In order to prevent failurepipelines in regions with cold winters, cable is laid for heating. Such systems regulate the operation depending on the 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 sewer systems.
Main types of heating cables
В качестве главного элемента любой кабельной сети for heating pipes, there is a heating cable, which can be of one of two types: resistive heating and self-regulating cable. In the first case we are talking about products that have a lower cost and are simple. Because of this, they can be used in everyday life when arranging floor heating systems and heating pipes of small diameter, the latter parameter cannot exceed 40 mm.
If we consider self-regulating heatingcable, it is most often used for heating pipes and tanks, the diameter of which exceeds 40 mm. This can also include external electrical panels, gutters and roofs. As a unique characteristic, which has a self-regulating cable, the possibility of heating or cooling in accordance with temperature changes, there is no need to use temperature sensors and electronic controllers.
Overview of the main features
Cable for heating pipes self-regulatingIt is based on a conductive matrix, which has the form of a continuous polymer element based on carbon. Conductive characteristics change with temperature as the thermometer creeps down. In a particular area, the current increases, the heat output becomes more intense. When the temperature rises, the process occurs in reverse order.
Considering the cable scheme, we can distinguish the main elements, among them:
- parallel conductors;
- thermostatic shell;
- metal braid.
The conductors are made of copper lived inlarge quantities that guarantee a constant voltage throughout the length of the cable. Thermostatic sheath isolates and protects products from moisture and abrasion. The metal braid shields, grounds and protects the conductors, as well as the matrix from mechanical damage. Self-regulating cables have many advantages over resistive.
Reviews of simplicity and efficiency
Choosing a cable for heating pipesself-regulating, consumers note that by decreasing the external temperature of the product they reduce the thermal output, this allows to reduce electricity consumption and stop using 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 the self-regulating cable has a more impressive price compared to resistive counterparts, but the use of the first is justified, because the costs of operation are reduced. If there is no water or ice in the pipe, using a cable eliminates icing and reduces power consumption by half.
Feedback on benefits
Cable for heating pipes self-regulating, according to buyers, has many advantages, among them should be highlighted:
- high resistance to power surges;
- ability to self-regulate;
- the ability to cut the cable into pieces of the desired length.
It is worth noting the fact thatresistive cables imply the need for uniformity of the medium along the entire length, which is difficult to achieve in practice. This quite often contributes to overheating of the product and the exit of the entire system out of order. While the self-regulating cable for heating pipes is capable of reducing the temperature in areas with less heat sink, the temperatures in other areas remain unchanged. Such cables do not burn when the voltage rises, which allows them to be used for a long period.
Consumers say it is possible to performoverlap that is required when heating the locking and regulating equipment. When comparing 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
Self-regulating heating cable for heatingThe pipes can be installed in two ways, one of which assumes an internal arrangement. This method is used in the presence of pipes of diameter that does not exceed 50 mm. At the same time there will be no access to the pipe, which refers to functioning pipelines underground. In this case, the cable must be pushed into the pipe, its length should be equal to the length of the pipe.
The advice of a specialist in internal installation
Self-regulating cable for heating pipes,installation of which can be carried out according to the technology of internal installation, must be displayed for connection to the electrical network using a special coupling. This technology does not apply if the pipeline transports drinking water.
Features external installation
With this installation, the cable must be fixedon the surface of the pipe. The length can be equal to the length of the pipe or be somewhat longer, everything will depend on the way in which the cable is laid. If a linear installation method is used, the cable and pipe lengths should be equal. This technology is relevant with 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. Admittedly, the second method is more efficient.
Self-regulating heating cable for heatingpipes can be laid by the spiral method, and the cable length will be longer than the pipe length. Laying is carried out around in a spiral. This method is used for pipes of medium or impressive diameter.
Features of fastening
In the above two cases, the cable mountby using 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 uniform distribution of heat. To do this, after fixing the cable, you need to wrap the pipe with aluminum tape. To reduce heat loss and guarantee greater efficiency of the system, it is necessary to use insulating material.
Cost
It is important to choose a cable not only by manufacturer,but also at cost. For example, a self-regulating cable for heating Freezstop pipes will cost 1000 rubles, while the length of one section may vary from 1 to 20 m, while the length of the installation wire is 3 m. The maximum possible operating temperature reaches +65 ° С, while the minimum installation temperature is -15 ° C.
Conclusion
Self-regulating heating cable for heatingpipes, the price of which was mentioned above, is necessary in those areas where the system was laid incorrectly, for example, it is not deep enough. Sometimes such heating is also required for piping systems that were not well insulated, have open areas and junctions 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 compared with resistive, but the work will be more efficient.
