Industrial Electric Heating Cable Design, Selection and Installation

 I. Design, Selection, and Installation Steps for Industrial Electric Heating Cables

Professional Design: Thermal calculations must be performed by professionals. Depending on the piping/equipment material, dimensions, maintenance temperature, minimum ambient temperature, insulation materials, etc., heat losses must be accurately calculated to select the appropriate type of electric heating cable (self-regulating, constant wattage, MI shielded cable), wattage, and length. Never rely solely on your experience for an estimate.

Correct Selection:

Explosion Protection and Ingress Protection (IP) Rating: In areas where explosive gases may be present (e.g., oil and chemical industries), it is imperative to select explosion-proof products with enhanced safety or intrinsic safety features, equipped with appropriate explosion-proof terminals and junction boxes. The Ingress Protection (IP) rating must meet environmental requirements (e.g., water and corrosion resistance).

Rated Temperature: Depending on the maximum exposure temperature of the piping (e.g., steam temperature during cable cleaning) and the required maintenance temperature, select an electric heating cable with an appropriate rated and heating temperature to prevent damage from overheating.

Compatibility: The electric heating cable must be chemically compatible with the pipe, insulation, and heating fluid to prevent corrosion.

Standard Installation:

Do Not Damage: During installation, never pull, step on, twist, or use sharp objects that could damage the insulation and sheath of the electric heating cable. This is especially important for self-regulating electric heating cables; the internal conductive core and the PTC material must not be damaged.

Spacing Adherence: When installing cables in parallel, adhere to the spacing specified by the manufacturer to avoid any overlap (self-regulating electric heating cables may overlap in some cases, but constant wattage electric heating cables must never overlap) to prevent localized overheating.

Reliable Securing: Securely attach the electric heating cable to the conduit surface using dedicated aluminum tape or self-adhesive high-temperature tape to maximize the heat transfer surface area. Then, secure the outer insulation layer with cable ties or fasteners. Never use materials that could damage the sheath (such as electrical wires) to bundle the electric heating cable directly.

Complete Accessories: All accessories must be correctly installed, including explosion-proof junction boxes, two/three-way junction boxes, and terminal blocks (with sealed heads), to ensure a proper seal.

Clear Labeling: All electrical and intermediate connection points must be clearly and securely labeled to facilitate future maintenance.