Heating cable self-regulating: types, prices, manufacturers

At present, self-regulating heating cable for water supply is quite widespread in the market. It is believed that this is a very profitable modern construction development. Next, we learn what a self-regulating heating cable for pipes is.

General information

Many are dissatisfied with the cost of the heating cable (self-regulating). The price of such a product is indeed higher than simple devices. Nevertheless, it is worth taking into account the features of this development. Then the benefit of acquiring it becomes obvious.

Main features of the product

The heating cable (self-regulating) is very similar to a conventional network cable. However, it is not without reason that it is oblate. First of all, it depends on the location of the main working elements. There are three in total. The configuration of this cable is arranged so that the area of the heated pipe is clamped as much as possible. It is permissible to operate the device together with other objects, among which are the following:

1. Plastic and metal products.
2. System "warm floor".
3. Elements for roofing.
4. Pipeline systems.

Work principles

The heating cable (self-regulating) is rather complicated. It gives the product the possibility of changing its own temperature. The cable consists of the following elements:

• Thermal insulation;
• Semiconducting self-regulating matrix;
• Copper heat conductors.

Two conductors of copper are parallel located in the volume of the extruded material. The matrix is between them. Its basis is plastic or coal powder. The matrix varies in size depending on the surrounding situation. It has the ability to adjust the potential difference between the conductors. Thus, the temperature changes. The working system is in thermoplastic insulation. Copper braid is located inside the structure. It is quite rare to see a heating cable inside a pipe. Self-regulating wire is often laid outside. Thanks to this, all its possibilities are involved. Such products have a number of advantages, among which are the following:

1. Versatility.
2. Security.
3. Reliability.
4. Saving electricity (achieved through regulation of power consumption).
5. Ease of use.

Familiarization with the instruction

The instruction is necessary, because with it you can easily determine the connection of the self-regulating heating cable to the water supply. As a rule, it is attached to the kit. Thanks to her you can find out about all the working parameters of the product. In addition, you should familiarize yourself with the detailed electrical scheme.

Preparation

To it it is necessary to start only after detailed acquaintance with the instruction. The developers of this heating cable took care that the installation could be made by everyone. It does not take much effort. Also, you should take care of all the elements necessary for the work in advance. In particular, the following materials and tools will be needed:

1. Heating cable (self-regulating).
2. A metalwork tool with dielectric handles.
3. Waterproofing.
4. Adhesive tape based on foil.
5. Roll insulation.
6. Sanitary Scotch tape.

Installation

The pipe is pasted in a spiral. This is done with the help of tape based on foil. Do not use a cloth tape.

The heating cable can be wound in several ways:

1. Along the spiral.
2. In the shape of a wave.
3. Parallel to the surface. In this case, one or several rows are used, which are arranged symmetrically.

Spiral wrapping is the most common method. It is also necessary to keep the same distance between segments. Thanks to this, the heat is evenly distributed throughout the pipeline. In addition, its maximum tightness to the surface is required. The foil tape is rewound around the cable. Thus, its reliable fixation is guaranteed. Then, the heat-insulating layer must be uniformly applied. All joints are tightly fitted to each other. Thus, cold bridges are not formed. Waterproofing is an indispensable element of this design. The reliability of the heating system depends on it.

Connection Features

For this, conventional terminals can be used. With the help of them, the heating cable is connected to the power cable. You can also use special adapters that are available for free sale. First of all, you need to prepare the cable. From the top insulation it is removed 4 cm. Special mites are used for this. The braid of copper should be neatly twisted into a tail. Observe extreme caution, remove about 3 cm of internal insulation. Do not damage the black core of the matrix. Also, the insulation layer (up to 4 cm) should be removed from the power wire. Before connecting the cable, the bare conductors are equipped with shrink tubes. After that they heat up with a hairdryer. Next, a similar tube of a larger diameter is placed on top of one wire. Then it should be shifted to the side. The terminals are mounted on top of this. Special tools are used for crimping.

Cost features

At present it is not difficult to get a self-regulating heating cable. On the market are models with different parameters and characteristics. You can buy products from different manufacturers. Now the models Eltherm and Thermon are very popular. The price for resistive models starts from 70 rubles. At the same time, the average cost of one meter of heating cable is from 3 dollars. Certain models can be much more expensive. It is best to choose products that are of average price.

How not to make a mistake with the choice?

It all depends on the location of the cable. This factor should be repulsed when calculating the required capacity of the product. For example, if the cable is laid on top, it will take 17 W / m. If the cord is inside the pipe, then 10 W / m is enough. Also pay attention to the relay. In this case, it is best to give preference to representatives of TSTAB or TR-35M.

Rules of operation

In most cases, the relay has an LED light bulb. It lights up if the system shuts down or starts working. It is very important to check the correct operation of the LED signals after the temperature changes occur.