Cable for heating pipes self-regulating: overview, types, mounting features and reviews

In order to exclude the failure of pipelines in regions with cold winters, a heating cable is laid. Such systems regulate operation depending on external temperature conditions, which ensures the maintenance of normal water flow through the pipes. They are located underground, for example, in the case of water and sewage systems.

Main Types of Heating Cables

As the main element of any cable network for heating pipes is a heating cable, which can relate to one of two varieties: resistive heating and self-regulating cable. In the first case we are talking about products that have a lower cost and are characterized by simplicity. Due to this, they can be used in conditions of everyday life when equipping the underfloor heating systems and heating pipes of insignificant diameter, the latter parameter can not exceed a value of 40 mm.

If we consider a self-regulating heating cable, it is most often used for heating pipes and tanks with a diameter exceeding 40 mm. This also includes outdoor electrical panels, drains and roofs. As a unique feature, which has a self-regulating cable, it is possible to heat or cool according to temperature changes, without the need for temperature sensors and electronic controls.

Overview of the main features

The cable for heating the pipes is self-regulating and has a conductive matrix, which has the appearance of a continuous polymer element based on carbon. Conductive characteristics vary with temperature, when the thermometer's column creeps down. On a particular section, the current increases, the released heat power becomes more intense. When the temperature rises, the process is reversed.

Considering the cable layout, we can identify the main elements, among them:

• Parallel conductors;
• Thermostatic sheath;
• Braid of metal.

Conductors are made of copper veins in large quantities, which guarantee a constant voltage over the entire length of the cable. The thermostatic sheath isolates and protects the products from moisture and abrasion. The metal sheath shields, ground and protects the conductors, as well as the matrix from mechanical damage. Self-regulating cables have many advantages over resistive cables .

Reviews about simplicity and economy

Choosing a cable for heating pipes self-regulating, consumers note that when the external temperature decreases, the products reduce the thermal output, this allows to reduce the consumption of electricity and to refuse the use of temperature sensors. Among other things, thermostats also do not need to be installed, because the cable can be directly connected to the electrical network. Sometimes buyers emphasize that self-regulating cable has a more impressive price compared to resistive analogs, but the use of the first is justified, because the operating costs are reduced. If there is no water or ice in the pipe, the use of the cable makes it possible to eliminate icing and reduces the power consumption by half.

Feedback on benefits

The cable for heating pipes self-regulating, according to customers, has many advantages, among them it should be noted:

• High resistance to voltage surges;
• Ability to self-regulation;
• The ability to cut the cable into pieces of the required length.

It is worth noting also the fact that resistive cables assume the need for homogeneity of the medium along the entire length, which is difficult to provide in practice. This often contributes to the overheating of the product and the failure of the entire system. While a pipe for heating pipes is self-regulating, it can reduce the temperature in areas with a lower heat dissipation, the temperatures in other areas remain unchanged. Such cables do not burn with increasing voltage, which allows them to be used for a long period.

Consumers note that it is possible to perform the overlap, which is required when heating shut-off and adjustment equipment. When compared with resistive cables, consumers note that self-regulating can be cut, while the former have a fixed length. However, this parameter reaches a maximum of 150 m.

Internal cable installation

The heating cable self-regulating for heating pipes can be installed in two ways, one of which assumes an internal arrangement. This method is used in the presence of pipes with a diameter that does not exceed 50 mm. In this case, there will be no access to the pipe, which refers to the functioning pipelines underground. In this case, the cable must be pushed into the pipe, its length must be equal to the length of the pipe.

Advice for the internal installer

Self-regulating cable for heating pipes, the installation of which can be carried out using the technology of internal installation, must be output for connection to the power grid by means of a special coupling. This technology does not apply if the pipeline transports drinking water.

External mounting features

With this installation, the cable must be fixed to the surface of the pipe. The length can be equal to the length of the pipe or to be somewhat larger, everything will depend on the way in which the cable is laid. If a linear laying method is used, the lengths of the cable and the pipe must be equal. This technology is relevant for a small diameter of the pipeline. If this parameter is impressive, then it is permissible to lay the second cable, placing it on the other side. It is necessary to recognize that the second method is more effective.

The heating cable self-regulating for heating pipes can be laid in a spiral fashion, with the length of the cable being longer than the length of the pipe. Stacking is carried out around, in a spiral. This method is used for pipes of medium or large diameter.

Features of fastening

In the two cases described above, the cable is secured with an aluminum tape. When a self-regulating cable for heating pipes is laid, the price of which will be mentioned in the article, it is important to ensure an even distribution of heat. To do this, after fixing the cable, you need to wind the pipe with aluminum tape. To reduce heat losses and ensure greater efficiency of the system, it is necessary to use thermal insulation material.

Cost

It is important to choose a cable not only by manufacturer, but also by cost. For example, a self-regulating cable for heating pipes Freezstop will cost 1000 rubles, while the length of one section can vary from 1 to 20 m, whereas the length of the installation wire is 3 m. The maximum possible operating temperature reaches +65 ° C, whereas The minimum installation temperature is -15 ° C.

Conclusion

A heating cable self-regulating for heating pipes, the price of which was mentioned above, is necessary in those areas where the system was laid incorrectly, for example, not deep enough. Sometimes such heating is required for pipelines that have not been well insulated, open areas and connections of internal and external sewerage. It is best to choose a heating cable self-regulating for heating pipes, the price of which will be higher than the resistive one, but the work will be more efficient.