Self Regulating Heaters
Since their introduction in 1971, self-regulating heating cables (also referred to as self-limiting heating cables) have become the most common form of electric heat tracing cable used in the world today. Heat Trace Limited are the only heat tracing manufacturer in the U.K producing self-regulating heating cables and one of only a few worldwide. Heat Trace Limited is now considered to be the leader in heating cable polymer technology, with a range of self-regulating heaters that are technically superior to other products currently available.
These cables can be used for a wide variety of applications including freeze protection of pipework and vessels; process temperature maintenance; heating of roads, ramps, walkways, etc; roof and gutter heating and under floor heating. See Applications page for more detailed information, or check out our range of self-regulating heating cables.
We can produce self-regulating heating cables within the following ranges:
- 12 - 1000 Volts
- Up to 300°C (572°F) withstand temperature
- Up to 120 W/m of output
We normally supply heating cables with a braid and outer jacket but cables can also be supplied with just a braid. Please ask or see datasheets for more information.
Products
Freezstop Low Voltage (FLV + FLVw)
Constant Wattage Heaters
Constant Wattage heating cables, as their name suggests, are designed to deliver the same power output irrespective of pipe temperature.
Our PowerHeat (AHT) is a unique patented, high power, high temperature constant wattage cable. It has an aluminium outer jacket giving it a very high mechanical strength. It has a maximum temperature of 425°F (797°F) makes it the highest temperature rated cut-to-length heating cable in the world!
These cables can be used for a wide variety of applications including freeze protection of pipework and vessels and process temperature maintenance. See Applications page for more detailed information,
We can produce constant power heating cables within the following ranges:
- 12 - 1000 Volts
- Up to 425°C (797°F) withstand temperature
- Up to 200 W/m of output
We normally supply heating cables with a braid and outer jacket but cables can also be supplied with just a braid. Please ask or see datasheets for more information.
Products
Series (Longline) Heater
Series Resistance heating cables have to be individually designed into particular length and load configurations and so are not as versatile as parallel cables.
However, an advantage is that long circuit lengths are possible. Typically 3-phase Longline heating cables require electric supply points only at multi-kilometre intervals. So the major use for series heaters is long pipelines.
We can produce series resistance heating cables within the following ranges:
- Up to 1000 Volts 3 phase
- Up to 230°C (446°F) withstand temperature
- Up to 60 W/m of output
Products
Termination Method
Standard Termination
Standard Termination involves the use of conventional plastic or metal cable glands. These glands are specifically made for our heating cables. Cable Glands are normally supplied in termination kits. The kits are available for safe and hazardous areas and contain all the parts required for connection to the power and to terminate the end of the cable. Kits also contain a caution label and cable identification tag.
StripFree Termination
The StripFree range of connectors is a universal power termination and splicing system for use with Heat Trace's self-regulating heating cables. No special tools are needed to perform a neat, convenient and simple termination.
Installation comprises simply cutting to length the heater and removal of the outer sheath (if applicable). The heating cable is inserted into the StripFree unit and the connection is made by screwing down the cutting blades onto the buswires, whilst automatically clamping the braid. All of this is achieved without the need to strip away the semi-conductive heating matrix.
The StripFree range of components provide :
- Power Connection (SF-P)
- In-line Splice Connection (SF-T)
- Tee Splice Connection (SF-T)
- End Seal (SF-E)
Benefits of using StripFree
- Ease of Installation
No special tools. No need to strip cables for connection - Reliability
StripFree has been rigorously tested for connection performance and long term reliability. - Water Resistant
Completed connectors are water and dust resistant to IP65, and the cable seals provide strain relief. - High Integrity
The StripFree connector body has high impact resistance, is U.V. resistant and has excellent insulating properties resulting in a high integrity connector system. - Watertight End Seal
StripFree end seal is applied simply by pushing on to the cable end. No need for adhesives, gels or heat shrink.
StripFree Connection Unit
SF-E Unit End Seal
SF-P Unit Power Connection
SF-T Unit T-Splice Connection
Installation Example
DESTU Termination
The DESTU is a direct entry sealed termination unit for use with the majority of the Heat Trace range of self-regulating and constant wattage heating cables. It has been designed specifically to reduce the risk of damage to heating cables at termination points, thus avoiding the need to expose the heating cable as it emerges from the thermal insulation for connection into the junction box.
The DESTU may be used for power termination, in-line splice and tee splice terminations, and when the RTD version of the unit is ordered, is also suitable as a means of temperature sensing at various point along the pipework length.
The DESTU unit is approved for use in non-hazardous, and hazardous locations to EN EuroNorms.
DESTU Unit
DESTU Termination
DESTU T Connection for Third Heater
DESTU DRTD (PT100 Sensor)
Termination Method Matrix
A table which shows which termination methods can be used with a cable. The table shows references for the component products for each termination method and heating cable.
See complete table here.