time) system is able to provide long-term autonomy due to a high-power intelligent charging cell. It will also not be superfluous to take into account the dimensions of the device and its interface - nevertheless, ergonomics play an important role in our time, and many manufacturers strive to facilitate the tasks of users even in small things.
How to choose a battery?
In addition to capacity and voltage, that is, the parameters that are the main ones when choosing a battery for a UPS, you should pay attention to the service life and physical characteristics. For the simplestdevices serving low-power equipment, 12 V lead-acid maintenance-free models are suitable. However, modern batteries for UPS gas boilers are mainly made using AGM technology. This means that an absorbent separator based on glass wool was used in their manufacture. If you need a reliable and safe battery, then you should look at these options. In addition to the fact that AGM batteries are presented in different designs and differ in volume with voltage indicators, their advantage is the absence of harmful fumes, as well as fire safety.
Can I make a UPS with my own hands?
Homemade power supplies of this type are a reality, however, it should be borne in mind that their performance will be lower than factory counterparts, and the dimensions, on the contrary, will be larger. We are not talking about reliability at all, however, sometimes it is advisable to use just such UPSs for a gas boiler. With your own hands, the device can be assembled from a block of pulses with inverters. It is advisable to purchase equipment with a capacity of 28 V, which will allow you to connect without adapters. For cooling, it is better to use not fans, but radiators, especially if a powerful stabilizer is used. The inverter is also sold separately. The best option is a device with a modified sinusoid. During operation, such a unit must be regularly checked for oxidation of compounds and treated with special compounds.
Connection order
Install the equipment in a room protected from mechanical influences with optimal humidity and temperature conditions. It is worth planning in advance the configuration of the location of the device, since you can also purchase a wall-mounted UPS for a gas boiler, and its analogue of a floor type. In any case, the connection is made according to the following instructions:
- Serially using jumpers (one or more, depending on the number of batteries), the UPS is connected to the batteries.
- Batteries can be placed anywhere near the UPS, but in such a way that the case of the latter does not close the battery terminals.
- Now you can connect the UPS to an outlet, but it is important to consider that it must be grounded.
- Connect and start the load.
In this case, the choice of an uninterruptible power supply for gas-fired boilers is considered. The fact is that such equipment can be phase-dependent. That is, if the connection of the UPS to the gas boiler did not lead to the ignition of the burner, then it is necessary to unfold the plug and turn it on again. Turning the fork 180 degrees will usually fix the problem.
User Tips
The very concept of uninterruptible power supplies requires a high degree of reliability from them. However, only appropriate operating rules will allow extending their service life. In particular, manufacturers recommend that, even if there is a main power supply, preventive sessions of the boiler operation from a UPS are recommended. It is advisable to perform this procedure twice a year for 2-3hours. Also in the summer, if the heating unit will not be used, then the backup supply source should be turned off. To do this, the network cable is removed from the device, and the device itself is turned off by pressing the two OFF buttons simultaneously.
Conclusion
From the acquisition of auxiliary equipment for the maintenance of heating systems, many refuse for the reason that the financial costs of maintaining the infrastructure being formed are inevitably growing. In this regard, of course, the best UPS for a gas boiler should be selected according to the principle of economy. But this does not mean that the device should be equipped with low-power batteries with a minimum volume. Rationality in this case means the maximum proximity of the device to the requirements of technical support for autonomous operation. To do this, the power of the boiler itself is calculated and the average time for which the power supply can be turned off is determined.
