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Anticipators and a weird 3V fireplace controller switch

flaky
flaky Member Posts: 2
in Thermostats and Controls

I've got a fireplace which is controlled by Dexen Industries GM-6KA. It's switch is a 3V signal.

I work with IoT stuff for my day job and… I want a fully mechanical thermostat. I'm done with the electrical gizmos that requires cloud access or for that matter even a battery. Yes, I know the GM-6KA itself is an electric controller so yeah I'm kinda missing the whole point but who here isn't a hypocrit about some stuff? So shoot me. Also I really like the look and function of those Honeywell T87F thermostats.

That being said how do I make the anticipator work with a 3VAC signal limited to 200mA? My crappy harbor freight multimeter says it is outputting closer to 4V and 460mA. Maybe im being dumb so could someone help me with my calculations of how much power that anticipator is dissipating as heat? I read on here the range of the anticipator on the T87F is 1-5 ohms.

P = VI = V^2/R, 24 VAC = 17.0 Vrms

17 Vrms^2/1 ohm = 288 W (seems high!)

17 Vrms^2/5 ohm = 57 W (still seems high!)

Do those anticipators really output that much heat!?

Obviously there is no way to get such a power output from the existing controller's switch signal.

Should I just get a 24V wall wart and power the thermostat wiring with it and use it to drive a mechanical relay to close the 3V signal?

Comments

  • Bob Harper
    Bob Harper Member Posts: 1,086

    First of all, what are the make and model of this fireplace? Most mfrs. offer thermostatic control through a multi-function remote control. The on/off for this control is a simple single pole switch. Trying to adapt a 24 vac stat is folly. Just the controls offered and approved by the mfr. BTW, the fireplace must be listed to ANSI Z21.88 or Z21.11.2b in order to be controlled thermostatically.

  • flaky
    flaky Member Posts: 2

    Thanks Bob. It's a Heat & Glo SL-550TR-IPI-E. It came with the house, so I don't think we've got the remote. The last homeowner had a TH1100D1000 close the switch on the Dexen controller. That model is a pro line from honeywell, so I'm assuming it was installed by an HVAC professional. The old thermostat worked when we bought the house this summer, but it died (I did replace the batteries… no dice) and I'm looking to replace it.

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