How to make an electric boiler with your own hands - options and methods. Making a homemade electric boiler for heating a house Which heating element is better for a homemade electric boiler

Considering the fact that an electric boiler is mainly installed not as the main one, but as an additional heater for heating, it would be quite reasonable to make an electric boiler for heating a house with your own hands. The design of such units is not at all complicated, but the functionality is in no way inferior to the serial models of leading manufacturers of heating equipment. In this article we will tell you how to make an electric boiler yourself at home. Let's present a step-by-step algorithm, following which you can make a working and reliable electric boiler for heating your home with your own hands.

Why make a homemade electric boiler for heating

A homemade electric boiler can be of any shape.

Why not? If you have your hands in place and have an irresistible desire to use them in the right way, then why not make a homemade electric heating boiler with your own hands instead of buying one? As you know, the price of even the most affordable heating element heater is quite high. For example, a more or less normal heating element boiler costs from $100. If you do it yourself, the price will be no more than $40, and there are no special difficulties. And an electrode heater, which costs about $150, can be made yourself for pennies, using what you have on hand.

So, we can make our own homemade electric boiler for heating in two versions:

ten;
electrode.

At the same time, their functionality will be in no way inferior to units manufactured on production sites. There is another type of boiler that heats the coolant using a magnetic field. These are induction heaters. You won’t be able to make a full-fledged induction electric heating boiler with your own hands, that’s for sure, but you can still use the induction principle to heat the coolant.

If you are not sure that you can make an electric heating boiler with your own hands, then it’s better not to try it. Making mistakes is fraught not only with the fact that you will end up with an ineffective unit, but also with the risk of burning out all the wiring in the house.

Another important point that concerns absolutely all electric boilers is the mandatory presence of grounding. Do not forget about this in any case if you have already decided to do the heating of a private house with an electric boiler with your own hands, otherwise you risk receiving a current discharge of such strength that it will not seem a little.

Do-it-yourself heating element electric boiler for home heating

You can make a heating element electric boiler for heating with your own hands from a tank of any shape. In such a unit, water is heated by heating elements. They will need to be purchased in the quantity that is needed specifically in your situation. we have already told you. Usually two or three heating elements are installed. The cost of one heating element is 10 dollars. They are already equipped with a thermal head with an external thread, with which they will be screwed into the tank body.

Diagram of a heating element electric boiler made by yourself.

Let's look at how to make a homemade electric heating boiler using heating elements from a pipe. To do this you will need:

steel pipe with a diameter of 150 mm;
two round plates with a diameter of 150 mm;
three pipes with a diameter no less than the cross-section of the circuit pipes (from 25 mm);
heating elements;
nuts;
automatic air vent;
ball valve

To make an electric heating boiler for your home with your own hands, you need to choose the right dimensions. The length of the pipe, which will be the body of our heater, must exceed the length of the heating elements by a good margin. The ends are welded on both sides with plugs. Two pipes are welded into the side part for supply and return coolant. Now you need to decide how the heating elements will be located after. Naturally, they will be in a vertical position; the only question is which side they will be screwed in from. There are two options:

below;
above.

If the heating elements are screwed in from below, then during operation, in order to replace the burnt-out heating element, you will have to drain water from the boiler, and then, accordingly, . But this arrangement guarantees that the heating elements will be completely immersed in the coolant. Such homemade electric boilers for heating a private home are more reliable. As you know, if part of the heating element is not in water, the tungsten spiral will burn out.

If you place heating elements in a homemade electric boiler for heating a house in such a way that they are screwed in from above, then after replacing the burnt-out heating element you will not need to add water to the system. But this arrangement has its drawback, since air will accumulate in the upper part of the boiler.

Due to the formed air pockets, the heating elements will overheat and burn out. Therefore, to vent air outside in the upper part, you additionally need to install an automatic air vent. In this case, the air problem will be solved.

Choose for yourself how it is more convenient for you to make electric heating boilers with your own hands, both options are correct. In order for the heating elements to be screwed into the body, you need to cut holes of the required diameter and weld nuts on them. The internal thread of the nuts must match the external thread of the heating elements. Additionally, a pipe is welded into the lower end to drain the coolant. After this, threads are cut on all three pipes (supply, return, drain). A ball valve is screwed onto the drain pipe.

That's all, the manufacture of a homemade boiler is completed. All that remains is to install it on the heating circuit and connect it to the network. Before heating with an electric boiler, you need to consider what voltage is in the network of your home (220 or 380 volts). The connection diagram of the heating elements depends on this. You also need to resolve the issue with the boiler control unit. The minimum that is required is thermostats that will measure the temperature of the coolant. Based on the thermostat data, the control unit will turn the boiler on or off. If desired, you can add certain options, depending on the situation. How to make a heating element electric heating boiler with your own hands, video:

DIY electrode electric heating boiler

An electrode boiler heats water due to the movement of ions between positively and negatively charged electrodes. Details about we wrote last time.

In a homemade electrode boiler, the anode must be isolated from the cathode.

A homemade electric boiler will cost very little, depending on what you have available. The asking price will be low, even if you have to buy absolutely everything. To work you will need:

pipe with a diameter of 50 mm;
metal rod with a cross section of 20 mm;
two couplings with internal thread;
flat flange;
any dielectric material;
rubber for sealing;
nuts, bolts.

So let's get started. How to make an electric heating boiler with your own hands? We take the tube and weld a coupling into one end. We place the second coupling in the side part closer to the opposite end to which the flange is welded. Then we drill a hole in the metal rod and cut a thread in it. A bolt will be screwed into this hole, which attaches the electrode to the dielectric. A dielectric is a material that does not conduct electricity. It is necessary to isolate the electrode from the housing, otherwise a short circuit will occur.

As a dielectric, you can use thick heat-resistant plastic, such as textolite.

To keep everything neat, we cut out a circle from PCB the size of the existing flange. Then holes are drilled in the dielectric for attaching to the flange and one hole in the middle for attaching the electrode. The rod is screwed before the unit is assembled. Between the textolite and the flange you need to put a rubber gasket to seal the joint and tighten everything with bolts and nuts.

For convenience, you need to weld two bolts onto the body, to which the zero will be supplied and the grounding will be attached. There must be land. We connect the phase (plus) to the bolt that secures the electrode. All wires must be insulated. Before connecting the boiler, you need to carry out salt preparation of the coolant. You also cannot do without a basic control unit with a temperature sensor. Do-it-yourself electrode electric boiler for heating, video:

Induction homemade heating boiler

It remains to consider induction heating with an electric boiler. How to make an induction boiler if you are not an electrical physicist? It will be difficult, because you need to assemble not only the design of the device itself, but also the electronic circuit, which is much more complicated. You can’t do without deep knowledge of physics and skills in working with electrical circuits. And it’s not worth it, because there are several simpler ways to make an electric boiler with your own hands, which we discussed above.

Making an induction boiler can only be justified if you already have an induction heating element. An induction hob is ideal for this purpose. The point is as simple as twice two. You need to make any tank that will act as a heat exchanger and place it on the induction hob. Or, in some other way, ensure contact of the plate with the heat exchanger in a vertical or horizontal position. You turn on the stove, it heats the tank, which, in turn, gives off heat to the water. Install a temperature sensor on the coolant, which will turn the hob on and off.

In the summer, when the heating is not working, the hob can be used for its intended purpose - to cook food on it. It is easy to move from place to place, so it is convenient to use this method of heating the coolant in the country. If you have a car, then you can take the induction hob with you even during the heating season, because cases of theft at dachas are not uncommon. In addition, antifreeze can be safely used in such a circuit.

In order to reduce the consumption of natural resources, people are increasingly resorting to electric heating equipment, but while preserving natural organic matter, they have to pay huge electricity bills. However, there is one effective way to save money - to makeDIY electric heating boiler.

Among the many advantages of electric boilers, it is worth highlighting:

Due to the increased energy consumption (more than 4 kW), for such boilers it is necessary to equip an electrical input of the appropriate power in advance, otherwise an accident on the line may occur. For appliances with a power of no more than 6 kW, single-phase power is required, and for boilers with a power of 6 kW or more, three-phase power is required. The equipment is connected to a standard 220 V network.

Important! 1 kW of electric boiler power is usually enough for 10 m² of heated space. Therefore, for an average country house with an area of 250 m², a 25 kW boiler is required.

Types of electric boilers

According to the method of heating the coolant, electric boilers can be:

induction;
heating elements;
electrode.

Let's consider the features and manufacturing technology of each type.

A classic version of an electric heating device, in which the coolant is heated upon contact with a heating element (a heating element in the form of a spiral). The liquid, circulating through the heating system, takes heat from the heating element and transfers it to the radiators.

Important! With increased water hardness, the heating element becomes coated with plaque over time, impairing heat transfer. Therefore, periodically the heating element should be treated with special means to remove lime deposits.

If the element temperature exceeds the required temperature, then most likely the circuit is leaking. The consequences of such a breakdown can be very sad, including fire. Modern boiler models are equipped with protection for such cases, which turns off the system in the event of a leak. Therefore, when purchasing, you should pay attention to the presence of such protection.

Positive qualities of heating elements

Wide range of configurations.
Resistance to mechanical damage and strong vibration.
The heating element shell is not energized.
The system functions properly even with weak contact with the coolant.

Manufacturing of a heating element boiler

In order to save money and free space, you can make a homemade electric boiler of this type. For this you will need:

Bulgarian;
welding machine;
grinding device;
multimeter;
thermostat;
steel sheet;
adapters for connecting to the main line;
pipe ø12 cm, several pipes of smaller diameter;
electric heating elements, 2 pcs.

Having taken care of everything you need, you can get to work.

Stage 1. First, metal pipes for the boiler are prepared, three pieces ø1.25 cm and two ø3 cm. They are cut from previously prepared pipes.

Stage 2. Then take a large pipe approximately 65 cm long (this will be the heating tank). In pre-designated places, welding is used to burn holes for the pipes - for supply, return, heaters, expansion tank and drain.

The edges of the holes are polished with a grinder to remove sagging.

Stage 3. The pipes are welded to the corresponding holes.

Stage 4. A circle of the required diameter is cut out of sheet steel and welded to the bottom of the heating tank. Protruding edges are cut off and joints are sanded.

Stage 5. A long pipe ø1.25 cm is welded to the upper part of the structure - a second electric heating element will be screwed to it.

Stage 6. A pair of holes are made in the bottom of the structure to install an electric heating element with a power of 1.5 kW. The heating element is fixed, after which the boiler is screwed to the heating system (via pipes) and the wires are connected.

Stage 7. Everything is connected and the system is filled with water. After a few hours of operation, you can check the system with a multimeter. If everything was done correctly, the device will show a minimum of 70ᵒC - this temperature is quite enough.

All that remains is to sand and paint the boiler.

Video - Do-it-yourself heating element boiler

Induction electric boiler

Having appeared relatively recently, boilers of this type have already gained enormous popularity. The principle of their operation is quite simple: a functioning device generates electromagnetic waves that interact only with metal. They do not affect other materials in any way, therefore, even with direct contact with the boiler, it is impossible to get burned.

An induction boiler consists of two main elements:

emitter;
a pipeline with circulating liquid that receives radiation.

The pipeline (another name is the receiver) has quite large dimensions, therefore, if plaque forms on its internal walls, this will not affect the efficiency of work soon.

Advantages of induction boilers

Among the positive qualities of this device it is worth highlighting:

reliability;
safety;
possibility of using any type of coolant;
protection against plaque;
Constantly high efficiency;
quick access to working mode;
no detachable connections.

Making an induction boiler

The design of these boilers, just like heating elements, is quite simple, so if you wish, you can do it yourself. You just need to prepare:

welding inverter;
wire cutters;
grinder;
steel wire;
stainless steel wire rod;
plastic pipe with thick walls;
adapters;
metal mesh;
enameled copper wire.

Important! It is recommended to use a 15 A welding inverter as an energy source (more is possible).

Stage 1. The material that will be irradiated with electromagnetic waves will be small pieces of wire rod or steel wire ø7 mm. The maximum length of the segments is 5 cm.

Stage 2. Need and prepare frame. It will simultaneously:

the basis for creating an induction coil;
part of the heating main.

To make the body, a plastic pipe with an internal diameter of slightly less than 5 cm is used.

Stage 3. Adapters are used to connect the boiler to the water supply. Through With these adapters, the cooled coolant will flow into the boiler, and the heated coolant will go back into the pipeline. At this stage, the first adapter is attached to the base.

Stage 4. An iron mesh is laid at the bottom of the structure. It will prevent pieces of wire from getting into the line.

Stage 5. After this, the wire itself is filled in. There should be just enough to completely fill all the free space of the container. The upper part of the housing is closed with a second adapter.

Stage 6. After creation, you can proceed to the main thing - the induction coil. Enameled copper wire is taken and wound around the body in ninety turns. They should be placed approximately in the center of the structure.

Step 7. Then the electric heating boiler should be connected to the heating system. To do this, a small section is cut out of the pipeline, and a structure is attached in its place.

Stage 8. The coil is connected to the inverter, the system is filled with water.

Important! Turning on the inverter is permissible only after the line is filled, otherwise the plastic case will melt.

Video - Making an induction electric boiler

This unit is distinguished by the fact that it is in direct contact with the heat transfer fluid. The bottom line is this: the boiler is equipped with a special converter that affects the ions in the liquid. After launch, the ions move chaotically, come into contact with other particles and, as a result, release thermal energy.

The main advantage of electrode models is their absolute immunity to circuit damage. If the ion chamber is left without coolant, it will simply turn off. All this ensures increased safety during operation and almost complete absence of plaque.

Important! Due to the complexity of implementation, it is impossible to make such a boiler at home, and without skills in working with electrical engineering.

How to connect an electric boiler

Let us immediately note that it is better to entrust the connection to specialists. But if you manage to build a homemade boiler, then this should not be a problem.

Stage 1. First you need to obtain the appropriate permission from the energy supply organization. This is necessary in order to find out whether the new boiler will produce enough electricity without affecting other users.

Stage 2. Next, the installation location is determined. Everything is simple here: if natural circulation of liquid is planned, then the device is installed at the lowest point of the system, if with forced circulation, then in any convenient place.

Stage 3. The electric boiler crashes into a pipeline gap (at the junction of the circuits).

Stage 4. Then you need to connect the wiring. A separate line must be allocated for the boiler. The cable used for connection must be suitable for the power of the circuit, since at the slightest resistance the efficiency will drop, and the system itself may fail.

Stage 5. Only grounding remains. To create it, the heating system is connected to one of the grounded metal elements of the house (for example, to fittings).

As you can see, you can make an electric boiler at home. To do this, you need to follow the instructions, prepare all the necessary equipment and have minimal skills in working with equipment.

In recent years, the installation of electrical equipment for space heating has become popular among the population. This is due to saving money on natural energy resources. But the installation of such equipment requires significant material investments, so many home craftsmen are interested in how to make an electric boiler with their own hands.

You can make such an electric boiler yourself

Reasons for the popularity of electric boilers

Electric boilers do not have mechanical elements, making them much easier to use. In addition, the likelihood of a breakdown is reduced several times.

Electric boilers are equipped with an automatic temperature control system. This helps to turn it off at the slightest change in ambient temperature. If the need arises, the boiler will either increase the temperature or reduce it.

The device operates safely, without producing carbon monoxide and other harmful substances, so it can be installed to heat any premises, including children's and bedrooms. In addition, installation of equipment does not require obtaining appropriate permits from regulatory authorities.

In this video you will learn how to make an electric boiler:

Such boilers can be used as additional equipment for heating a room or made the main source of heat in the house. The device is powered by a 220 V network and, as a rule, weighs about 20 kg. Even with such small dimensions, it is capable of heating up to 400 cubic meters of air.

Many electric boilers are characterized by good efficiency. For example, to heat 30 cubic meters of air you need to spend 4 kW of electricity per day. The use of such devices allows you to heat a much larger room than could be done with other types of heating equipment.

Design and operating principle

Electric boilers have a fairly simple design. All devices are equipped with a heating element and a container for heat conduction. According to the type of heating element, electric boilers are divided into:

devices with heating elements (tubular heaters);
induction boilers;
devices with electrode heaters.

Electric boilers are classified into 3 types

Any electrical installation must have a thermostat to regulate the temperature and two pipes (for supplying and discharging coolant).

The coolant can be forced to move through the system by installing additional equipment (pumps). Also for this purpose, the elementary laws of physics and the force of earth's gravity can be used. With automatic circulation, the pump is installed at the return inlet.

Device with thermal electric heater

Such devices are considered the most popular due to their simple design and low cost. The heating element (heating element) is installed in a container, where the heat conductor is heated to the desired temperature. When current passes through the heating element’s spiral, it heats up to a high temperature, due to which the liquid is heated.

The heating element is protected from overheating, as water constantly circulates and cools it. To maintain a constant temperature level of the heat conductor, a thermostat is installed that turns off the heating element if the set temperature is exceeded. The device turns on again when the indicators are reduced to the minimum.

It is not difficult to make an electric boiler for heating with your own hands, if you compare its production with other types of heating equipment. It will not have the advantages of purchased analogues, but it will still perform the function assigned to it.

To make your own device, you only need heating tubular elements and a container. But such a boiler should not be considered ideal, since its efficiency will be below 80%. Much also depends on the quality of heating elements, on which scale forms due to salts dissolved in water. It often leads to equipment failure due to overheating. As practice shows, scale with a layer of 1 mm reduces efficiency by 10-15%. But even taking this into account, electrical designs for heating rooms are very popular.

The efficiency of such a device will be far from 100%

Induction devices

Such devices, unlike heating element models, have an efficiency close to 100%. Plus they are durable. Their service life is about 25-35 years, and in addition they can serve as a boiler, heating water. Thanks to energy conversion with virtually no losses, induction boilers have the highest energy efficiency.

However, this type of equipment has not become popular among home craftsmen, since it is very difficult to make a homemade induction electric boiler for heating a home. This is due to the need to use electronic voltage converters.

The design of such a device consists of a coil(inductor), which is mounted on a metal core. The latter is a coil of pipes through which the coolant moves.

An induction boiler differs from heating element devices in that the area of contact of water or antifreeze with the heating element is several times higher. Therefore, the efficiency of induction units is 99-100%. There is several times less scale formation in them, since microvibrations are created that prevent such a process. Electric boilers also have protection against overheating of the electrical element, since water is constantly circulating.

Electrode unit

The electrode-based design is somewhat reminiscent of an “army” boiler. It consists of two blades, between which there is a gap of 1-2 mm. Water with dissolved salt is used as a coolant.

The electrode boiler includes a piece of metal pipe. There is an electrode inside, which is closed with bushings. There must be a good grounding to the pipe, which is connected to the boiler body.

This boiler has a simple design

When preparing a heat conductor, it is necessary to correctly calculate the amount of salt, since the current strength in the circuit, that is, the power of the device, will depend on this indicator. A thermostat is used to adjust the temperature. The device is also equipped with an automatic shut-off system.

Advantages and disadvantages

Although different types of electric boilers differ in design and principle of operation, they have a number of common advantages and disadvantages. The advantages of electric boilers over fuel boilers are as follows:

simplicity of design;
high level of security;
do not need to install a chimney;
high efficiency;
electricity is one of the most affordable and environmentally friendly forms of energy;
there is no need to provide a separate room for the boiler room, and the installation can be carried out in any room of the house;
much less materials will be required for production;
long service life;
electric boilers are silent and automated.

If we talk about the disadvantages of electric boilers, then today we can only point out one. Despite the fact that electricity is an affordable and environmentally friendly form of energy, it is not the most expensive source of heat. Although, on the other hand, if you use electric boilers as additional equipment, then this option will be economically feasible.

A practical guide to making your own

Before installing the equipment, you must carefully prepare: make or order drawings and diagrams, make the necessary calculations, select a location for installation, stock up on materials and tools.

Although ready-made drawings can theoretically be used, in most cases they will have to be redone, since each home craftsman will use the materials that he has.

Production of a boiler based on heating element

It is better to make an electric boiler for heating a house with your own hands based on the technology of a tubular electric heater. This is due to the simplicity of the design. Even a person without relevant experience can do it. This device can be used to heat both large and small rooms. It can be installed in a garage, bathhouse or small room. In addition, for its operation it will require voltage from a regular network.

You can make a 220 V electric heating boiler with your own hands from steel pipes for the body and pipes, metal sheets and several heating elements. If you plan to install one heating element, then a pipe with a diameter of 10 cm is sufficient, and if two or more, then 13-15 cm. The body must be at least half a meter longer than the heating element.

In a design consisting of several heating elements, each of them must be connected to a separate machine. If the house has not one, but three phases, then each element must be installed on a separate phase.

Required tools and materials

A boiler with a power of 2.4 kW requires few materials. It will provide heat to the house as an additional equipment. To work you need to prepare:

A steel pipe with a diameter of 120 mm and a length of 65 cm.
Steel sheets 4 mm thick and 1.5 × 1.5 m in size.
Two heating elements of 1.2 kW each.
Thermostat.
Safety valves.

All materials can be purchased in specialized stores. If you install a purchased boiler, then the components must be included with it. Some elements can be made independently from available materials, but a thermostat must be purchased in any case. You also need to prepare a number of tools:

Grinding machine.
Welding machine.
Drill and set of drills.
Ruler and marker.
Set of screwdrivers and keys.

In addition, you will need an anti-corrosion agent, primer and paint to give the boiler a beautiful look.

Step-by-step instruction

You can make a boiler for a private home yourself using the production instructions. All actions must be performed in the following sequence:

Heat exchanger production. To do this, you need to burn a 1-inch hole in a pipe with a diameter of 120 mm. It is better to do it with a gas torch, or, in extreme cases, with an electrode.
The hole made is cleaned using a grinder. Next, you need to weld the pillars to the hole.
A metal plate 5 mm thick is used for the bottom of the boiler. It will close the device from below and serve as a flange for the heating element.
At the very bottom of the pipe, stacks are welded in, which drain excess water from the system.
A stud must be welded to the boiler body. Grounding will be connected to it.
The upper part is closed with a round plate with a diameter of 120 mm.
The tightness of the structure can be checked by lowering it into water. All pipes are pre-closed with polypropylene.
Next, you need to install the thermostat and faucet, and then connect the device to the water supply system.
At the final stage, the heating elements turn on and test the operation of the system.

This design has its drawbacks. The main one is the impossibility of replacing the heating element. To do this, you need to cut off the top cover and dismantle the structure. To avoid such consequences, it is necessary to install removable heating elements like those installed in boilers.

To protect against corrosion, the boiler is treated with a special substance. After this, it must be primed and painted. But it is better to do these steps separately for each element before installing the boiler.

Although a self-assembled heating system has a number of disadvantages, its efficiency and ease of use make it popular among users. However, we must not forget about extreme caution during installation and operation, since electricity requires special attention. After starting up the equipment, it is necessary to monitor the process of its operation and carry out preventive maintenance in a timely manner.

The heart of the heating system of a country house is the heating boiler. The most economical option is to install a gas unit, which will provide a constant temperature and optimal heat costs. In the absence of main gas, the problem is solved by installing a solid fuel heating structure or installing a unit that uses electricity. Of course, the latter option cannot be called cheap given the constant rise in prices for energy supplied by wire. If there is no alternative or you need a backup heat source, then this option is irreplaceable. The retail chain offers several types of electric heating boilers, so with money in your pocket it’s easy to choose the right option. For those who are not looking for easy ways and want to save money, we will tell you about the features of making an electric boiler with your own hands. At the same time, costs are reduced to a minimum.

Electric boiler. Design and operating principle

Homemade electric boiler

Electric heating boilers have a simple design, which makes them highly reliable and affordable. At the heart of any unit is a heat exchanger, which consists of a container and a heating device. Depending on the method of operation of the latter, all electric boilers are divided into several types:

units with tubular electric heaters (heaters);
boilers with induction energy converter;
devices with electrode heaters.

In addition, each heating installation is equipped with pipes for supplying and discharging coolant, as well as a thermostat that maintains the temperature in the boiler at a given level. The movement of the working fluid in the heating system can be carried out either by gravity or by force - this depends on the type of equipment. If there is a need for a circulation pump, then it is installed at the inlet of the return line.

Electric heating boiler design

The safety of the electric heating unit is ensured by a safety valve. This automatic device relieves excess pressure in case of uncontrolled growth due to boiling of the coolant. Similar problems occur when the control unit or thermostat responsible for temperature stability breaks down. Protection against electric shock is provided by a grounding loop and a residual current device (RCD).

If it is necessary to reduce heat losses (for example, if the boiler is installed in an unheated room), then the heat exchanger is protected with a layer of insulation and installed in a protective casing.

Types of electric heating units

The operating principle of the installation depends on the method of heating the coolant, so we will consider the features of boilers of all types.

Heating boiler with heating elements

Boilers that use tubular heating elements are most widely used due to their simple and inexpensive design. The heating elements that ensure their functionality are installed directly into the heat exchanger tank. Heating occurs due to the high resistance of the heater coil. When current passes, it heats up to a high temperature. Thermal energy is transferred to the liquid, which washes the surface of the working element. Thanks to the constant circulation of the coolant, overheating of the heating element is eliminated and uninterrupted operation of the system is ensured. To maintain the temperature at the same level, the boiler design includes a thermostat that breaks the electrical circuit when the set parameters are exceeded. The device is restarted automatically when the temperature drops to a minimum level. The range of parameters is set by the user and selected taking into account personal preferences.

Schematic diagram of an electric boiler with heating elements

The described heating unit is an ideal design for manufacturing at home. All you need is a suitable container and tubular electric heaters. Nevertheless, such a boiler cannot be considered ideal. The disadvantages of this solution include low efficiency - less than 80% and a strong dependence on the quality of the coolant. The fact is that salts dissolved in water form scale on the heater tubes. A decrease in thermal conductivity leads to overheating and premature failure of heating elements. Experts say that limescale deposits just 2 mm thick reduce the performance of the device by more than 25%. Despite this, the advantages of simplicity and low cost make the electric boiler with tubular electric heaters the most popular design among home craftsmen.

Induction type

Unlike heating elements, boilers using the physical phenomenon of electrical induction have almost one hundred percent efficiency and impressive durability. The service life of the units reaches 30 years, and in parallel with the main task, they can serve as a boiler for the hot water supply system. Thanks to energy conversion with virtually no losses, induction heating systems are very economical and have maximum energy efficiency. What's the catch, you ask? Why didn’t this option become the most popular among “do-it-yourselfers”? It's all about the complexity of the design and the need to use electronic voltage converters.

Schematic diagram of an induction heating system

Structurally, an induction boiler consists of an electric coil - an inductor mounted on a metal core. The latter is a labyrinth of pipes through which the coolant of the heating system circulates. By and large, such a circuit is nothing more than a transformer with a short-circuited secondary winding. When supply voltage is applied to the inductor, an electromagnetic field appears around it, which generates eddy currents in the body of the conductor (section of the heating system pipeline). They heat up the metal of the hollow core, inside which water or antifreeze circulates. Heat transfer occurs with virtually no loss, and the contact area is several times higher than when using a heating element. This, as well as the possibility of heating the steel conductor to a higher temperature, helps to increase the heating rate and reduce the thermal inertia of the heating system. Just as in the case of tubular electric heaters, the constant movement of the liquid prevents overheating of the installation and contributes to long-term operation of the unit. We also note the fact that operating currents create vibration of the core walls, which prevents the formation of scale.

Video: Operating principle of an induction heater

Electrode unit

The principle of operation of an electrode boiler resembles the operation of the well-known design of an “army” boiler, consisting of two blades, the gap between which is determined by the thickness of the matches laid. Thanks to the salts dissolved in water, the liquid is a good conductor. This is what is used in the popular scheme. A direct electric current applied to contacts immersed in water promotes the movement of charged particles from one electrode to another. If we apply alternating current from our network to the described circuit, then the charged particles will change the direction of movement with a frequency of 50 Hz (that is, 50 times per second). According to Ohm's law, a decrease in resistance at a constant voltage entails an increase in current, so it is important to maintain a high salt content in the liquid.

Operating principle of an electrode boiler

Heating of the coolant is carried out due to the constant movement of ions from one electrode to another. Moreover, even the most saturated water is significantly inferior in electrical conductivity to metals such as steel or copper. Thanks to its increased resistance, heating occurs, the power of which can be calculated using the formula:

P - required installation power, W
U - voltage (220V and 380V for our networks, depending on the number of phases);
I - current strength, A.

Electrode boiler design

Structurally, the electrode boiler is a body in the form of a piece of metal pipe and a round electrode located inside, insulated with a fluoroplastic or fiberglass sleeve. Phase voltage is supplied to the internal contact, and zero is connected to the unit body. A prerequisite is the presence of a high-quality grounding circuit, which is also connected to the ground of the boiler. When operating the installation, a special coolant or baking soda solution is used as an electrolyte. In this case, it is important to maintain the exact alkali content, since the current strength in the circuit, and therefore the power of the installation, depends on its amount. A thermostat is also used to regulate the temperature in a system with an electrode boiler, and the safety of the unit is ensured by installing a safety valve, a circuit breaker and an RCD.

Advantages and disadvantages of electric heating boilers

If we compare electrical structures with boilers that burn fuel, we cannot fail to note the advantages of the former:

simple, reliable device;
increased safety during operation;
there is no need to install chimneys;
electricity is the most accessible type of energy;
the installation can be placed anywhere, there is no need for a separate room;
the manufacture of an electric boiler requires much less materials;
the owner gets the opportunity to precisely adjust the temperature;
high efficiency - up to 99%;
the service life of individual heating installations exceeds 30 years;
noiselessness and safety for the environment;
Electric heating devices lend themselves well to automation.

As for the disadvantages, today there is only one - the high cost of electricity. Nevertheless, the use of electric power plants in the absence of other options or as backup heat sources is not only justified, but also economically feasible.

Comparison of parameters of electric heating boilers

Power calculation

When starting to build a homemade heating unit, first of all, determine the required power. Based on this value, a conclusion is made about the advisability of choosing one type of boiler or another, further calculations are carried out, and the dimensions and number of components are determined.

Various sources provide several methods for determining the power of heating installations. The easiest way is to use the formula:

W = Wy × S (kW), where:

W - boiler power;

Wy - specific power for different regions (northern regions - 0.2, central - 0.12 -0.15, southern - 0.07);

S - heated area, m2.

To clarify the obtained values, the result must be multiplied by a correction factor:

for houses with uninsulated roofs - 0.25;
if there is no thermal insulation of the walls - 0.35;
with frequent ventilation - 0.15.

Often, experts who install heating systems recommend calculating based on the norm of 100 - 150 W per 1 sq. m. m. depending on the region of residence. Of course, this method cannot be called the most accurate, however, it is suitable for a rough estimate. In other cases, it is still better to make a small reserve of power for unforeseen circumstances.

When choosing a cable for connecting an electric boiler, special attention is paid to the cross-sectional area of the conductor

Having received the desired value, be sure to analyze the parameters of your electrical network. It may be necessary to install an additional power line or reconstruct existing communications to connect equipment. It is best to consult the electricians of the energy supply company regarding these issues.

DIY Instructions

Before starting work, you need to select a suitable design, carry out the necessary calculations and prepare drawings, stock up on materials and tools.

As with any other home-made device, the use of ready-made drawings with exact dimensions when building an electric boiler is unlikely. Most likely, everyone will proceed from their own needs and the availability of this or that material. However, we have prepared drawings, diagrams and instructions for the manufacture of heating boilers of various types. Perhaps they will serve as an example for your own developments, or maybe one of the presented designs is fully suitable in all respects.

How to make an induction heating installation

Diagram of a homemade induction boiler

Despite the sophisticated operating principle, induction boilers are simple in design, so they can easily be made at home. The only thing that can cause difficulties is the manufacture of a high-frequency voltage converter. If you do not have experience in building electronic devices, then it is better to entrust this part of the work to specialists. The electronic circuit presented below will allow you to power a boiler with a power of up to 5 kW. To make the task easier, you can use an inexpensive welding inverter to power the installation, connecting it in front of the output rectifier diodes.

Voltage converter circuit for induction heating boiler

Installation of such induction boilers is possible only in systems with forced circulation of coolant. Otherwise, the housing of the heating installation may melt. That is why the boiler is turned on only after checking the functionality of the circulation pump.

Tools and materials

To make an induction heating boiler you will need:

a thick plastic pipe with an internal diameter of no more than 50 mm, which will be used as the boiler body and the base of the induction coil;
round steel with a diameter of up to 7 mm (wire rod), cut into pieces up to 50 mm long, will be used as a conductor;
fittings for connecting to the heating system;
metal mesh with a fine mesh for fixing the steel elements of the conductor;
copper insulated wire with a diameter of 5 mm;
automatic power switch 25 A;
thermostat with a switching current of at least 16 A.

Before starting work, you need to prepare the following tools:

an angle grinder with a cutting disc installed;
soldering iron for soldering plastic pipes;
multimeter;
wire cutters;
metal scissors;
vice.

Self-production

Round rolled metal (wire rod) is cut into pieces 50 cm long. They will be needed as the conductor of our induction unit.
A piece of at least 1 m in length is cut off from a plastic pipe. It will serve as a housing and at the same time a section of pipeline for the coolant of the heating system.
Round parts are cut out of a metal mesh, the diameter of which is equal to the internal size of the boiler body. They are necessary to ensure that the cut conductor elements are held inside the pipe. Therefore, the size of the mesh cells should be less than the diameter of the wire rod.
One end of the plastic pipe is closed with a wire plug at a distance of up to 10 cm from the end.
The internal space of the boiler is filled with conductor elements, after which the metal parts are fixed with a mesh located at a distance of 10 cm from the edge.
Fittings are welded into the boiler body to connect the device to the heating system. It is better if the circulation pump is installed at the inlet of the return line.
The inductor is made from insulated copper wire (busbar), winding it turn to turn on a plastic pipe. The length of the coil should be 90 cm. This will require approximately 10 m of wire.

Making an inductor

8. The ends of the coil are connected to a voltage converter. The electronic device itself must be grounded. We remind you that when using a welding inverter, you will need to open it and solder the leads of the inductor coil to the input of powerful rectifier diodes (they are installed at the output of the device).
9. After filling the system with coolant, the boiler is turned on and tested.

To regulate the temperature in the heating system, a thermostat is used, to the power part of which the power wires of the voltage converter are connected.

Video: Induction installation

High-frequency electromagnetic radiation from induction devices can be shielded. To do this, use a steel or brass sheet installed at a distance, connecting it to the “mass” of the unit.

Heating boiler with tubular electric heaters

Drawing of a heating element electric boiler

The presented design of a heating unit with heating elements in the form of heating elements is characterized by simplicity and undemanding use of materials. Such a boiler can be used to heat a small room, installed in a bathhouse or garage, and to connect it you will need a regular household power supply of 220 V.

All that is required for its manufacture is sections of steel pipes for the body and pipes, sheet metal for flanges and one or two tubular electric heaters. By the way, for one heating element a pipe with a diameter of 100 mm is sufficient. If you need to install 2 - 3 heaters, then you will need a pipe with a diameter of 130 - 150 mm. As for the length of the body, it must exceed the linear dimensions of the heating element by at least 50 - 60 mm.

When using several heating elements in a design, each of them must be connected through a separate machine. In addition, if the house has a three-phase network, then it is better to connect the heating elements to different phases.

Tools and materials

To manufacture a low-power 2.4 kW electric boiler, you will need the following materials:

steel pipe Ø120 mm (wall thickness at least 3 mm) 650 mm long;
metal bends: Ø1.25˝ - 2 pcs., Ø0.5˝ - 3 pcs.;
steel plate with a thickness of 5 mm and dimensions of at least 150×150 mm;
round steel plate from 3 mm with a diameter of at least 120 mm.
two heating elements with a power of 0.9 and 1.5 kW;
thermostat, switching current of at least 12 A at a voltage of 220 V;
safety valve designed for a pressure of no more than 8 atm.

The tools you need to prepare are:

welding machine (preferably DC, or inverter);
angle grinder with cutting and grinding discs;
electric drill with a set of metal drills;
set of screwdrivers and wrenches;
measuring tool and marker.

In addition, you will need to prepare a rust converter, primer and paint to protect the finished product from rust and give it an aesthetic appearance.

Manufacturing instructions

1. We make a heat exchanger. To do this, you need to take a Ø120 mm pipe and make Ø1˝ holes in it at the connection points to the heating system. To do this, it is best to use a plasma cutting machine or gas cutter. In extreme cases, the spaces under the inlet and outlet pipes can be burned with an electrode.
2. The holes are cleaned using a grinder, after which the prepared bends Ø1.25˝ are welded.

The holes are cleaned using a grinder

3. A metal plate with a thickness of at least 5 mm is used as the bottom of the heating unit. It will cover the heat exchanger housing from below and will serve as a flange for a heating element of higher power. This option is the simplest, however, if the heater burns out, replacing it will not be easy. This drawback can be eliminated by installing a split-type flange.

Installation of the pipe

4. Squeegees of smaller diameter are welded in the same way as supply pipes. One of them is installed at the lowest point of the heat exchanger and is designed to drain water from the system. In the future, a ball valve will be installed on this outlet. The other pipe is intended for installation of a low-power heating element equipped with a thermostat. The third drive will be needed if the system needs to be additionally equipped with an expansion tank.

The heat exchanger is ready for installation of heating elements

5. From the wall side, a Ø6 mm stud is welded to the boiler body. You will need it to connect the ground.
6. Holes are drilled in the bottom plate for installing a powerful heating element, after which the heater is mounted, sealing gaskets are installed and the fastening nuts are tightened.

Holes for U-shaped heating elements

7. The upper part of the heat exchanger is covered with a round metal plate Ø120 mm, cut from a steel sheet with a thickness of at least 3 mm. After this, they are welded around the perimeter of the part.

Heaters are installed on sealing gaskets

The presented design has a significant drawback in the form of the impossibility of replacing the tubular heater. In order to perform this operation, the boiler will have to be dismantled and the top cover cut off with a grinder. This trouble can be avoided by using a split-type flange or rod heating elements that are installed in boilers. Of course, you will first need to weld threaded sockets into the heat exchanger for their installation.

8. The tightness of the welding seams can be checked in a large container with water, having previously covered the pipes with plastic film.
9. After installing the additional heating element, thermostat and ball valve, the boiler is connected to the heating system and the system is filled with coolant.
10. If there are no questions about the tightness of the system, the boiler is connected first to the ground loop and then to the electrical network. This is best done through a 25 A circuit breaker using an RCD.
11. At the final stage, operating voltage is supplied to the heating elements, after which the system is tested at maximum temperature and when the heaters are turned on separately.

The electric boiler will be ready for use after painting

To protect the boiler from corrosion, its surface is treated with a rust converter, after which it is primed and painted. Of course, it is more convenient to perform this procedure before installing the boiler in the heating system.

Video: Homemade electric boiler on heating elements

Electrode boiler

The electrode boiler shown in the drawing has a very simple design. However, you can modify it. For example, threaded plugs 4 can be eliminated by replacing them with tightly welded welders. Or use ready-made threaded pipes as pipes 3, welding them to the body.

1 - seamless iron pipe Ø57 mm with internal thread; 2 - coating of heat-resistant paint; 3 - coolant inlet and outlet pipes Ø32 mm with external thread; 4 - side metal plugs; 5 - internal electrode for boiler Ø25 mm; 6 - connecting terminals with M6 thread for connecting the neutral wire and grounding; 8 - gaskets made of rubber or paronite

Materials and tools

To assemble an electrode boiler you will need:

seamless steel pipe Ø57 mm, length up to 300 mm;
bends Ø32 mm with external thread - 2 pcs.;
studs with M6 thread up to 20 mm long - 2 pcs.;
plugs with external thread - 2 pcs. (it is better if one of them is machined from fluoroplastic or other electrical insulating material);
electrode Ø25 mm;
rubber or paronite gaskets;
thermostat.

Just like for the manufacture of other electric boilers, in this case you will need the simplest and most common tool:

welding machine;
Bulgarian;
electric drill with a set of drills;
set of taps and dies;
set of wrenches;
current clamps.

Don’t forget about heat-resistant paint - the homemade product will need to be protected from corrosion.

Assembly instructions

1. Squeegees with internal threads are welded to the section of pipe - the boiler body, into which the plugs will be screwed. If you have access to a lathe, this operation can be simplified by using it to cut along the edges of the pipe.
2. In the places where the inlet and outlet pipes are installed, holes with a diameter of at least 25 mm are drilled. Spherical recesses are made at the edges of the bends for a better fit of the pipes to the body.
3. Squeegees and studs are welded to the main pipe, which will be grounding terminals.
4. A groove is made at the end of the electrode, after which a thread is cut on it.

When constructing a boiler, you can use electrodes from factory-made heating units

5. A hole equal to the diameter of the threaded part of the electrode is drilled in the fluoroplastic plug.
6. The internal electrode is installed in the plug and secured with a nut.

Electrode boiler parts are ready for assembly

7. The plugs are installed in place, the boiler is cut into the heating system and coolant for the electrode structures is poured into it.

After installing the heating unit, check the tightness of the connections, after which the grounding and power wires are connected. Voltage is supplied through a circuit breaker designed for 25 A and an RCD.

The boiler is adjusted using current clamps and a soda solution in a ratio of 1:10. The measuring device is installed on one of the power supply wires and the boiler is connected to the network. When adding a soda solution to the coolant, monitor the ammeter readings. It is necessary to achieve a current value of 18 A. In this case, the power of the heating unit will be about 4 W.

Video: homemade design

A self-assembled electric heating installation will provide warmth and comfort in the house and give you self-confidence. Working with your own hands will save you a lot of money for other projects. Just do not forget that using electricity will require extreme concentration and attention both during installation and during operation. When assembling a heating boiler, follow the recommendations of experienced craftsmen and listen to the advice of professionals. After startup, periodically monitor the operation of the installation and follow the rules for handling electricity. Only in this case will a homemade electric unit be useful, and its owner will be able to be proud of the work done.

Due to certain circumstances, many people install electric heating equipment, for which they have to pay a lot of money on electricity bills. But there is one solution that allows you to save quite a lot - assemble an electric boiler yourself. Almost everyone can make a homemade electric boiler for heating, which will be in no way inferior to factory-made products. If you approach this issue thoroughly, then such a product may turn out to be even better than a factory model.

There are three types of electric boilers for home heating. The first ones operate from heating elements. They are equipped with a tubular electric heater, which heats up using electricity, transferring its temperature to the liquid. The heater has insulation, thanks to which the coolant is not under 220V voltage.

This type of boiler has the following positive qualities:

fairly low price;
the possibility of a short circuit is excluded.

The downside of such devices is the likelihood of scale appearing on the heating elements. This negatively affects the operation of the heater and the equipment as a whole, and can even lead to its breakdown. In the case when distilled water or special liquids are used as a coolant, such misunderstandings do not arise.

The second option is a do-it-yourself induction electric heating boiler. It is equipped with a transformer with a winding; the heating pipe in this type of boiler plays the role of an induction coil. The coolant is heated by eddy currents that arise on the winding.

Induction boilers have the following advantages:

possibility of using any coolant;
fast heating (about 5-7 minutes);
safety;
long service life;
small dimensions.

The disadvantages include:

high price;
heavy weight (20 kg or more).

And the third option is an electrode electric boiler - this type uses liquid not only as a coolant, but also as part of the electrical system. This boiler can be easily assembled independently, but this equipment is subject to high electrical safety requirements.

This type of home electric boilers has the following positive qualities:

efficiency. Compared to heating element models, electricity consumption is half as much;
small size and simple design;
insensitivity to voltage changes. The device will work even at a voltage of 180 Volts.

There are also disadvantages:

works only with special coolant;
It is necessary to install reliable grounding; due to the specific nature of the operation of this equipment, it is impossible to equip it with protective shutdown devices, which increases the likelihood of electric shock.
periodic replacement of electrodes is required.

A common disadvantage of any electric heater is the danger of exceeding the limit for connecting electrical equipment in the house. Thus, the total power of all electrical equipment in the home should not exceed 15 kW.

Features of electric heat generators

Due to the high energy consumption (more than 4 kW) for this heating equipment, it is necessary to make an electrical input of the required power in advance in order to prevent an accident on the line.

Devices whose power does not exceed 6 kW require single-phase power, and equipment whose power limit is above 6 kW requires three-phase power. The equipment is powered from a standard electrical network with a power of 220 V.

1 kW of electric boiler power can heat 10 m2 of space. Based on these data, it can be assumed that heating a 250 m2 home will require equipment with a capacity of 25 kW.

In order to heat a house with an area of approximately 100 m2, you need equipment with a power of at least 10 kW. Thus, after connecting the boiler, only 5 kW is allocated to the remaining appliances. In order to increase the consumption limit, you need to obtain special permission.

As a rule, a self-made electric boiler is a piece of pipe with electrical accessories built inside it. This is quite convenient, especially if you make the heating units removable, which will make servicing the equipment much easier.

If the unit is not placed in a pipe, but is equipped with a separate housing, then it is possible to install additional sensors that will automate the operation of the heating system, increase efficiency and reduce electricity consumption. In addition, if it is necessary to replace the boiler, this can be done without compromising the integrity of the system circuit.

Let's understand the features and technologies of how to make an electric boiler of each type.

How to make a heating element boiler with your own hands?

This type is the most common. Heating elements are used to heat the coolant. They are located in a heat exchanger, which, in essence, is a sealed, heat-insulated container equipped with pipes for coolant input and output.

A heating element is a thin-walled tube made of aluminum, steel or titanium, inside of which there is a nichrome spiral. The walls of the tube and the spiral are separated by a dielectric storage device, usually quartz sand plays its role.

The principle of operation of such equipment is as follows: the spiral heats up due to the fact that an electric current passes through it, the heat from it is transferred to the sand and the tube, and the tube heats the coolant. The water heats up approximately 15-20 minutes after the equipment starts operating.

To save money and free space, you can make a similar electric boiler yourself. To do this you need to have on hand:

grinder;
welding equipment;
grinding unit;
thermostat;
multimeter;
steel sheet;
adapters for connecting to the pipeline;
pipe ø12 cm, and 3-5 tubes of smaller diameter;
2 heating elements.

After all the necessary tools and materials are prepared, you can begin work:

Metal pipes are prepared: three tubes with a diameter of 12.5 mm and two with a diameter of 30 mm. These parts are cut from pre-prepared pipes.
A piece of large pipe about 65 cm long is needed; it will act as a heating tank. In places that are pre-marked, holes are made by welding for the pipes - supply, return, drain, expansion tank, heaters. Using a grinder, the edges of the holes are polished.
The pipes are welded to the corresponding holes.
A circle of sheet steel of the required size is cut out and welded to the bottom of the heating tank. The protrusions are cut off and the connecting seams are sanded.
A long pipe with a diameter of 12.5 mm is welded to the upper part - a second electric heating element is screwed to it.
Several holes are made in the bottom for mounting a heating element with a power of 1.5 kW. After the heating element is fixed, the boiler is screwed to the heating system using pipes and the wires are connected.
Afterwards, a less powerful heating element (about 0.9 kW), which is equipped with a thermostat, is connected to the upper pipe.
After everything is connected, water is poured into the system. After several hours of operation, the system is checked with a multimeter. In the case when everything is done according to the instructions, the instrument readings will be 70 ° C - this temperature is optimal.

The finishing touches are sanding and painting the boiler.

The disadvantage of such equipment is the likelihood of scale deposits on the heating elements. Which leads to a decrease in operating efficiency or breakdown of the device. When using special liquids or distilled water as a coolant, this problem is prevented.

Features of assembling induction equipment

In boilers of this type, the coolant is heated using an induction current arising in a ferromagnetic heat exchanger. An induction boiler looks like a cylindrical body, inside of which there is an inductor winding, in which the heat exchanger core is located. It may be a labyrinth of pipes or cavities.

After voltage is applied to the inductor coil, an electromagnetic field is created that quickly heats the metal core, which in turn transfers heat to the coolant that passes through it.

Ordinary water can be used as a coolant, regardless of its hardness, antifreeze and even oil. Due to the fact that there is zero probability of scale formation in these boilers, their efficiency does not decrease over time.

This boiler, like the heating element, is quite simply designed, so if you wish, you can easily make it yourself. For this you will need:

welding inverter;
wire cutters;
Bulgarian;
steel wire;
stainless steel wire rod;
polypropylene pipe with thick walls;
adapters;
metal grid;
enameled copper wire.

Induction boiler assembly steps:

For the material to be irradiated by electromagnetic waves, make pieces of wire rod or steel wire with a diameter of 7 mm. The maximum length of the segments should be 5 cm.
It is necessary to make a body. It will serve simultaneously as the basis for the manufacture of an induction coil and part of the heating line. To create a body from polypropylene tubes, a pipe is used whose internal diameter is slightly less than 5 cm.
To connect the boiler to the water supply, you must use adapters. With their help, the heated coolant will go into the pipeline, and the cooled coolant will return to the boiler. At this stage, the first adapter is attached to the base.
It is necessary to lay an iron mesh at the bottom of the structure, which will prevent pieces of wire from entering the pipeline.
After the mesh is laid, it is necessary to fill in the wire pieces. They need such a quantity that there is no free space left in the container. After which the upper part of the body is closed with a second adapter.
This stage is perhaps the most important, since it creates the induction coil. To do this, take enameled copper wire, which must be wound around the body in 90 turns. The coils must be placed approximately in the center of the structure.
The structure is connected to the heating system. To perform this task, a small section is cut out of the pipeline, and a unit is installed in its place.
The coil must be connected to the inverter and the system filled with water.

The inverter can only be turned on after the system is already filled with water, otherwise the plastic case will simply melt.

How to make an electrode boiler?

This type of electric boiler in the heat exchanger design has two electrodes to which electricity is supplied, which creates a potential difference. The salts contained in the coolant make it an electrical conductor. Electricity passes through the electrolyte with high resistance, causing it to heat up. Nominal power is achieved in just a couple of minutes.

The role of the coolant (electrolyte) in electrode boilers can be performed by a vault prepared in a special way, or by a liquid based on ethylene glycol.

It is enough to simply assemble this type of heater yourself. To do this you need to have on hand:

iron pipe, with a diameter of 57 mm and thick walls;
sheet of iron, more than 2 mm thick;
internal electrode with a diameter of 25 mm;
paronite or rubber gaskets and connecting terminals.

Electrode boiler assembly steps:

Before starting work, you must obtain appropriate permission from the organization involved in the supply of electricity. This permit is required to ensure that once the equipment is installed, it will have enough electricity supplied without interfering with supplies to neighbors.
It is necessary to determine the installation location. It’s quite simple: with natural circulation, the device must be installed at the lowest point of the system, with forced circulation - in any other place.
As during the assembly of the equipment described above, it is necessary to connect pipe connections to the future housing. One end of the pipes is welded to the unit, and a thread is cut on the other.
When making an electrode boiler yourself, a hole for the plug is drilled in the body. An electrode is attached to it, which is installed inside the boiler.
At the end, the homemade body is welded by installing a bottom and a lid cut from an iron sheet.
After the welds have been cleaned, they must be checked for permeability. This is done in the following way: the welding seams are covered with soap foam, and pressure is injected into the body. If bubbles appear anywhere, you need to know that the boiler will leak in these places.
Wiring is being installed. The boiler must be connected to a separate line. The connection cable must match the power of the circuit, because at the slightest resistance, the efficiency drops, and there is a possibility of the entire system failing.
Grounding installation. In order to do this, the heating system must be connected to some grounded element of the house (for example, to fittings).

After all faults have been found and eliminated, the body must be coated with enamel paint.

Proper operation of the boiler depends on the presence of soda in the water, which plays the role of a coolant. It is added to increase the current strength: this indicator is calculated by dividing the device power by 220.

How to start an electric boiler for heating?

Before starting the boiler, it is necessary to completely check all connections, electrical wiring and fill the system with water.

For more efficient operation of the system, you can connect a circulation pump to it. Its task will be to move the coolant, so that it will warm up more evenly.

In the case where the system is made with natural circulation, a better option would be to make a slight slope from the outlet to the return so that the cooled water returns to the boiler more quickly.

If you find torn or pinched wires in the wiring, replace them immediately and insulate them well. These defects cannot be ignored, due to the fact that the current in a three-phase system is quite high.

Preparation means cleaning the device from dust and dirt. Also, during the first start-up and during further operation, it is necessary to prevent voltage surges. To avoid this, you need to install an RCD.

First, the system is filled with water so that there are no air pockets left in it. Radiators are usually equipped with special taps that serve this purpose. Next, you just need to turn on the boiler to the mains and wait for it to warm up.