Currently, self-regulating heating cable for plumbing is quite widespread in the market. It is believed that this is a very profitable modern construction development. Next, we will find out what a self-regulating heating cable for pipes is.
General information
Many people are unhappy with how much a heating cable (self-regulating) costs. The price of such a product is really higher than simple fixtures. However, it is worth taking into account the features of this development. Then the benefit of acquiring it becomes obvious.
Product Highlights
The heating cable (self-regulating) is very similar to a regular network wire. However, it is not without reason that it has a flattened shape. First of all, it depends on the location of the main work items. There are three in total. The configuration of this cable is designed so that the area of the heated pipe is wrapped around as much as possible. It is permissible to use the device together with other objects, among which the following can be distinguished:
- Plastic and metal products.
- System "warmgender".
- Roof elements.
- Pipeline systems.
Working principles
Heating cable (self-regulating) is rather complicated. It gives the product the ability to change its own temperature. The cable consists of the following items:
- thermal insulation;
- semiconductive self-regulating matrix;
- copper heat conductors.
Two copper conductors are placed in parallel in the volume of the extruded material. The matrix is in between. Its basis is plastic or coal powder. The matrix changes in size depending on the environment. It has the ability to regulate the potential difference between the conductors. Thus, there is a change in temperature. The working system is in thermoplastic insulation. The copper braid is located inside the structure. It is quite rare to see a heating cable inside a pipe. Self-regulating wire is most often laid outside. Thanks to this, all its capabilities are used. Such products have a number of advantages, among which are the following:
- Versatility.
- Safety.
- Reliability.
- Electricity saving (achieved through power consumption regulation).
- Ease of use.
Familiarize yourself with the instructions
Instructions are needed, because with it you canwithout any problems to decide on the connection of a self-regulating heating cable to the water supply. As a rule, it is attached to the kit. Thanks to it, you can find out about all the operating parameters of the product. Also, please refer to the detailed wiring diagram.
Preparation
It should be started only after reading the instructions in detail. The developers of such a heated cable made sure that the installation could be done by everyone. It doesn't take much effort. You should also take care of the availability of all the necessary elements for work. In particular, you will need the following materials and tools:
- Heating cable (self-regulating).
- Machinery tool with dielectric handles.
- Waterproofing.
- Foil tape.
- Roll insulation.
- Plumbing tape.
Installation
The pipe is pasted over in a spiral. This is done with foil tape. Adhesive tape must not be used under any circumstances.
The heating cable can be wrapped in several ways:
- In a spiral.
- Wave-shaped.
- Parallel along the surface. In this case, one or more 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. Due to this, heat is evenly distributed throughout the pipeline. In addition, its maximum tight fit to the surface is required. The foil tape is rewound around the cable. Thus, its reliable fixation is guaranteed. Then the heat-insulating layer should be evenly applied. All joints are tightly fitted to each other. Thus, cold bridges are not formed. Waterproofing is an essential element of such a design. The reliability of the heating system depends on it.
Connection features
Ordinary terminals can be used for this. With the help of 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 should be neatly twisted into a ponytail. With extreme care, about 3 cm of internal insulation is removed. Do not allow damage to the black core of the matrix. Also, the insulating layer (up to 4 cm) must be removed from the power wire. Before connecting the cable, the bare conductors are equipped with heat shrink tubes. Then they are heated with a hair dryer. Further, a similar tube of a larger diameter is mounted on top of one wire. Then it should be moved to the side. Terminals are installed on top of this. Specialized tools are used for crimping.
Price Features
Currently, self-regulating heating cable is not difficult to acquire. There are models on the market with different parameters andcharacteristics. You can buy products from different manufacturers. Now Eltherm and Thermon models are very popular. The price of resistive models starts from 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 are in the middle price category.
How not to make a mistake with the choice?
It all depends on where the cable is laid. This factor should be taken into account when calculating the required power of the product. For example, if the cable is laid on top, then 17 W / m will be 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 representatives of TSTAB or TR-35M.
Operating Rules
In most cases, there is an LED light on the relay. It lights up when the system is turned off or starts to work. It is very important to check the correct operation of the LED signals after a temperature change occurs.
