Electric heating systems for various objects are quite popular today. It is fashionable to use them both indoors and outdoors. Of particular interest are self-regulating cables. They are less demanding on the installation process and consume less energy.
Their device, the principle of use differ from conventional resistive cables. Customer reviews will help you choose the right product option. Experts will tell you how to properly mount such a system. This guarantees a long and productive life.
general characteristics
In appearance, self-regulating cables are very similar to their usual varieties, but only slightly flattened. This is due to the device of the presented product. This form allows you to more closely fit to the heated surface.
Most often, such products are used to heat pipes, tanks, drains and roof gutters. There are systems designed for arranging indoor heating, as well as street mounting in the ground or screed. They are laid on the steps or roadway.
The range of application of such products is extremely wide. The advantage of such a cable is the change in the intensity of heating and energy consumption depending on the ambient temperature. Therefore, such a system does not need a temperature controller: it itself adapts to existing conditions.
Wire construction
The self-regulating heating cable has a special design. Between two conductive veins is a matrix made of a special polymer material. It is made on the basis of carbon.
When the temperature in a certain area decreases, the conductive ability increases, as does the heating itself. If the cable is quite warm around the cable, the material changes its properties, it starts to somewhat restrain the flow of electricity, accordingly, the heating decreases.
The internal structure is protected by several shells. A metal shield is required for grounding and protects the heating element from mechanical damage. PVC top sheath also increases product durability. The strength class depends on the conditions under which the system can be used.
Benefits
Self-regulating wire has several advantages. If you compare it with resistive varieties, then it is more simple to operate. He 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 wire of constant heating. This is especially important when arranging heating of piping 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 can supplant resistive ones.
System installation
Installation of the presented product can be done independently. 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 must be overtaken, you should purchase a system with the appropriate insulation class. Its length should correspond to the size of the pipe.
The diameter of the communications should not exceed 50 mm. The cable is pushed into the pipe and connected to the network.
In the case of external installation, the system is attached to the surface with aluminum tape. Then it is isolated with a 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 wraps around them. The length of the system exceeds the size of the communications.
Open space heating
Self-regulating cable for pipes is often used in snow melting systems. They are mounted inside the gutters, on the roof. In addition, some systems of this principle of operation can be mounted on steps, ramps. They are poured with a solution and included to eliminate snow and ice on the surfaces.
Quite large areas can be heated with such a system. Access roads for cars, asphalted areas near houses are also equipped in a similar way. The soil in the greenhouse is heated by self-regulating systems. Their price is higher than that of a conventional cable, but operating costs will be much lower.
Varieties of cable power
For each type of condition, it is necessary to select self-regulating cables that are suitable for 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 pipes of medium diameter, 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, tanks, wire heating reaches 190 degrees. The maximum power in this case is 95 W / m. The price also depends on the power of the cable. Choosing the wrong type of cable, you can get quite the result that was required. Therefore, the choice must be approached as responsibly as possible.
Cost
To purchase a system of the type presented, you will have to spend more on the family budget than when buying a regular cable. But in operation, the price pays for itself pretty quickly.
Self-regulating cable, the price of which has been investigated within our country, depends on the cross-section, capacity and manufacturer. The most expensive are cables made in Denmark. Their cost can reach 700 rubles. for 1 m. Domestic manufacturers produce systems whose starting price is 100 rubles. for 1 m
The longer the wire is purchased, the cheaper each running meter will cost . This must be considered before purchasing the product.
Consumer Reviews
According to consumer reviews, today several brands are most popular. These include the self-regulating heating cable Raychem, Ensto, Devi, Lavita.
According to customer reviews, products of the company Ensto (20 W / m) and Lavita (16 W / m) are most often used inside the pipeline. Outside communications, Raychem products (10 W / m) are installed. The Danish company Devi produces a cable for a wide range of applications (9 W / m), but its cost is the highest.
The most reasonable price for wires Ensto and Lavita. The high quality of this product was also noted.
The Finnish company Ensto is not inferior to Devi in terms of durability of operation, but these products will cost the buyer much cheaper. Therefore, many consumers choose products of this particular brand.
Having studied the design of products such as self-regulating cables, you can correctly use them in everyday life. Installation is quite easy to do on your own. The choice depends on the power of the product and the conditions of its use. It is a very efficient and durable system. It will serve many years to its owners, subject to proper operation and installation.