Can I put a timer on a basic gas water heater?
I have a gas water heater that doesn't use electricity. It works by having a
bare copper wire conduct temperature out of the water tank into the thermostat. The same way some air conditioner works. It also uses a manual pilot light (you have to light the pilot light manually if the gas was turned off and on). Is it possible to add a timer to this kind of water heater? |
Can I put a timer on a basic gas water heater?
"peter" wrote in message news:vuwug.5313$Ss2.4793@trnddc01... I have a gas water heater that doesn't use electricity. It works by having a bare copper wire conduct temperature out of the water tank into the thermostat. The same way some air conditioner works. It also uses a manual pilot light (you have to light the pilot light manually if the gas was turned off and on). Is it possible to add a timer to this kind of water heater? Yep. I did it once and it cost (at that time) more money than you could have possible saved over the life of the tank. |
Can I put a timer on a basic gas water heater?
"peter" wrote in message news:vuwug.5313$Ss2.4793@trnddc01... I have a gas water heater that doesn't use electricity. It works by having a bare copper wire conduct temperature out of the water tank into the thermostat. That is NOT a bare copper wire, it is a capillary tube that conducts a liquid that is heated in the pilot light and uses the pressure to operate the valve. |
Can I put a timer on a basic gas water heater?
On Sun, 16 Jul 2006 16:22:23 -0400, with neither quill nor qualm,
"HeatMan" quickly quoth: "peter" wrote in message news:vuwug.5313$Ss2.4793@trnddc01... I have a gas water heater that doesn't use electricity. It works by having a bare copper wire conduct temperature out of the water tank into the thermostat. The same way some air conditioner works. It also uses a manual pilot light (you have to light the pilot light manually if the gas was turned off and on). Is it possible to add a timer to this kind of water heater? Yep. I did it once and it cost (at that time) more money than you could have possible saved over the life of the tank. Nowadays you could do it with your computer and some X-10 gear. Run a relay from the X-10 appliance module to interrupt the power-on line from the tstat. Alternatively, you could use a standard lamp timer with a relay for the same purpose. Piece of cake, but you're right, it might not save a lot of money. (What's your reason for doing this, Peter?) -- I am beginning to learn that it is the sweet, simple things of life which are the real ones after all. --Laura Ingalls Wilder (1867-1957) |
Can I put a timer on a basic gas water heater?
On Sun, 16 Jul 2006 18:50:47 -0700, Larry Jaques
wrote: On Sun, 16 Jul 2006 16:22:23 -0400, with neither quill nor qualm, "HeatMan" quickly quoth: "peter" wrote in message news:vuwug.5313$Ss2.4793@trnddc01... I have a gas water heater that doesn't use electricity. It works by having a bare copper wire conduct temperature out of the water tank into the thermostat. The same way some air conditioner works. It also uses a manual pilot light (you have to light the pilot light manually if the gas was turned off and on). Is it possible to add a timer to this kind of water heater? Yep. I did it once and it cost (at that time) more money than you could have possible saved over the life of the tank. Nowadays you could do it with your computer and some X-10 gear. Run a relay from the X-10 appliance module to interrupt the power-on line from the tstat. Alternatively, you could use a standard lamp timer with a relay for the same purpose. Piece of cake, but you're right, it might not save a lot of money. (What's your reason for doing this, Peter?) If you want to do this, an appliance module is not the best choice. Use a "universal module" which can be set to act as just a relay. No external relay needed. Note that this module can be a power source as well. Be sure to read the instructions. -- Mark Lloyd http://notstupid.laughingsquid.com "Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well armed lamb contesting the vote." - Benjamin Franklin |
Can I put a timer on a basic gas water heater?
Mark Lloyd wrote:
On Sun, 16 Jul 2006 18:50:47 -0700, Larry Jaques wrote: On Sun, 16 Jul 2006 16:22:23 -0400, with neither quill nor qualm, "HeatMan" quickly quoth: "peter" wrote in message news:vuwug.5313$Ss2.4793@trnddc01... I have a gas water heater that doesn't use electricity. It works by having a bare copper wire conduct temperature out of the water tank into the thermostat. The same way some air conditioner works. It also uses a manual pilot light (you have to light the pilot light manually if the gas was turned off and on). Is it possible to add a timer to this kind of water heater? Yep. I did it once and it cost (at that time) more money than you could have possible saved over the life of the tank. Nowadays you could do it with your computer and some X-10 gear. Run a relay from the X-10 appliance module to interrupt the power-on line from the tstat. Alternatively, you could use a standard lamp timer with a relay for the same purpose. Piece of cake, but you're right, it might not save a lot of money. (What's your reason for doing this, Peter?) If you want to do this, an appliance module is not the best choice. Use a "universal module" which can be set to act as just a relay. No external relay needed. Note that this module can be a power source as well. Be sure to read the instructions. -- Mark Lloyd http://notstupid.laughingsquid.com "Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well armed lamb contesting the vote." - Benjamin Franklin Apparently you all don't read very well. The OP's question was regarding a water heater, not a furnace / boiler, and worse yet it was a non electric gas fired unit that used a capillary tube type thermostat mechanism. The only way to put a timer on this unit is basically to replace the entire thermostat and gas valve unit with electrically controlled ones i.e. buy a new water heater of the appropriate type. Pete C. |
Can I put a timer on a basic gas water heater?
"Mark Lloyd" wrote in message I have a gas water heater that doesn't use electricity. It works by having a bare copper wire conduct temperature out of the water tank into the thermostat. Nowadays you could do it with your computer and some X-10 gear. Run a relay from the X-10 appliance module to interrupt the power-on line from the tstat. Alternatively, you could use a standard lamp timer with a relay for the same purpose. Piece of cake, but you're right, it might not save a lot of money. (What's your reason for doing this, Peter?) If you want to do this, an appliance module is not the best choice. Use a "universal module" which can be set to act as just a relay. No external relay needed. Note that this module can be a power source as well. Be sure to read the instructions. How do you do it on a unit that has no electricity going to it? I'd like to see the wiring diagram. |
Can I put a timer on a basic gas water heater?
On Sun, 16 Jul 2006 21:12:51 -0500, with neither quill nor qualm, Mark
Lloyd quickly quoth: On Sun, 16 Jul 2006 18:50:47 -0700, Larry Jaques wrote: Nowadays you could do it with your computer and some X-10 gear. Run a relay from the X-10 appliance module to interrupt the power-on line from the tstat. If you want to do this, an appliance module is not the best choice. Use a "universal module" which can be set to act as just a relay. No external relay needed. Note that this module can be a power source as well. Be sure to read the instructions. Excellent. Thanks for the tip. I'll look into those. -- Simplicity doesn't mean to live in misery and poverty. You have what you need and you don't want what you don't need. --Charan Singh (1916-1990) |
Can I put a timer on a basic gas water heater?
"EXT" wrote in message anews.com... "peter" wrote in message news:vuwug.5313$Ss2.4793@trnddc01... I have a gas water heater that doesn't use electricity. It works by having a bare copper wire conduct temperature out of the water tank into the thermostat. That is NOT a bare copper wire, it is a capillary tube that conducts a liquid that is heated in the pilot light and uses the pressure to operate the valve. It could be either a tube for pressure operation or the outer conductor of a coaxial wire pair. The wires are used for thermocouple type sensors and electromagnet operation of the pilot section of the valve. Both types were common at one time. Don Young |
Can I put a timer on a basic gas water heater?
A "hack" method would be to get a heavy duty RC servo, couple that to
the thermostat such that when energized the servo would spin the thermostat knob to pilot light only, then spin the knob back to the appropriate heat setting when desired. Obviously one would need a way to energize the servo, but that should be a simple task. (via the parallel port of a PC comes to mind) AFA energy savings, (if that is your intent) it may be minimal. A well insulated hater heater in a conditioned space (basement) does not lose much heat over a 24 hour period. Any heat that is lost helps maintain temp in the area. Anyway good luck with whatever you want to do. |
Can I put a timer on a basic gas water heater?
Do a search for "Qwaterback" made by Paragon. As a previous poster
mentioned, it is a servo type thing that mounts to the thermostat, that turns it up/down in response to the timer. I picked one up (new in the box) at a yard sale some time back, and gave it to a friend since my w/h is electric. For some reason, the instructions specifically say not to use it on a propane unit, which is what he has, so he did not use it. Next time I talk to him, I'll ask if he still has it. Larry |
Can I put a timer on a basic gas water heater?
peter wrote:
I have a gas water heater that doesn't use electricity. It works by having a bare copper wire conduct temperature out of the water tank into the thermostat. The same way some air conditioner works. It also uses a manual pilot light (you have to light the pilot light manually if the gas was turned off and on). Is it possible to add a timer to this kind of water heater? Hi, What does it suppose to accomplish? |
Can I put a timer on a basic gas water heater?
Edwin Pawlowski wrote:
How do you do it on a unit that has no electricity going to it? I'd like to see the wiring diagram. Electrically-operated valve to the main gas supply should do it. |
Can I put a timer on a basic gas water heater?
HeyBub wrote:
Edwin Pawlowski wrote: How do you do it on a unit that has no electricity going to it? I'd like to see the wiring diagram. Electrically-operated valve to the main gas supply should do it. But then you'd need an electrically activated pilot light - additional expense. -- Grandpa What is that dripping from my fingers? Why it looks like time. |
Can I put a timer on a basic gas water heater?
probably easier to add more insulation since timer only effects standby
loses. minize standby loses by superinsulating |
Can I put a timer on a basic gas water heater?
"Gas water heater timers".... boy, those go back a *ways*.
These were availaible from at least two different manufacturers, AMF used to make such a device called a "QWATERBACK" - I remembered the name (took a couple of days) - and GOOGLE found one still in the box, on eBay, if anyone is wondering what they looked like: http://tinyurl.com/jeztl http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...Pr4_PcY_BIN_IT I have no idea how - or if - this device was effective or safe. Or if it would be considered an acceptable modification by your WH's manufacturer. Or by your local building department. Or your insurance company. My guess would be that the answer is to all three is no , and if I found one of these during an inspection I'd recommend it's disconnection unless all three approvals could be confirmed - and even then, how would you find a "qualified person" to perform an inspection or repair of such an installation? Michael Thomas Paragon Home Inspection, LLC Chicago, IL mdtATparagoninspectsDOTcom 847-475-5668 |
Can I put a timer on a basic gas water heater?
On Mon, 17 Jul 2006 08:48:15 -0500, "HeyBub"
wrote: Edwin Pawlowski wrote: How do you do it on a unit that has no electricity going to it? I'd like to see the wiring diagram. Electrically-operated valve to the main gas supply should do it. And how does the timer relight the pilot after reconnecting the gas? -- Mark Lloyd http://notstupid.laughingsquid.com "Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well armed lamb contesting the vote." - Benjamin Franklin |
Can I put a timer on a basic gas water heater?
my old water heater developed a leak inside that put out the pilot. i
truned off the gas and water, near 24 hours later i turned on the water long enough for a shower, the water was nice and hot. a couple hours later in installed the new tank. turning the burner off isnt going to save much at all |
Can I put a timer on a basic gas water heater?
"EXT" wrote in message anews.com... "peter" wrote in message news:vuwug.5313$Ss2.4793@trnddc01... I have a gas water heater that doesn't use electricity. It works by having a bare copper wire conduct temperature out of the water tank into the thermostat. That is NOT a bare copper wire, it is a capillary tube that conducts a liquid that is heated in the pilot light and uses the pressure to operate the valve. Wrong. Good thought, though. The Flame at the tip makes two different metals generate a very small amount of electricity, in the milli-volt range. That electrical current is enough to hold the pilot solenoid open. It won't open the pilot solenoid, that's why you have to push the button when lighting the pilot. |
Can I put a timer on a basic gas water heater?
"Larry Jaques" wrote in message ... On Sun, 16 Jul 2006 16:22:23 -0400, with neither quill nor qualm, "HeatMan" quickly quoth: "peter" wrote in message news:vuwug.5313$Ss2.4793@trnddc01... I have a gas water heater that doesn't use electricity. It works by having a bare copper wire conduct temperature out of the water tank into the thermostat. The same way some air conditioner works. It also uses a manual pilot light (you have to light the pilot light manually if the gas was turned off and on). Is it possible to add a timer to this kind of water heater? Yep. I did it once and it cost (at that time) more money than you could have possible saved over the life of the tank. Nowadays you could do it with your computer and some X-10 gear. Run a relay from the X-10 appliance module to interrupt the power-on line from the tstat. Alternatively, you could use a standard lamp timer with a relay for the same purpose. Piece of cake, but you're right, it might not save a lot of money. I beleive the WH he's talking about is the standard tank-type unit that uses no electricity to operate. (What's your reason for doing this, Peter?) -- I am beginning to learn that it is the sweet, simple things of life which are the real ones after all. --Laura Ingalls Wilder (1867-1957) |
Can I put a timer on a basic gas water heater?
Spark igniter...
"Mark Lloyd" wrote in message ... On Mon, 17 Jul 2006 08:48:15 -0500, "HeyBub" wrote: Edwin Pawlowski wrote: How do you do it on a unit that has no electricity going to it? I'd like to see the wiring diagram. Electrically-operated valve to the main gas supply should do it. And how does the timer relight the pilot after reconnecting the gas? -- Mark Lloyd http://notstupid.laughingsquid.com "Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well armed lamb contesting the vote." - Benjamin Franklin |
Can I put a timer on a basic gas water heater?
Even if you could do it you will save little, you will only reheat
whatever heat it needs to getwarm again, to realy save get a gas tankless water heater like Rinnai, Takagi or Bosch. |
Can I put a timer on a basic gas water heater?
On Mon, 17 Jul 2006 19:44:19 -0400, "HeatMan"
wrote: "EXT" wrote in message tanews.com... "peter" wrote in message news:vuwug.5313$Ss2.4793@trnddc01... I have a gas water heater that doesn't use electricity. It works by having a bare copper wire conduct temperature out of the water tank into the thermostat. That is NOT a bare copper wire, it is a capillary tube that conducts a liquid that is heated in the pilot light and uses the pressure to operate the valve. Wrong. Good thought, though. The Flame at the tip makes two different metals generate a very small amount of electricity, in the milli-volt range. That electrical current is enough to hold the pilot solenoid open. It won't open the pilot solenoid, that's why you have to push the button when lighting the pilot. The current is generated by a difference in temperature. A difference that won't be there when the pilot has been off and needs to be relighted. You need to hold the button down until the end of the thermocouple (the one in the flame) warms up enough for it to generate enough current. -- Mark Lloyd http://notstupid.laughingsquid.com "Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well armed lamb contesting the vote." - Benjamin Franklin |
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