What is the Self-regulating heating cable?

A self-regulating heating cable is a type of heating conductor that can changes its heat depending on the surrounding temperature. The cable starts to get hotter if the temperature is lower and get cold when the temperature is warmer. This article discusses the application, operating principles, and advantages of a self-regulating heating cable.

Operating principle

The self-regulating heating cable works based on the properties of the electric current conductor. And the output will adjust automatically based on the ambient temperature at each point along the cable.

The principle of operation of the polymer matrix, in this case. is as follows: when the temperature decreases in any part of the matrix, the current conductivity increases, and as a result, the heating element heats up more.

For example, the principle of operation in a particular section of the wiring, which is located in a cold place has less resistance, and significant current flows and significantly heats the device.

Where the pipe section is warm, the resistance will be significant, which means that the flowing current is less. Therefore, when an automatic heating conductor is connected to the freezing water pipe, it starts to work at full strength. When the pipe starts to warm up, the power of the device will increase.

Advantages Of Self-regulating Heating Cable

A feature of the self-regulating heating cable for pipes is the ability to heat or cool depending on the ambient temperature. Most often, such a cable is used to heat pipes, tanks, roofs, gutters and so on. In addition to reliability and simplicity in design, self-regulating heat cable has the following advantages:

• The entire length is heated evenly and uniformly.
• The self-regulating heating element is resistant to voltage drops.
• Energy savings – Self-regulating heat cable will sufficiently cut off the high power consumption.
• This design is considered safer. even with overlap, it is reliably protected from overheating.
• A self-regulating cable can increase power when the temperature decreases, and when it increases, it can turn off automatically.
• Almost no need for maintenance.

In general, the self-regulating heating cable is cost-saving and a super safe cable.

What are the applications of a self-regulating heating cable?

The self-regulating heating cable adjusts its power output typically together with its length, hence making it a dependable solution for applications in the residential, commercial, and industrial areas. These cables are also used in the industry sectors to prevent several liquids from freezing.

Below are some applications for these types of cables, roof and gutter heating. By heating the gutters, one can solve problems such as the formation of icicles on the roof, such a system is called Roof without icicles. Using self-regulating heating cables to create such a system is quite simple. It will work reliably and effectively, and most importantly economically.

Outdoor heating

Self-regulating heating cables are also indispensable for non-freezing outdoor areas. These are building elements such as stairs, porches, entrances and ramps. For such applications, the specific heating power is about 250 to 350 watts / sq,m. Even at this power, the ice crust on the heated surface will be absent and therefore it will not be necessary to chip it, damaging the coating. Such de-icing systems are especially convenient in suburban homes when it is known that a thaw and subsequent icing are expected.

Tank and pipe heating

In apartment buildings, water flows through the pipes without ceasing, even at night. After all out of a hundred apartments, at least a few taps must leak. In industrial conditions, it is often necessary to maintain the temperature in pipelines and tanks with a working fluid following the manufacturing process. In both cases, the best solution to the problem is cable heating. It is easiest to arrange such heat using a self-regulating heating cable.

Soil heating

Cable systems are indispensable for heating soil in greenhouses and on sports lawns, as well as to prevent freezing of soil under powerful freezers. In these cases, it is also best to use a self-regulating heating cable. Despite its high cost, the system in operation will be cheaper due to the low specific energy consumption.