Self-Regulating Resistance Cables
Self-Limiting Heating Cables
Self-Regulating” What Does It Really Mean
It is a product that works differently from most products, it is a self-regulating heat cable. The word “self-regulating” seems to say that the cable will come to a certain, set temperature and stay there as long as it is turned on, which will eliminate the need for any thermostats or other temperature control devices. Unfortunately, the reality of self-regulating cable is more complex. There are some situations where a temperature controller is not needed, but in most cases, it is important to add a control to the system to avoid wasting electricity and money and avoid unavoidable mishaps.
Not really “self-regulating”
The first important thing to know is that “self-regulation” is actually a somewhat misleading term introduced by the original creator of the product years ago. A more accurate way of describing this is “self-limiting.” The biggest advantage over a standard heating cable is that it does not maintain a certain operating temperature but cannot get too hot to overheat and hurt itself. In other words, the cable is constructed in such a way that as it heats up, it gradually allows less electricity to flow until it completely stops flowing, up to a point – somewhere below a temperature that would damage the cable. The cable stops heating.
What exactly does this do?
The heating cable has four to five layers made of different materials.
The inner system
Self-regulating heating cables made by applying advanced carbon and polymer technology. Heat is generated as electrical currents pass through the conductive carbon polymer core between cable conductors. When the ambient temperature decreases, the number of electrical paths passing through the core increases and more heat is produced. Conversely, the higher the temperature, the less electrical path and less heat is generated due to the structure of the core. Thanks to this core structure, the cable does not overheat and provides an electrical advantage. It prevents burning and can be cut to the desired size.
The conductive carbon polymer core in the heating cable provides an infinite number of polymer resistance. This allows the heating cable to respond to temperature conditions at any point in its length and the heat output power is adjusted.
The copper tin grounding braid acts as a safety conductor and provides a continuous grounding shape.
Outer protective cover provides protection against corrosion, chemicals and tough environmental conditions.
Self-Regulating Heating cables, automatically adjusting power output to compensate for heat losses. These types of cables are Ex-Proof certified and suitable for use in safe areas.
Eltherm, Chromalox and FORM heating cables are used in pipeline heating in homes, gutter heating in industrial facilities, pipeline heating in industrial facilities, tank heating, process temperature control. Self-Regulating cables, which are produced from low temperature cable group, especially on PVC membrane roof surface and rain gutters, are safer because they do not exceed 65 ° C due to their properties and therefore cause fire risk. For a wide range of Eltherm, Chromalox and FORM Engineering products, please consult engineers before making a selection.
Heating cable types are classified according to temperature and chemical resistance options.
How Self-Regulating Heating Cables Work?
Self-regulating, self-limiting heating cables made by applying advanced carbon and polymer technology. Heat is generated as electrical current passes through the conductive polymer core between cable conductors. As the ambient temperature decreases, the number of electrical paths through the core increases and more heat is produced. Conversely, the higher the temperature, the less electrical paths and less heat is generated due to the structure of the core. Thanks to this core structure, the cable does not overheat, provides electrical advantage and prevents burning.
Heat monitoring systems are widely used to prevent freezing in pipes to protect liquids in pipelines. Self-regulating heating cables are the most widely used type among industrial heating cables. This type of cable is the heating cable that is commonly used for heating the pipelines as there is no risk of burning. Self-limiting heating cables are more durable and safer than series resistance heating cables. The use of self-regulating cables in ramp heating systems has become popular today. Although the initial installation cost is more expensive than serial resistance cable, it pays for itself in a short time thanks to its energy efficiency. The use of heating cables protects the field and personnel in terms of occupational safety. Energy efficiency is provided by using self-regulating cable in heating cable application systems, which have become standard in architectural projects today. The use of self-regulating cable in energy certificates will allow you to get more points in energy certificates. Using this system will extend the life of the building and be energy efficient.