Heating Cables - As a global company, Eltherm GmbH offers a wide range of heating cables and self-regulating heating cables for various industrial applications. In most cases, these are used to prevent freezing or maintain temperature. Thanks to the heating cable’s various properties and layers, we can cover temperatures up to 900 °C*.
Which type of insulation is suitable for which temperature range?
FEP (Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene) up to 200 °C
PFA / PTFE (Perfluoroalkoxy Alkane / Polytetrafluoroethylene) up to 260 °C
E-glass (E-glass fiber) up to 450 °C
Quartz glass (quartz glass fiber) up to 900 °C*
*For high-temperature applications, consult the plant engineers.
How does a heating cable work?
Heat is generated when an electric current passes through a specially adapted, highly resistive conductive material, which is then heated. According to Ohm’s law, thermal efficiency depends on the level of resistance (which depends on the material’s specific resistance, its cross-sectional area, and its length), as well as on the current and, therefore, the applied voltage. The current must not be so high that it reaches the melting point of the conductor material or the maximum temperature of the insulating substrate. To regulate the output power, multiple resistors can be connected in parallel or in series.
Constant-Power Heating Cables with Resistance Wire
Single-ended power input
Can be cut from the roll
Continuous output power per meter
High chemical resistance (ELP-PFA and ELP-FEP)
UV Resistance (ELP-PFA and ELP-FEP)
A constant-power heating cable with parallel resistance wires, a series heating cable, or a heating tape?
Parallel Heating Cable
Parallel constant-power heating cables with a resistance wire (e.g., ELP/Si) consist of two power conductors that are braided into the first layer of insulation. These are wrapped around a heating conductor, which is surrounded by a second layer of insulation. A protective braid and outer sheath ensure maximum safety. Typical applications include the food industry, where the cables are used to heat various pipes, tanks, or valves to prevent freezing or maintain temperature. The required rated power is calculated based on various specifications, such as supply voltage, minimum and maximum ambient air temperatures, and the target temperature.
Constant-resistance heating cable
Constant-resistance heating cables can be cut to length (e.g., ELKM-AG-L). The design of this type of heating cable is based on a twisted or spirally wound heating conductor covered with insulation. A protective braid is applied over this insulation (e.g., ELKM-AE). Variants with an additional outer layer are available to provide higher mechanical protection (e.g., ELKM AG-L).
Heating Tapes
Heating tapes are primarily used in applications that require high flexibility and output power. The design is similar to that of a constant-resistance cable, with the difference that the heating elements are enclosed in a double layer of insulation and can therefore deliver higher power. Thanks to their design, heating coils are more durable and better protected, while also being exceptionally flexible. They are often used to heat tanks and containers.
In general, each heating cable and heating tape is operated using appropriate measurement and control technology. As an alternative to systems without temperature control, we can also offer a variety of self-regulating heating cables.
