Contents
- The principle of operation of the boiler
- Safety measures
- Rules of accommodation
- Requirements for the chimney
- How to use
- How to properly turn off the boiler
- Safety system
- What to do if there are malfunctions
- Frost protection
- Ignition instructions
- Self-diagnosis
- dangerous situations
- What are the other safety rules?
The instruction manual for the boiler is a set of rules and requirements that are attached in printed form to each model. Despite the variety of gas heating equipment, the principles of use and safety are the same for all models.
The principle of operation of the boiler
Gas heaters may differ in design and technical parameters, but the principle of creating heat in a house is the same – heating the coolant (water / antifreeze) with burning gas (natural / liquefied). The supply of gaseous fuel to a dwelling is not the easiest and safest thing, but consumers are attracted by gas, its comparative cheapness and versatility.
Blue fuel can be used not only for heating, but also for heating domestic water, using columns or double-circuit models of heaters. Modern equipment is equipped with effective security systems that prevent all possible emergencies. Nevertheless, there are operating rules that are mandatory and are a guarantee of safe operation.
Safety measures
Despite the desire of manufacturers for the safety of gas appliances, they can still become a source of danger. The Ministry of Emergency Situations regularly reminds the owners of any gas-powered equipment about the precautionary measures:
- You need to buy gas-powered appliances from organizations that have the appropriate sales license.
- Installation should only be carried out by qualified service personnel.
- The kit should include an instruction manual.
- It is forbidden to change the design of the device in any way.
- A technical check must be carried out annually.
- It is forbidden to reduce ventilation openings in windows and walls.
- If there are sealed windows, it is necessary to organize the flow of air.
- Do not store materials that can quickly ignite in the boiler room.
- It is forbidden to raise the temperature of the coolant above 90°C.
Rules of accommodation
- The area of the room in which the heater is installed is at least 7,5 m².
- Ceilings – from 2,2 m.
- There must be a window that provides air access from the street.
- The door should open in the direction of movement of the person leaving the room.
- It is forbidden to equip switches in the boiler room. If they are already installed, they will have to be taken outside the premises.
- Supply and exhaust ventilation must be provided. For every m³ of fuel consumed – 15 m² of air.
- The distance from the heater to the elements capable of burning is 25 cm or more. To fireproof elements – 5 cm. From the chimney to combustible parts – 40 cm, to fireproof – 15 cm.
- The device is mounted on a perfectly flat plane, without slopes.
Requirements for the chimney
- Chimney material – steel. It is recommended to use stainless steel.
- Mandatory presence of cleaning hatches and condensate drainage. There should be a pocket at the bottom of the chimney in which deposits accumulate.
- The chimney is equipped with external thermal insulation, which is protected from moisture (condensate, precipitation).
- The height of the chimney is from 5 m and at least 2 cm above the outlet pipe.
- The chimney is installed on the receiving plate of the vapor trap.
- The expansion tank is installed at the highest point in the system.
- A safety group and a thermometer are installed on the supply pipeline.
- It is undesirable to put the device in openings, niches and other hard-to-reach places.
How to use
In modern models of heaters, human participation is minimized. Before the device is started, it is connected to:
- gas pipeline – employees of the gas service;
- heating pipes;
- water supply – representatives of organizations servicing heating systems.
The first launch is also carried out by service workers. If the requirements of the instructions are violated during connection and maintenance, the warranty will be void. The equipment must only be used for the purposes intended by the manufacturer.
During installation, maintenance and repair, original spare parts must be used. If a breakdown or incorrect operation is detected, the user must immediately shut off the gas with a valve and call the service or gas service. It is strictly forbidden to carry out repair work on your own.
When performing any work on or near the air duct or chimney, it is imperative to turn off the gas. After completing the work, they check the functionality of the chimney and air duct, and only then proceed to start the device.
How to properly turn off the boiler
If the device will not be used for a long time, perform the following actions:
- Close the gas valve.
- If the equipment is volatile, you need to disconnect the automation and the water pump from the mains.
- Shut off water and heating valves.
- If the temperature is expected to drop below zero, the water will have to be drained.
- A specialist is called in to finally turn off the equipment.
The heater is also turned off for cleaning. Clean it with a damp cloth with mild detergent and soap. Do not use aggressive substances.
Safety system
Gas-powered appliances need serious control. It is provided either by a person or an automation system. The latter is able to provide multi-stage protection that prevents dangerous situations and increases equipment safety. The main task of the protection system is to turn off the device in time by cutting off the fuel supply.
Consider the protection stages using the example of the Proterm Volk KSO floor-standing boiler. These modern devices have multi-stage protection. One of the steps is an ionization sensor that controls the flame. If the fire goes out, a signal will be given to the control unit, it will cut off the fuel supply and prevent an accident.
The combustion chamber has a temperature sensor that monitors the heating of the coolant and prevents the firebox from burning out quickly. “Wolves” are equipped with a KTD system – chimney draft control. It prevents the accumulation of carbon monoxide. If there is no draft, the accumulation of combustion products in the chimney begins, the thermostat heats up. When the temperature limit is reached, the thermostat contacts open – the fuel supply stops.
Automatic protection
Modern models of heaters are saturated with electronic instrumentation that generate signals for the control unit. Automation, receiving signals from sensors, coordinates the work of all nodes. Elements that prevent various kinds of malfunctions and problems are safety valves, expansion tanks, air valves, smoke detectors and other devices.
What to do if there are malfunctions
Consider situations with breakdowns on the example of Italian Baxi boilers. Italian wall and floor heaters are an example of quality and efficiency. But even with proper use, malfunctions may occur that require prompt elimination.
In Baksi models, the following problems may appear:
- the burner does not ignite;
- during operation, pops are heard in the furnace;
- the boiler has overheated;
- the device is very noisy;
- the sensor is out of order.
The probable causes of breakdowns are associated both with violations of the operating rules and with reasons beyond the control of the user:
- moisture has entered the device;
- low quality of the coolant;
- decreased pressure in the gas pipeline;
- in the power supply voltage drop;
- errors were made during installation.
Violation of at least one rule or norm leads to breakdowns, incorrect operation and unnecessary costs.
Frost protection
One of the important rules for the operation of heating systems is to ensure the minimum allowable temperature of the coolant. If water is poured into the system, then freezing occurs at low temperatures, pipes and radiators become unusable. In modern models, this problem is solved – the user is relieved of the need to monitor the coolant.
So, for example, in the boilers of the South Korean manufacturer Navien, reliable protection against freezing is provided. “Navien” is cheaper than European counterparts, but these boilers have all the necessary protection functions, which greatly simplifies the use.
When the coolant temperature drops below 10°C, the circulation pump starts automatically. If the coolant cools down to 6°C, the burner automatically turns on, heating the coolant to 21°C.
Ignition instructions
Heaters differ in the type of ignition, so when starting different modifications, there are some nuances. Before turning on the device, you need to read the ignition instructions in order to do everything correctly. Consider the ignition on the example of the Italian Ariston boiler. Before turning it on, it is important to check the system for leaks. To this end, the thermostat is turned on to the maximum so that the switchover automatically works. Ariston ignition process:
- the device is connected to the mains, and the desired temperature is set by the heating controller;
- when the pump is turned on, a slight noise is heard;
- when all air congestion is eliminated in the pipes, the noise will disappear;
- the electric ignition is triggered – the boiler turns on by itself.
Self-diagnosis
The operation of heaters is simplified if they have a self-diagnostic function. Almost all European manufacturers have equipped their products with it.
For example, German Bosch heaters, displaying error codes on the display, allow the user to quickly understand the cause of the problem and take measures to eliminate it. If code A7 appears on the screen, it is clear that the hot water temperature sensor is faulty.
If A8 is displayed, the connection to the BUS is broken. This feature greatly simplifies the use of gas equipment, makes it easier and more comfortable.
dangerous situations
The greatest danger is the failure associated with the operation of the burners. If the flame goes out, gas can accumulate in the room, which subsequently causes an explosion. Causes of fire extinguishing:
- the gas pressure has fallen below the permissible norm;
- no draft in the chimney;
- the supply voltage is gone;
- the lighter went out.
In an emergency, it is necessary to immediately shut off the fuel supply to the burners – automatically or manually. Modern versions are equipped with automation devices necessary for the prompt shutdown of equipment. The operation of such devices is not only convenient, but also safe.
How to prevent the accumulation of gas in the room
Modern safety standards provide for the installation of gas analyzers in boiler rooms; they are necessary for signaling when gas appears in the room. A special electronic valve reacts to their signals, which automatically stops the flow of fuel to the burners.
What are the other safety rules?
- Do not disassemble or dismantle gas appliances yourself.
- Handle the power cord with care.
- Do not place any foreign objects on the device.
- Don’t step on the boiler. Do not stand on chairs, tables or other unstable objects to clean the wall-mounted boiler.
- Keep an eye on the coolant, top it up in time in the system.
- Be careful – in some modifications, the use of antifreeze is prohibited.
- If you smell gas, immediately turn off the gas, open windows and doors. Exit the boiler room and call the gas service.
In order for the operation of a domestic gas boiler to be safe and uninterrupted, the user must read the instructions for it in advance. By choosing models equipped with automation, the consumer increases the comfort of use and safety. By following the rules for the use of gas appliances in everyday life, for their installation and maintenance, the number of emergencies can be minimized.