Which manufacturer's self-regulating heating cable is better to choose. Heating cable. Principle of operation, types, application. Roof heating example
An electrical heating cable is a wire (cable) that produces heat, also called heating tape. The heating cable can be used in a wide range of applications both in the commercial segment (roof heating, drainage heating, floor heating in an apartment, etc.) and in the industrial (pipeline heating, tank heating, maintenance process temperatures). There are two types of heating cables: self-regulating heating cable And constant power cable.Both types of these cables can serve the same purpose, but the most effective one is selected. Before we delve into the differences between self-regulating cables and constant wattage cables, there is an important clarification that must be made regarding heating cables - whether it be self-regulating cable or constant wattage cable. A heating cable that is used for heating pipelines or roof heating is usually called heating tape with the assumption that they are two different types of systems. However, "heating tape" is a term that has been widely used in industrial heating, but in fact it's just another name for heating cable.
Self-regulating heating cable- is a semiconductor matrix between two conductive wires. The semiconductor matrix increases its electrical conductivity in cold environments; therefore, the heating cable increases its power. This type of cable will reduce its output power (W per linear meter) in warmer conditions where high ambient temperature will make the semiconductor matrix less conductive. Although this type of cable is referred to as "Self-Regulating", this cable will not self-shut down at high temperatures with power applied. Therefore, it is recommended to use a weather station or a thermostat with long heating cable lengths to save energy.
Constant power cable- is a heating cable that has a constant power (output power), along the entire length. Since this power is constant and does not depend on the ambient temperature or the temperature of the pipe wall, this type of cable provides a constant thermal output. This type of cable is supplied ready-made in certain lengths from the factory. or thermostat.
So which cable should you choose?
Whether self-regulating or resistance cable, both types of cable serve the same purpose. Therefore, when choosing an electrical heating system, it is best to contact specialists in the industry, they will help you select the most optimal solution for your tasks.
In cold winter conditions, you may encounter the problem of freezing pipes, due to which the water supply may completely stop. This is especially felt by the owners of private houses, who themselves carried out the plumbing and did not have the opportunity to lay pipes deep enough in the ground. To avoid such unpleasant situations, it is necessary to think over the heating system. A self-regulating heating cable for plumbing is the best option for saving you from ice jams in winter.
frozen pipes
Types of heating cable and the benefits of a self-regulating option
City services have long used additional heating when laying the sewer system, which is a cable with adjustable resistance to electricity, which allows you to control the temperature of the wire itself, and with it the pipes.
Moreover, they add a heating system before the onset of cold weather, thereby extending the life of the water supply itself. There are two types:
- resistive;
- Self-adjusting.
By design, it is one or more copper cores (maybe another metal) that generate heat when electricity passes through them. They are tightly packed into the thermal insulation layer and covered with polyethylene foam on top. The resistive version requires a connection to electricity at both ends of the wire, which is why a self-regulating option is chosen for private needs.
Another advantage of using a self-regulating system is its ability to change the temperature regime in certain areas. With an increase in the external temperature, the increase in the resistance to polymers increases and the heat release decreases. And also this option can be cut into small pieces, unlike the resistive one, which is more often used on an industrial scale.
Self-regulating heating cable for plumbing: the benefits of such heating
This system for protecting pipes from frost has its advantages:
- The ability to change temperature in response to weather in certain areas.
- Electricity consumption is automatically reduced when the outside temperature rises or there is no water in the pipe.
- Does not respond to voltage fluctuations in the network.
- It is possible to cut the cable into small pieces.
- Simple installation, which comes down to fixing and connecting to the network.
- Long service life (up to 15 years).
Thus, for private use, it is better to purchase the self-adjusting option, which can be purchased in the required length for your pipes.
Related article:
In a separate publication, we will talk about the criteria for choosing a device, its price and proper installation. Read on!
Mounting options for self-regulating heating cable for pipe heating
To install a heating cable for water supply (self-regulating), there are two main options:
- External fastening;
- Placement inside the pipe.
Let's consider each option in more detail.
External fixing of the pipe heater
For fixing outside, you can also use two methods:
- Linear;
- Spiral.
In the first case, you will need the same amount of cable along the length of your pipe. Usually this method is chosen for pipes with a small diameter. In the second case, the communication branch is wrapped with a heating wire, distributing heat evenly from all sides.
Note! The highest allowable power when administered orally is 10 W / m.
Internal connection
If you plan to place the heating system inside, then do not forget to wrap the wire with an additional layer of aluminum tape, and when choosing a model, pay attention to its tolerance for contact with food.
The cable should be inserted using a gland. This option does not require fixing, however, if you are heating from below, it is better to fix the wire.
Note! To connect to the mains, a special coupling is required!
When laying a heating cable, how to connect it to the network correctly
To turn on the heating cable for the water supply inside the pipe or outside, access to the mains 220 W is required. It is also necessary to insulate the second end of the wire so that there is no contact between the conductive cores.
However, the connection scheme is the same, so that you can understand it better, we suggest watching the video.
Self-regulating heating cable (video)
And also here are some tips for self-connection to the network:
- If the model is without a braid, it is possible to simply power it from the mains, while it is important to insulate the second end of the wire. Check that there is no contact between the wires.
- If you have an option with a grounded screen, then connect it to the ground, if there is nowhere to connect, you can simply cut it off.
- Attach to the regular one and you're done.
Having considered how you can mount and connect a self-regulating cable, let's pay attention to the features of the choice.
Overview of self-regulating cable manufacturers
If you have already decided on the length, and it remains only to buy a heating cable for plumbing, the price of which may be different, the main parameters will be the required power.
Professionals have a complex calculation scheme that can derive an accurate indicator of the required power. If you count yourself, then you can use a simpler method. It is enough to focus on several indicators:
- For internal heating, 10 W/m is sufficient;
- When calculating the power outside, you can use the formula or simply use one of the popular options - 17 or 27 W / m.
In stores, the price will vary depending on the characteristics of the material of manufacture and the supplier. The table below shows several variants of one of the Russian manufacturers (“Special Systems and Technologies”).
| Image | Name | The highest heating temperature | Power | price, rub. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Freezstop-25-1 | 65 | 25 | 1500 |
 | Freezstop Inside 10-2 | 65 | 10 | 1800 |
 | Freezstop Lite-15-4 | 65 | 15 | 2000 |
Note! Together with self-regulating cables, manufacturers recommend purchasing, which allow you to control the consumption of electricity.
Thus, when you come to the store or visit the website of a certain company, you should also pay attention to thermostats for heating cables. First of all, they are needed to save money. Choose the optimal safety factor of 1.6. Here are some popular models.
| Image | Name | Description | price, rub. |
|---|---|---|---|
 | O. J. ETI-1551 | Equipped with changeover relay. When the temperature on the sensor exceeds the set value, the thermostat disconnects the circuit. It has a one-way switch and maintains temperatures from minus 10 to plus 50 degrees Celsius. | 4400 |
 | ETI-1221 | The temperature measurement range is from 10 degrees to 110. One measurement channel and a maximum current load of 16 A. | 4300 |
 | OJ ELECTRONICS ETN4 1999 | Measurements from minus 19 to plus 70 degrees Celsius, maximum current load - 16 A, degree of protection - 20. | 6100 |
When you buy a self-regulating heating cable for plumbing, all the necessary equipment and materials, you can safely proceed with self-assembly or call specialists.
There is no difficulty in installing a self-regulating heating cable for plumbing, however, it is recommended to purchase an additional thermostat so that you can save electricity and reduce energy costs. And also do not forget about the thermal insulation layer, which is important for both internal and external installation.
If you have chosen the option of internal heating, then it is enough to use aluminum tape. At the same time, do not forget that in order to enter the cable, it is necessary to accurately calculate its length. But the power is enough 10 W / m.
For external heating, it is necessary to install thermal insulation that will protect against moisture ingress. It is also better to make a junction box if the network connection is too far from the cable.
You may also be interested in:
How to make heating in a private house from polypropylene pipes with your own hands 
How to choose and install a cable for heating a water pipe 
Bypass in the heating system: what is it and is it needed at all?
Heating cables are one of the most reliable and durable heating systems. The range of these products is simply huge, due to the large number of manufacturers, both domestic and foreign. For the convenience of your choice, we have prepared a rating of heating cables, based on which you can choose a heating system for your needs.
Heating cable Teplolux
Despite the fact that Teplolux heating cables take the second place in the world ranking (second only to the Danish company Devi), this manufacturer is the most popular in Russia. This is due to the high quality of heating cables of this brand, a wide variety and a long warranty. For the convenience of customers, the range of thermal cables Teplolux is represented by single- and twin-core, ultra-thin and self-regulating sources. Of particular note is the warranty period - some models of the heating cable of this manufacturer have a lifetime warranty.
Devi heating cable
As mentioned above, this Danish company occupies a leading position in sales of heating cable in the world market. This is due to the vast experience of this manufacturer in the production of heating systems for underfloor heating. At the same time, the product range of this company is not limited to heating cables for heating floor structures. Devi cables are also produced taking into account the organization of outdoor heating: to protect pipes from freezing, roofs and drains from icing, etc. It should be noted that depending on the purpose, each cable has distinctive characteristics.
Raychem heating cable
The high popularity of Raychem heating cables is due to their wide application. The range of thermal cables from this manufacturer can be used not only for floor heating, but also to effectively cope with other tasks. For example, with icing of roofs and gutters, freezing of pipes and water pipes, freezing of ice in the local area, etc. The availability of a self-regulating cable in the assortment of the company made it possible to solve many problems associated with the constant control of its temperature. So, when using this model outdoors, its temperature is regulated depending on the air temperature. Such an advantage, combined with a long warranty and high reliability, did not go unnoticed by many consumers. The only drawback of the products of this company is the high cost, which significantly exceeds the cost of the products of the aforementioned competitors.
A heating cable is needed for the stable operation of domestic and industrial pipelines in winter, as well as for heating roofs, gutters, ramps, stairs and sidewalk paths.
Self-regulating cable
The self-regulating heating cable consists of two cores enclosed in a matrix of graphite and semiconductor polymers, it is covered with a metal screen and a heat-resistant sheath on top. The heating temperature of the cable in each section is regulated depending on the ambient temperature. Such cables can be cut into sections of any length. Their disadvantages are: relatively high price, as well as a limited service life - no more than 15 years.
Self-regulating cable can be laid in various environments with different levels of heat consumption. For water pipes with a diameter of more than 50 mm, cables are usually used that are laid outside the pipe in a spiral. This method allows you to evenly distribute heat.
Resistive cable
The resistive cable has a simpler design: it consists of one or two closed cores enclosed in heat-resistant insulation and covered with a protective metal screen. Such a cable is cheap and has a stable heating temperature. But resistive cable is rarely used today, because it cannot be cut into sections of arbitrary length, and if it is damaged in any place, it will have to be completely replaced. In addition, it only works with a thermostat.
Resistive cable is best used where uniform heat transfer is needed, for example, for floor heating. However, if the resistive cable is placed under furniture or carpet, its heat transfer will be impaired, which may lead to overheating. If it is not possible to know the layout of the room in advance, it is better to use a self-regulating cable.
A resistance cable can also be used to heat roofs and pipes of small diameter - it is laid linearly inside or outside the pipe.
Power
The power of a cable for heating pipes is directly proportional to their diameter, and its effectiveness depends on how it is mounted - outside the pipe or inside, and where it passes - through the air or underground. The temperature difference between the inside of the pipe and the environment, as well as the thickness of the protective insulation, are also important. Another factor is the material of manufacture of the pipe itself. Plastic pipes have better thermal insulation properties than metal pipes, but such a pipe absorbs more heat. The heating temperature of the cable must not exceed the maximum values for the polymer from which the pipe is made.
For floor heating, a cable with a power of 10 - 20 W per linear meter is usually chosen. If the warm floor is not an auxiliary, but the main source of heat in the room, a more efficient conductor is needed. When choosing a heating cable, you can focus on the following average values of linear power:
* - depends on the type of polymer pipe and its diameter
Today we have to get acquainted with modern cable heating systems. We will find out how attractive self-regulating heating cable is compared to competing solutions, find out how it works and where it can be used. Let's get started.
Any self-heating cable is just a conductor with a sufficiently high electrical resistance. If you create a potential difference at its ends, a current will flow through this conductor; in this case, the interaction of charged particles moving along the conductor with its own molecules will lead to heating. Cable heating has gained popularity in the last 20-25 years.
Here are the main areas of its use:
| Image | Description |
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Low-temperature underfloor heating (cable floor heating). The self-heating cable is laid in a screed or under a finish coating with a sufficiently high thermal conductivity. Floor heating leads to an extremely rational distribution of temperature in the volume of the heated room: the most high temperature It turns out exactly where the heating is needed - directly above the floor. Under the ceiling, the air is heated less, which saves heat by reducing its leakage through the ceiling and roof. |
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Accelerating the maturation of concrete in winter, at low temperatures. |
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De-icing of open terraces, loading and unloading areas, etc. This scenario differs from heating in the temperature regime: for the snow and ice to melt, the surface must be heated to a temperature only slightly above zero. |
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Heating of roofs and gutter gutters. The accumulation of snow on the roof during snowy winters creates an excessively large load on the truss system, and the elements of the drainage system filled with ice cannot perform their direct functions - to divert water to the drainage. |
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Maintaining a positive temperature of water supply and sewerage. Usually these communications are laid in the ground below the freezing level. However, in some cases this is not possible or economically feasible. It is in such cases that cable heating comes to the rescue of the owner. |
The video attached to the article will help you learn more about it.
Varieties of cables
The modern market offers several types of cable heating systems that differ in the design of the heating element and consumer characteristics.
Single core resistive
A single-core conductor in insulation willy-nilly must be connected to the power supply at both ends, forming a closed circuit. Moreover, a single-core cable is sold and mounted in fixed length sections.
The length of the section is determined by the specific resistance of the conductor: only a strictly defined combination of these two parameters will provide acceptable values for the current flowing through the section and, accordingly, its heating in the desired temperature range.
Let's clarify for those who have forgotten physics: if you cut off a part of the conductor, its impedance will drop, and the current flowing through the cable at a constant voltage will increase. This will lead to overheating of the cable and, with a high probability, to the destruction of the insulation.
A single-core resistive cable has several other features that make it rather inconvenient to use:
- He needs a thermostat to limit the maximum heating temperature;
- Overlapping the cable means it is overheating - again with possible damage to the insulation;
- The energy consumption of the heating system can only be changed manually. It does not depend on the ambient temperature.
Two-wire resistive
Its only difference from a single-core cable directly follows from the name: two conductive cores are laid in the common external insulation. The cable section can be connected to the power supply on one side and routed arbitrarily. All other shortcomings of the solution, alas, remain.
Zonal
The device of the zonal cable is radically different from the usual resistive one: it is based on two conductors with low electrical resistance. They are connected with each other with a certain step by heating coils with high resistance.
What gives such a cable structure?
The ability to change the length of the heating section with a fixed step equal to the step between the connection points of the heating elements with current-carrying conductors. Otherwise, this is still the same resistive heating element with all its shortcomings: the danger of overheating when overlapping, constant power consumption with changes in ambient temperature and the need for a thermostat.
All in white and on a white horse
Self-regulating heating cable ingeniously solves all the main problems associated with cable heating. First, a few words about what it is.
Inside the insulation are two copper conductors of a sufficiently large cross section (and, accordingly, with low resistance), between which a self-regulating matrix is placed. It is a polymer with a high coefficient of thermal expansion with finely dispersed conductive powder (for example, graphite dust) added to it.
How this design works:
- When power is applied to the current-carrying cores, the self-regulating heating cable starts to heat up. The current flows through the matrix thanks to the conductive particles in the insulating polymer: they form a large number of low-current electrical circuits. At the same time, as the matrix heats up, in full accordance with the laws of physics, it expands, and the number of conductive chains of graphite particles in it decreases;
- When a certain temperature is reached, the self-regulating heating cable enters a state of thermal equilibrium - the number of active conductors in the matrix connecting the current-carrying cores has decreased, and the heat release has become equal to the ability of the insulation to dissipate thermal energy;
- And now the most interesting thing is that with an increase in the temperature of the environment, the heating self-regulating cable heats up after it, which leads to a further expansion of the conductive matrix, and ... to a drop in energy consumption due to a reduction in the number of current-carrying circuits. As soon as the temperature of the cable drops, the polymer matrix, which shrinks as it cools, will consume more energy and give off more heat.
The advantages of the solution are obvious:
- Energy Saving: on warm days, a self-regulating heating cable reduces energy consumption;
