Currently, a self-regulating heating cable for water supply is quite widespread in the market. It is believed that this is a very profitable modern building development. Next, we find out what a self-regulating heating cable for pipes is.
General information
Many are unhappy with how much the heating cable (self-regulating) costs. The price of such a product is really higher than simple devices. Nevertheless, it is worth taking into account the features of this development. Then the benefits of acquiring it become apparent.
Product Highlights
The heating cable (self-regulating) is very similar to a regular network cable. However, it is not without reason that it has a flattened shape. First of all, it depends on the location of the main work elements. There are three of them. The configuration of this cable is designed so that the area of the heated pipe is covered as much as possible. The operation of the device together with other objects is admissible, among which the following can be distinguished:
- Plastic and metal products.
- Underfloor heating system.
- Elements for roofing.
- Piping systems.
Work principles
The heating cable (self-regulating) is quite complicated. It gives the product the ability to change its own temperature. The cable consists of the following elements:
- thermal insulation;
- a semiconducting self-regulating matrix;
- copper heat-conducting conductors.
Two copper conductors are arranged in parallel 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 environment. It has the ability to regulate the potential difference between the conductors. Thus, a change in temperature occurs. The working system is in thermoplastic insulation. A copper braid is located inside the structure. Rarely enough, you can see the heating cable inside the pipe. Self-regulating wire is most often laid outside. Thanks to this, all its capabilities are involved. Such products have a number of advantages, among which the following can be distinguished:
- Universality.
- Security.
- Reliability.
- Energy saving (achieved by regulating power consumption).
- Ease of use.
Familiarization with the instructions
An instruction is necessary, since using it you can easily determine the connection of a self-regulating heating cable to the water supply. As a rule, it is attached to the kit. Thanks to her, you can learn about all the operating parameters of the product. In addition, you should familiarize yourself with the detailed electrical diagram.
Training
It should be started only after a detailed familiarization with the instructions. The developers of such a heating cable made sure that everyone could install it. At the same time, a lot of effort is not applied. You should also take care in advance of the presence of all the elements necessary for the work. In particular, the following materials and tools will be needed:
- Heating cable (self-regulating).
- Hand tools having dielectric handles.
- Waterproofing.
- Foil based adhesive tape.
- Roll insulation.
- Plumbing tape.
Mounting
The pipe is glued in a spiral. This is done with foil tape. Never use fabric adhesive tape.
The heating cable can be wrapped in several ways:
- In a spiral.
- In the shape of a wave.
- 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 required to maintain the same distance between the segments. Thanks to this, heat will be evenly distributed throughout the pipeline. In addition, its maximum tight fit to the surface is required. Foil tape is rewound around the cable. Thus, its reliable fixation is guaranteed. Then, the insulating layer should be uniformly applied. All joints fit tightly to each other. Thus, cold bridges do not form. Waterproofing is an essential element of this design. The reliability of the heating system depends on it.
Connection Features
For this, conventional terminals can be used. Using them, the heating cable is connected to the power cable. You can also use special adapters that are commercially available. First of all, you need to prepare the cable. 4 cm is removed from the top insulation. Special pliers are used for this. The copper braid must be neatly twisted into a ponytail. With extreme caution, about 3 cm of internal insulation is removed. Damage to the black core of the matrix must not be allowed. Also, the insulating layer (up to 4 cm) must be removed from the power cable. Before connecting the cable, bare conductors are equipped with heat shrink tubes. Then they are heated by a hairdryer. Further, a similar tube of a larger diameter is mounted on top of one wire. Then it should be shifted to the side. The terminals are installed on top of this. Specialized tools are used for crimping.
Cost Features
Currently, it is not difficult to purchase a self-regulating heating cable. On the market are models with various parameters and characteristics. You can purchase products from different manufacturers. Nowadays, Eltherm and Thermon models are very popular. The price of resistive models starts at 70 rubles. At the same time, the average cost of one meter of heating cable is from $ 3. Certain models can be much more expensive. It is best to choose products that belong to the middle price category.
How not to make a mistake with the choice?
It all depends on the location of the cable. This factor should be based on when calculating the required power of the product. For example, if the cable is laid on top, then 17 W / m is required. If the cord is inside the pipe, then 10 W / m is enough. It is also worth paying attention to the relay. In this case, it is best to give preference to the representatives of TSTAB or TR-35M.
Terms of Use
In most cases, the relay has an LED light bulb. It lights up if the system shuts down or starts to work. It is very important to check the correct operation of the LED signals after a change in temperature indicators occurs.