Electrical systems heating various objects is quite in demand today. They are fashionable to use both indoors and outdoors. Self-regulating cables are of particular interest. They are less demanding on the installation process and consume less energy resources.
Their design and principle of application differ from conventional ones. Consumer reviews will help you choose suitable option products. Experts will tell you how to properly install such a system. This guarantees a long and productive service life.
general characteristics
In appearance, self-regulating cables are very similar to their usual varieties, but only slightly flattened. This is due to the design of the presented product. This shape allows it to fit more tightly to the heated surface.
Most often, such products are used for heating pipes, tanks, drains and roof gutters. There are systems designed for indoor heating, as well as outdoor installation in the ground or screed. They are laid on steps or roadways.
The range of applications for such products is extremely wide. The advantage of such a cable is the change in heating intensity and energy consumption depending on temperature environment. Therefore, such a system does not need a thermostat: it adapts itself to existing conditions.
Wire design
Self-regulating has a special design. Between two conductive cores there is a matrix made of a special polymer material. It is made from carbon.
When the temperature in a certain area decreases, the conductivity increases, as does the heating itself. If it is quite warm around the cable, the material changes its properties and begins to somewhat restrain the flow of electricity, and accordingly, the heating decreases.
The internal structure is protected by several shells. The metal screen is necessary for grounding and protects the heating element from mechanical damage. The PVC top shell also increases the durability of the product. The conditions under which the system can be used depends on its strength class.
Advantages
Self-regulating wire has a number of advantages. If we compare it with resistive varieties, it is easier to operate. It is not afraid of local overheating and does not need to maintain the same temperature along the entire length of the product.
It should also be noted that the presented system is not afraid of power surges. It can be crossed, unlike a constant heating wire. This is especially important when arranging the heating of pipeline systems and their valves.
Due to the design features, such products can be cut into small pieces. The minimum length is 10-15 cm. Paying attention to the scope of their application, we can say that in the near future self-regulating systems may supplant resistive ones.
System installation
You can install the presented product yourself. It is necessary to follow the manufacturer's instructions and expert recommendations. Installation of a self-regulating heating cable can be of two types: internal and external. If the pipe is already laid underground, but needs to be routed, you should purchase a system with the appropriate insulation class. Its length must correspond to the size of the pipe.
The diameter of communications should not exceed 50 mm. The cable is pushed into the pipe and connected to the network.
In case of external installation, the system is attached to the surface. Then it is insulated with special insulation. If the diameter of the communications is small, the wire is laid evenly and corresponds to the length of the pipe. For fairly wide products, the cable is wrapped around them. The length of the system exceeds the size of communications.
Heating of open areas
Self-regulating pipe cable is quite often used in snow melting systems. They are mounted inside the gutters on the roof. In addition, some systems of this operating principle can be mounted on steps and ramps. They are filled with a solution and turned on to remove snow and ice from surfaces.
Quite large areas can be heated with such a system. Car access paths and asphalt areas near houses are also arranged in a similar way. The soil in the greenhouse is heated by self-regulating systems. Their price is higher than that of a regular cable, but the operating costs will be much lower.
Types of cable power
For each type of conditions, it is necessary to select self-regulating cables that are appropriate in terms of power. Low temperature systems are suitable for indoor installation. Their maximum heating is 65 degrees. Moreover, their maximum power is 15 W/m.
For anti-icing systems, heating of medium-diameter pipes, gutters, it is necessary to purchase products with a maximum heating of 120 degrees. Their power reaches 30 W/m.
For industrial facilities, heating large-diameter pipes, and tanks, the heating of the wire reaches 190 degrees. The maximum power is 95 W/m. The price also depends on the power of the cable. By choosing the wrong type of cable, you can get a completely different result than what was required. Therefore, the choice must be approached as responsibly as possible.
Price
To purchase a system of the presented type, you will have to spend more of the family budget than when purchasing a regular cable. But in operation the price pays for itself quite quickly.
A self-regulating cable, the price of which was studied within our country, depends on the cross-section, power and manufacturer. The most expensive are Denmark. Their cost can reach 700 rubles. per 1 m. Domestic manufacturers produce systems whose starting price is 100 rubles. for 1 m.
The longer the wire is purchased, the cheaper each wire will cost; it must be taken into account before purchasing the product.
So, you are tired of the freezing water supply, the sewage system does not work in winter, so you decided to buy a heating cable to heat the pipe. Before choosing a model, you need to understand the features of heating cables.
Choosing a manufacturer: Europe, Korea or the USA?
Nowadays there are many American, European and Korean brands represented on the Russian market. However, the price of products can vary significantly. Does this mean that a cheaper cable will be worse than an expensive one? Not necessary.
Thus, today in Russia products from South Korea are very popular. Their cost is much lower than their European counterparts, but the quality of some South Korean brands is no worse. For example, products under the Heatus brand have already firmly established a good reputation. Among the advantages of Heatus cables are:
- really affordable prices;
- high quality of raw materials used;
- a large selection of models and ready-made kits (power, installation method differ);
- strength and durability;
- high level of security.
In general, if you do not want to overpay for a European brand -.
Nowadays there are many American, European and Korean brands represented on the Russian market
Is the heating cable self-regulating or resistive?
We must admit: resistive cables are practically not used now. Primarily because they require the use of a thermostat. Accordingly, the heating system must be turned on and controlled independently. This is both inconvenient and not always possible.
So self-regulating cables are a winner. As the name suggests, they work “independently” without requiring user interaction. Self-regulating system monitors changes in external temperature, adjusting the degree of heating. This ensures energy savings and safe operation of the cable. When the temperature of the semiconductor matrix reaches 85 degrees, the heating cable for water supply temporarily stops working. Thus, both the cable sheath and the surface of the pipe cannot overheat or melt, and the liquid will not freeze in winter.
How to mount: inside or on top?
Cables differ in the installation method: either inside or outside the pipe. Both methods are equally in demand, but in different situations.
So, if the pipe diameter is too narrow, it is easier to install the cable on top of the pipe. But if the water supply is already buried, then the cable can only be installed inside. However, indoor installation has some advantages. Firstly, there is less risk of mechanical damage to the cable. Secondly, this installation method is more neat and aesthetically pleasing. Thirdly, internal installation provides small energy savings, since the water is heated first, and not the surface of the pipe.
Cables differ in installation method: either inside or outside the pipe
However, with internal installation there is one, but significant risk. Not all manufacturers use a safe shell. A cable for indoor installation from a dubious manufacturer can negatively affect the characteristics of water: from changing the taste to releasing harmful substances into the water.
For heating water pipes with drinking water It is necessary to buy cables with a food sheath. This is special protective layer, which eliminates contact of water with the cable. These heating cables drinking water They are mainly represented by expensive European models; among the Korean ones, we can recommend the Heatus 13MSH2-CR - additional security is provided by a transparent shell that covers the inscriptions on the cable.
Kit or cut?
There are two options for purchasing cables: cut and in kits. There is practically no difference in the final cost.
Cut cables are more suitable for those who like to do everything themselves. You need to buy components for the cutting cable, then couple it. After this, it is necessary to prepare the conductor cable for connection with the heating cable and carry out a number of other manipulations with the coupling. For work you will need pliers, a crimper, a hair dryer, and construction tape.
Video: coupling a heating cable onto a pipe
Video: coupling the heating cable inside the pipe
Ready-made kits do not require any manipulations other than installation.
Choosing power
Obviously, different purposes require devices of different power. Choosing which cable is right for your needs is quite simple, just check our table.
To install over a pipe:
Heating cables are available in models with and without grounding
For indoor installation:
Internal installation of heating cable provides small energy savings
The data is based on a typical European winter. If in your region the thermometer often drops below -30 °C, it is better to choose a self-regulating cable with an additional power reserve.
Is shielding necessary?
Heating cables are available in models with and without grounding. The heating cable for sewer and drainage pipes may not be grounded, but water pipes You only need a shielded cable. And here you need to be vigilant: many sellers do not hesitate to sell cables for plumbing without shielding.
The heating cable must be shielded
Additional protection
Heating cables come in household and industrial use. The latter are subject to requirements such as explosion protection, the ability to work in aggressive environments or at high temperatures. For “home” use, such additional security measures are not required, which means you will not have to overpay for cables with a particularly strong sheath, double insulation and a high protection class.
Modern cable heating systems use resistive cables and self-regulating cables. One of the priority activities of our company is the design, supply and installation of cable heating systems using heating cables. During our work, we have developed and installed a huge number of anti-icing systems for roofs, paths, pipelines, heating systems for various residential and production premises, as well as industrial heating systems for pipelines and tanks using resistive and self-regulating heating cables.
Self-regulating cable is actively used by our company’s specialists when developing heating systems for any objects. This self-regulating cable is very convenient when installing any, even the most complex, heating system configuration. Those who have at least once installed a self-regulating cable undoubtedly appreciated their simplicity, reliability and ease of installation.
A self-regulating heating cable is able to independently change its output power as the ambient temperature changes. Thanks to a specially developed very reliable outer and inner protective layer and metal braiding, very high mechanical, chemical and electrical protection. The middle part of the cable is molded around two parallel electrical conductors. The functioning of a self-regulating heating cable occurs as follows: when the ambient temperature drops, the middle part of the cable is compressed by a micron value, which automatically leads to a proportional increase in the number of electrical paths through the core. As a result, additional heat is generated and vice versa.
Heat cables for hot water supply, allowing you to eliminate an extra link in systems with reverse water circulation, cables for effective protection of pipelines from freezing, as well as a self-regulating cable for heating roofs and systems for heating gutters, heating floors, and heating open areas.
In winter, pipelines are at risk of freezing. Often when low temperatures Sometimes conventional thermal insulation is not enough, and additional heating schemes for pipelines are required. Best option in this case, a self-regulating cable that can be laid both inside and outside the pipe. The self-regulating heating cable independently maintains the desired temperature, provides reliable heating and protection against condensation.
So, there are two types of heating cable: resistive cable and self-regulating cable. Let's look at their main differences.
Resistive cable
Such a heating cable has an internal wire made of a special alloy with high electrical resistance. This wire is enclosed in a reliable polymer insulating sheath in a shielding mesh made of copper wire and all this is placed in a durable sheath that protects the resistive cable from external aggressive influences. The cables have special specific operating features that must be taken into account when arranging the required heating system. This is due, first of all, to the physics of the cable. The resistive heating cable in different heating schemes can be laid in such a way that some of its parts will pass in areas that require a significantly greater need for generated heat. By its design, a resistive cable is designed in such a way that during its operation, heat is released uniformly along its entire length, that is, a resistive heating cable has a constant heat transfer. Due to this circumstance, the resistive cable may be subject to significant overheating in some areas, while in other areas there may not be enough heat generated to ensure the normal functioning of the entire heating system.
Self-regulating cable (self-regulating cable, self-regulating cable)
This cable has a significant and very important difference from a resistive cable. The self-regulating heating cable is designed in such a way that the required heat release, depending on the temperature conditions in different areas of the heated object, will also be correspondingly different. In every, even the smallest area, thanks to carefully thought out unique design, a self-regulating cable will independently and automatically change its temperature depending on the dynamics of changes in the temperature regime of the local environment. That is, self-regulating cables directly take into account the ambient temperature at almost every single point, which allows for a very differentiated response by activating or disabling certain required areas of the heating system. This occurs due to the fact that, in accordance with the laws of electrophysics, simultaneously with a change in ambient temperature, an adequate local change in resistance occurs, causing a proportional increase in current with the inevitable release of heat. That is, with a local increase in temperature, the resistance of the self-regulating cable increases, leading to a decrease in heat transfer. And, accordingly, when the temperature of the local environment of the object decreases, a natural decrease in the internal resistance of the conductor occurs, which activates the process of heat release.
It turns out that the self-regulating heating cable lives a kind of independent life and this cyclic process will continue for a very long time, according to calculations it can reach 50 years. During all this time, the self-regulating cable will independently perform the very important work of maintaining comfortable and comfortable life. The self-regulating cable is highly reliable and safe.
The technologically self-regulating cable is made in such a way that when the temperature drops, the material from which the heating element is made begins to shrink, forming a large number of conductive paths made of a specially designed carbon material, causing a decrease in the electrical resistance of this carbon conductive layer. Electricity, passing through this area heating element self-regulating cable, heats it and the required process of thermal energy release occurs.
If we compare resistive and self-regulating cables, it should be noted that resistive cables are endowed with increased power per linear meter. The resistive heating cable, if required, can be laid in several threads. All resistive heating cables have increased elasticity, which makes it possible to make a minimum bend radius, which allows installation using resistive cables on surfaces of absolutely any configuration. The disadvantage that such a cable has is the absence of any ability to influence the level of its heat transfer. This property means that the cable will require additional power consumption during operation and the need for constant care, such as removing debris and dry leaves to avoid overheating. In addition, resistive cable cannot be cut, meaning it cannot be shortened or lengthened. The resistive heating cable is sold ready for use and has a specific fixed length, and it will remain unchanged both during sale and installation.
The main advantages that a self-regulating cable has during operation are significant savings in energy consumption with a fairly high maximum power. In addition, the self-regulating cable provides a very useful, from a practical point of view, during installation, the ability to cut it into pieces of any length and cut anywhere. Therefore, a self-regulating cable provides significant savings in terms of the amount of its use and can significantly simplify the cost of carried out installation work on its installation.
A self-regulating heating cable is a system consisting of a long chain with parallel links. Schematically, a self-regulating cable can be represented as arbitrarily large quantity variable resistances connected in parallel.
A resistive cable has proven itself to be excellent, but a self-regulating cable has a very significant feature - heat dissipation can vary along the entire length of the section depending on local temperature situations. The cable can be used in arbitrary lengths from 0.2 m to tens of meters, and cutting can be done on site directly during installation work. The only limitation is the maximum length limit, which for different types cables are up to 150 m. This, for example, is enough to heat any type of roof.
Self-regulating cable is more expensive than resistive cable, however, it is safer and more economical. The self-regulating heating cable is reliably protected from overheating even if there is overlap. The self-regulating heating cable requires virtually no maintenance. The self-regulating heating cable is capable of generating high power - up to 150 W/m. Self-regulating heating cables are by far the most effective method combating the formation of ice on the edge of the roof and in drainpipes. This cable is distinguished by its simplicity, reliability and durability in operation. Resistive cable is used mainly where constant heating of a large area is required. The main limitation is isolation heating wire and depending on the parameters of the insulation resistance to various types of mechanical and chemical damage, it largely determines the environment in which the cable is used, namely in dry or damp room, under conditions of sudden temperature changes, ultraviolet radiation, and in conditions of particularly aggressive environments.
A self-regulating heating cable also has its advantages. It does not burn out even if it is laid with overlap. In snowy environments and icy water, it generates full thermal power, and with warming it begins to smoothly reduce the generated thermal power. The self-regulating cable is very easy to install and does not require the use of any special skills or equipment.
The self-regulating cable is unique in that it releases thermal energy depending on the presence of snow or ice in any area. This is achieved thanks to the presence of a special thermal plastic matrix.
The self-regulating heating cable does not overheat and does not burn out even with mechanical damage.
Resistive heating cable is also applicable when transporting liquids that require maintaining a constant temperature.
Self-regulating and resistive cables are used both in everyday life and in industry. Heating cables of various temperature conditions are used primarily at oil and gas enterprises, mining complexes and in construction organizations.
The resistive cable is suitable for working with any of the most common types floor coverings, such as ceramic tile, a natural stone, laminate, natural parquet, cork, linoleum and any types of carpet.
Recently, a heating cable called “SRL” has appeared on the market, produced by unknown manufacturers using unknown technologies. In fact, the name "SRL" self-regulating heating cable appeared in South Korea in 1997, as the key letters in the phrase Self Regulating. Since 1997, a cable under this name has been produced in South Korea using the most advanced technologies in production.
Now we will compare the original "SRL" or "GSR" heating cables produced in South Korea by EASTEC, HEATUS, FINE, LAVITA and cables from other dubious and unknown manufacturers.
The purpose of this report is to identify and evaluate quality heating cables manufactured in South Korea and other dubious manufacturers from China.
1. External comparison
Regarding the photos shown; It is noticeable that the electrical insulation extrusion process does not use a vacuum to ensure that the molten insulation adheres to the cable matrix. This is proven by the air gaps between the matrix and the insulation; Such air cavities significantly reduce the performance of the heater due to the high thermal insulation of this air layer. You can immediately feel it to the touch, the cable is soft and as if empty inside.
The marking on the cable must contain the manufacturer's inscription EASTEC, HEATUS, ELEKON-FINE, LAVITA; the manufacturer is absent from the fake cable.
They also saved on the quality of external insulation; the insulation of a fake cable breaks even with your hands; on a real one, it is plastic and simply “stretches out.” This is another $0.20 or 14 rubles minus.
2. Checking electrical parameters
It should be noted that the counterfeit cable has significant inrush currents, almost 7 times the excess, and this is a large load on the Electricity of the net and circuit breakers.
3. Conclusion
This report clearly demonstrates that samples of self-regulating heating cable from other manufacturers, despite the attempt to pass them off as “analogues” of the cable from EASTEC, HEATUS, ELEKON-FINE, LAVITA, have nothing in common with them - neither in terms of the materials used, nor in technical characteristics.
Even a few temperature cycles will result in a drop in power and demonstrate the limited service life of third party cables.
This is what a fake SRL cable looks like after a year of operation
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