When one uses the term “hot water control,” it is usually being used in reference to the operation of a boiler. A boiler system includes a considerable number of components, some mechanical and some electrical. Although there are two kinds of boilers, one using steam and the other using hot water, there are components which are responsible for determining the controls. There are electrical and mechanical controls; they are both used to control the boiler feedstock, the fuel, and the water level. As either system can be complex and can be damaged, boiler repair Chelsea is important.
For a boiler, either steam or hot water to function properly and safe, the water level is of prime importance; without adequate water there is a real chance of overheating which may lead to boiler not working properly. There is always some water escaping a boiler simply through evaporation but if the system has leaky valves or seams that leak, excessive amounts of water can escape. To avoid this, boilers are fitted with low water controls.
Low water controls are both all electrical and electro-mechanical. An all electric control is referred to as a probe whereas the electro-mechanical control is a float. The electronic probe is akin to a wand, it sits below the correct water line. When there is sufficient water the boiler operates but in the event the water level goes below the level of the probe, the electrical circuit is broken and the boiler shuts itself down. The probe uses the water to complete the electrical circuit, the water being a path to ground.
A float system is electro-mechanical, similar in theory to a float in the water closet of the toilet. The float sits on the water and when the water level is low, the float trips a switch which shuts the boiler off. Both systems work well but periodically they require boiler repair in Chelsea, usually along with routine maintenance.
When the water level falls below where it should be, an additional control called a “feeder control” comes into play. This feeder opens and lets water back into the boiler. When sufficient water has been added to the boiler, the sensor, either the probe or the float recognize this and the burners are re-lit.
