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About heating cables
Heating cables protect pipes and water pipes from freezing and can also be used as heating for planting, terrariums or gutters. They are easy to use, quick to install and can be found in both private and industrial areas. In our guide you will learn more about the construction and the functioning of heating cables.
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Heating cable as frost protection for pipes and lines
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Construction and operation of heating cables
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Other areas of application of heating cables
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Purchase criteria for heating cables – what is important?
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Our practical tip: Heat loss prevention through additional insulation
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FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions about Heating Cables
Heating cable as frost protection for pipes and lines
Frost can cause pipes and water pipes located in unheated environments such as garages, workshops or conservatories to freeze . There are two problems with a frozen water pipe: On the one hand, the water supply is no longer guaranteed and on the other hand, the pipe itself can be damaged because water expands when it solidifies. The result is an overpressure that does not always withstand the pipe wall. In this case, the pipe may crack or burst.
The treacherous thing is that the real extent of the damage only comes to light in thaw weather or from the time the water has returned to its liquid state of aggregate. Only then will leaks be visible in the water pipe. If a pipe break remains unnoticed , it can have serious consequences, such as swollen wooden floors , damp masonry or mold formation . Building materials such as gypsum can cause damage or decompose, and in the worst case even the static of the entire building is at risk. Drying not only requires a high amount of time and effort, but is also costly.
Heating cables can be used to prevent pipes and water pipes from freezing . In their function as pipe trace heating, they release heat to a pipe or pipe and hold the water in it above freezing point. They serve quasi as frost protection and are therefore also referred to as frost protection cable or frost protection heating cable.
How heating cables are installed depends on their design. As a rule, they are either wrapped around the pipe or laid parallel to the pipe axis. Corresponding accessories such as cable connectors, insulation tape and spacers are used for mounting. Simple designs for home use can usually be applied without any technical know-how.
Construction and operation of heating cables
In simple terms, a heating cable is a cable-shaped electric heating system . It consists of an electrically conductive material that heats up when a voltage is applied. Heating cables can be operated either by using a thermostat or work self-regulating. If the former is the case, the thermostat takes over almost the control of the frost-protection heating cable. It measures the ambient temperature, compares the acquired actual value with a predefined setpoint (the minimum temperature) and establishes her current flow as soon as the setpoint is fallen below the setpoint. This switches the heating cable and heats up. If the temperature rises and the setpoint is reached again, the power supply is cut off and the heating cable is switched off.
A self-regulating frost protection cable (also called heating band) works a little differently. It consists of two electrical conductors (usually copper cables), between which there is a plastic mass with carbon particles. As the ambient temperature drops, the plastic will pull together, bringing the carbon particles closer together. They form so-called current paths through which the two conductors are supplied with power and heat up. As the temperature increases, the plastic expands, increasing the distances between the carbon particles, separating the current paths and cooling the conductors.
Other areas of application of heating cables
Heating cables are not only used as pipe trace heating, but are also used to heat high beds or rows of plants in gardens or greenhouses and provide protection against frost. Especially tropical and Mediterranean plants such as olive trees or palm trees, which are more sensitive to cold, can be brought in this way undamaged by the winter.
In addition, heating cables are used for heating terrariums or aquariums and for this purpose, for example, are mounted under the floor or close along the outer walls. It is also possible to lay heating cables within the terrarium or aquarium, provided that they are not accessible to the animals and are waterproof.
Another area of application for heating cables is to protect water in watering tanks from freezing . In this way, even in freezing temperatures, the drinking water supply of animals, which are mainly kept outdoors or in unheated stables, can be ensured.
Anti-freeze heating cables are also used in rain pipes and gutters to prevent icicles and material damage that can result from accumulated snow and ice. Heat cables melt snow and ice in the roof gutter or in the rain pipe and allow it to flow off without any problems. In industry, heating cables are used to heat oil lines to ensure that the oil in the line remains flowing.
Purchase criteria for heating cables – what is important?
Before purchasing, you should consider whether self-regulating anti-freeze heating cables or heating cables with thermostat are better suited for your purposes. One advantage of self-regulating cables is that they react to temperature fluctuations at any point in the line, but they cannot be switched off completely without any problem. Frost protection cables with thermostat, on the other hand, can be controlled and switched off, which was more economical in phases of non-use. In principle, it is important to ensure that the heating cable is adapted to the respective application. .
Heating cables for domestic use are usually simply connected to the mains via the socket and already supplied ready to plug, so that the connection is very simple. In this context, the type of connection (Euro socket, earthing contact plug etc.) and the necessary operating voltage (specified in volts) must be taken into account. For commercial and industrial plants, a fixed connection to the power supply is common. In this case, it is advisable to have the installation carried out by an expert.
Frost protection cables are available in various lengths and watt numbers, with length and power related to each other: A 120 meter long heating cable heats up a larger area and therefore has to provide more power to operate than a 15 meter long cable. Here, it is necessary to select a heating band whose watt number and length are matched to the area to be heated. Note: Some heating cables cannot be shortened afterwards, because this would cause overheating. It is not always advisable to extend the heating, as this will not guarantee the full heating effect.
Our practical tip: Heat loss prevention through additional insulation
In order to be able to use the heat generated by the frost protection heating cable efficiently, it is important to prevent it from becoming puffed up. This can be achieved by means of thermal insulation. By connecting the heating cable and pipe with an insulation (e.g. Winter protective mats made of felt or sheep wool) are provided, preventing unwanted heat loss and thus unnecessary power consumption. Self-regulating heating tapes are usually suitable for insulation, whereas fixed-resistance cables may not be laid under insulation material. For this purpose, refer to the manufacturer's instructions.
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions about Heating Cables
Are heating cables allowed to touch each other?
This depends on the type of anti-freeze heating cable. Self-regulating heating cables may normally touch, as overheating is not possible. The behavior of fixed-resistance heating cables is different. The heated part must not overlap or overlap here. Cables of this type should also not be wound too close to protect against excessive heat development, but should be wound around the pipe at a certain distance. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions for more information. This usually also indicates the type of accessories (e.g. plastic or metal clamps) that can be used to attach a heating cable.
Can a trace heater replace a flow heater?
No. Although auxiliary heaters are also used to keep water in pipes warm for a longer period of time, their wattage or power is too low to completely replace a water heater.