Cable for heating a water pipe: marking, types, manufacturers + selection features

In the adjusted life of a country house, nature sometimes makes adjustments. In winter, housing can be left without water due to freezing of pipes, even those that are underground and insulated with mineral wool.

To maintain comfort in the house during cold times, you can use a cable to heat the water pipe, then even the most severe frosts will not be harmful to communications. We will talk about how to choose the most suitable type of cable. In the article we proposed, the types of heating systems are described, the decoding of the marking is given.

Varieties of heating cables

Distinguish heating cables resistive and self-regulating. Their main characteristic is specific heat release, expressed in the amount of heat per meter.

A cable may contain several components integrated into a single system.

The heating cable differs from the traditional functionality. It does not transport current, but consumes it. Resistance in it is regulated depending on the temperature that needs to be maintained

They mount it on communication using one of two methods - along the pipeline and through internal installation. The choice of method is influenced by specific circumstances.

View # 1 - resistive cable

The principle of operation is based on the property of metals to warm up when an electric current passes through them. A metal core is heated here, and the device itself can be compared with a long boiler. A feature of such cables is a stable amount of heat generated at any outdoor temperature.

This is their main drawback - the impossibility of saving electricity.Its consumption will be the same both at +1 ° C, and at - 18 ° C outside, if you do not equip the system with a temperature controller and temperature sensors.

Such wires can not be placed close to each other, also when laying, it is necessary to exclude their intersection. Otherwise - overheating and all the consequences arising from it. In turn, the heating cable of the resistive type can be of three types - single and two-core, as well as zoned.

Two-core are more expensive than single-core, but, despite this, are more popular. This is due to the fact that due to their design features, when connecting, there are no difficulties.

The resistance cable warms the same way over its entire length. If the operating conditions change, he cannot adapt to them.

The twin-core products have a power of 15.6 W / m at a maximum temperature of 90⁰. A single-core cable is characterized by a power of 20-30 W / m. The temperature limit is 120 ° C.

The main difference between single and two-wire products is the connection method. One of the ends of the two-wire wire is plugged, and on the opposite side there is a simple electric cord with a standard plug designed to be plugged into a 220 V outlet.

One of the cores in it is responsible for heating, and the second serves as a conductor of electric current. Single-core wires are connected at both ends, and this is somewhat inconvenient.

A feature of the resistive wire of the first two types is that it cannot be cut. It just becomes inoperative, so the purchased cable needs to be laid completely.

The zonal thermal cable is a somewhat advanced structure. Between his veins there are heating spirals. They are located so that the cord with a certain step can be cut into pieces.

The zone resistive cable has unique properties. While ordinary resistive cables cannot be cut, zoned during installation can be cut into the desired lengths

With the burnout of the conductor in some part of such a product, a cold zone will arise, but the system itself will not stop functioning.

View # 2 - self-regulating heating cable

Concurrently located conductors in a self-regulating cable are separated by a semiconductor matrix with a heating element in the core. It radiates heat constantly, and only current flows through the conductors. The cable itself has the form of a tape. It can be cut anywhere without the risk of a cold patch.

In its design, this type of heating product is a flexible heating element. The upper polymer shell is a common protection. The metal braid following it is assigned the role of grounding, shield, protection from external influences. Twisted conductors and matrix are protected by thermoplastic winding

Depending on the ambient temperature, the heat transfer of the cable can be adjusted, although it can be adjusted independently to the external environment.

It increases power when the temperature inside the pipe drops and turns off when it grows. Since the amount of heat released is normalized, the product never overheats. Self-regulating cable possesses great strength, holds shock loads well, is resistant to moisture and aggressive chemistry.

For heating the pipeline, a self-regulating cable is the best option. It regulates the temperature so that the area located in the place with a lower temperature heats up more. This does not affect the temperature of the remaining zones.

Due to the fact that the composition of the polymer-dielectric from which the matrix of the self-regulating cable is made contains a conductive finely dispersed material, temperature correction is possible.

It happens as follows:

• the dimensions of the matrix decrease with decreasing temperature;
• a larger number of current-carrying circuits is formed in the conductor;
• the used power, and therefore the heat dissipation, increase.

This cable serves for a long time - about 10 years.When overlapping, it does not overheat, since the power in this area becomes minimal. When cutting the cable, the total power of the segment will change, and the heating will remain the same.

The best manufacturers of heating cable

Cables for heating are produced by many companies, both domestic and foreign.

The most popular among manufacturers are products of companies:

• Nelson;
• Lavita;
• Ensto;
• Devi
• Veria
• Raychem;
• CTK.

Consider the features of the products of these companies in more detail.

Place # 1 - NELSON LIMITRACE

Emerson (USA) is a company specializing in the production of self-regulating thermal cables. Products are known for their high quality, as in the process of production is subjected to multi-stage control. At the final stage, aging testing is performed.

NELSON cable life without loss of power is about 20 years. To protect the water pipes from frost, they use such a brand of cord as NELSON LIMITRACE HLT210-J.

It has the following characteristics:

• effective temperature limited to 120 ° C;
• maximum length - up to 115 m;
• power supply - 220-240 V;
• power - 32 W / m.

NELSON LIMITRACE HLT212-J can also be used. for heating a water pipe. It differs from the previous one with a slightly higher power (37 t / m) and a length of maximum 105 m.

Nelson Limitrace cables are available in two versions. If the symbol contains JT symbols, the outer insulation is made of polyolefin. The letter J in the designation indicates insulation from a fluoropolymer

The shorter the Nelson cable, the greater its power. So, the power of NELSON LIMITRACE HLT215-J is 46 W / m, but the length is only 95 m. NELSON LIMITRACE HLT218-J has a length of 80 m and the power is 56 W / m.

Rank # 2 - DEVI and Veria

Danish company Danfoss, which manufactures products under the DEVI brand, supplies the market with several options for heating wires - single and twin-core, as well as self-regulating. Each of the species has its own purpose.

They are plastic, have a long service life, reliable, environmentally friendly. Products have a fixed length, so you can neither cut nor increase their heating area. All these manipulations can only be carried out with a “cold end”. The Devi cable has a robust insulation that is sufficient for power in all conditions.

The products of the Devi-Pipeguard 10 range are equipped with food-grade plastic insulation, so they can be installed inside the pipe for transporting drinking water

The products of Veria, a subsidiary of Danish Danfoss, have the same high quality characteristics as DEVI products, but their price is lower. Cable power - 20 W / m, length from 10 to 125 m. The manufacturer gives a guarantee for his heating cable for at least 12 years.

Rank # 3 - Lavita

Lavita is a South Korean company. Self-regulating cables of this manufacturer are used both in everyday life and for protecting pipelines in industrial facilities. The company always fulfills its contractual obligations, strictly complies with the quality system, therefore its products are very in demand on the market.

For internal heating of pipelinestransporting water for drinking, use a food cable Lavita HPI 13-2 CT. It is highly flexible for easy installation. The fluoropolymer from which the outer insulation is made is completely safe in terms of ecology.

Laser marking is also harmless; it does not dissolve in water. Long life and economical energy consumption provide flexible power changes.

Lavita cable is distinguished from similar products by its high resistance to mechanical and thermal influences. The declared capacity is relevant even after many years of operation

Nominal cable power - 13 W / m, maximum temperature 65 ° C. The length of the heating circuit depends on the switching temperature and is 51 - 108 m maximum.

Rank # 4 - Producer Ensto

Ensto heating wires manufactured by Ensto, an international concern based in Finland, stand out for their high quality.

They provide safety and energy efficiency, guarantee frost protection of water pipes. Products are easy to install, convenient to use, durable, because high-quality components are used in the production.

Pictured is the Ensto EFPPH2 cable. It saves water from freezing by docking them with a power cable and plug. It is not necessary to connect it to the thermostat. Suitable for installation in a pipe with drinking water

For domestic use, the Ensto Plug’n Heat cable set is most commonly used. This is a self-regulating cable with a power of 90 W and a length of 10 m. The maximum working temperature is 65 ° C. Installation is possible both inside the pipe and from the outside.

Rank # 5 - Raychem

To protect a relatively small cross section of a water pipe from freezing, the Raychem ETL cable is the most suitable option. It is equipped with a Teflon sheath, suitable for both outdoor and indoor installation.

The cable regulates the heat transfer based on the ambient temperature. In water at 5 ° C it has a power of 20 W / m; when mounted on top of a metal pipe at the same temperature, the power is halved. The cable is certified for use in drinking water pipelines.

The main advantage of Raychem cables is their length. Due to the wide selection of this parameter, you can always choose the right one. There are also two power options: 230 and 400

The Rayham FroStop Blask cable is suitable for outdoor use. In this case, it has a power of 18 W / m at 0 ° C. When installed in cold water, its power rises to 28 W / m.

Self-regulating FroStop Green with a rated power of 10 W / m, GM-2X (18 W / m) is also used to protect the water pipe.

Place # 6 - Domestic Manufacturers

Chuvasteplokabel - A domestic company established 18 years ago. Produces thermal products under the brand name CTK. Heating cables are created taking into account all the advanced developments of European companies. They are not inferior in quality to foreign ones, and their price is lower.

Ekkotec Companysupplying branded products Hbsalso produces a large assortment of heating cables.

"Thermal systems" - the association of companies producing heating cables under the trademark TS-HEAT.

The company has installed the latest equipment to produce an extensive line of high-quality heating cables. The base of self-regulating products is a high-tech semiconductor matrix.

Heating cable marking

Knowing how to decipher the designation of the heating cable, you can accurately select the suitable option for yourself.

The entire length of the heating electric cable for the water pipe is marked. There are basic dimensions. The country of origin is also indicated.

So, the markings printed on the Raychem self-regulating cable, 10BTV2-CR can be read like this:

• 10 - power in W / m;
• Btv2 - brand of cable designed for voltage 220 - 240 W;
• CR - indicates that the cable structure includes tinned copper braid and external polyolefin insulation.

The letters indicate the presence of a copper shield and an external insulating layer in the cable structure CT, CF. If these symbols are not in the marking, then it is a semi-finished product.

On cables supplied by Thermal Systems, the type of sheath can be recognized from the designation. Abbreviation TSA ... P indicates the presence of a weatherproof polyolefin shell.

And here TSA ... F - says that the cable sheath is made of a corrosion-resistant fluoropolymer.

If the self-regulating cable does not have a shield, its protection class is 0 (zero). It can be used only in the absence of moisture, conductive dust and not contradicting Clause 1.1.13 of the EMP.

Manufacturers usually provide tables. According to them, you can navigate with respect to power consumption per meter of running pipe. When installing a cable in a pipe, an average of 10 W / m is consumed, and for outdoor installation, a minimum of 17 W / m

The cable marking without braid may look like this: SRL 30-2. In this case, it is a cable of the SRL brand, with a power of 30 W / m, planned for a voltage of 220 V.

The HS-FSM2 label also lacks CR symbols, which means that this cable does not have a screen.

Cable Selection Criteria

The selection of a heating cable in accordance with all the rules involves the consideration of several criteria:

• design features;
• type of external insulation;
• temperature class;
• section of a water pipe;
• power;
• manufacturer.

Externally, this type of product differs little from each other, but different brands of cable have their own individual characteristics. They are different, which can be well seen by a detailed examination of each criterion.

Criterion # 1 - cable design features

First of all, when choosing, you should pay attention to the design features of the heating cord. So, a self-regulating cable, in addition to two copper conductive cores and a matrix, can have insulation, braid, and an outer sheath.

Braid increases the mechanical strength of the product. If it is not on the thermal cable, this is an economy class product.

The functioning of the self-regulating cable is carried out due to the fact that the electrical resistance of the matrix is ​​adapted to the ambient temperature. When it is cold, it decreases, and the current increases

The presence on the market of a self-regulating cable that is not equipped with a copper braid, as well as external insulation, is not uncommon. This reduces the safety of the product, reliability and is contrary to generally accepted standards. In fact, this is not a cable, but only its blank.

Criterion # 2 - External Wire Insulation

The type of external insulation is also of great importance. To protect the domestic water supply, an insulating layer made of a polyolefin is quite suitable.

For production conditions, a fluoropolymer is more suitable as an external insulation. To lay the cable in the pipe, PTFE insulation is needed.

To improve the characteristics of the heating cable, increase the thickness of the outer insulation and nickel-plated copper braid. The insulation material must have increased resistance to moisture and ultraviolet

There are recommendations regarding the thickness of the insulation depending on the diameter of the pipe. With its value of 15 or 20 mm, the optimal thickness of the insulating layer is 20 mm. For sections 25 and 32 mm, the optimum insulation thickness is 30 mm. For water pipes with a section of 40, 50, 65 mm, the insulation thickness should be equal to the diameter of the product.

Criterion # 3 - cable temperature class

The temperature class is the next most important indicator when choosing a heating cable. A low-temperature product can warm up to 65 ° C with a specific heating power of a maximum of 15 W / m. Such a product is more suitable for a small pipeline.

A thermal cable that heats up to 120 ° C, with a maximum power of 33 W / m, is classified as medium temperature. It is used for pipes of medium diameter.

A cable that heats up to 190 ° C, with a power of 15 to 95 W / m, is better not to use at all for domestic water supply. It is used in industrial conditions, where a large diameter water pipe is laid.

Criterion # 4 - power selection

It is important, when choosing a thermal cable, proceed from the cross section of the water pipe and select the appropriate power from it.

Experts recommend focusing on the following parameters:

• diameter of the pipeline 1.5-2.5 cm - power 10 W / m;
• 2.5-4 cm - 16 W / m;
• 4-6 cm - 24 W / m;
• 6-8 cm - 30 W / m;
• More than 8 cm - 40 W / m.

The choice of power is impossible without taking into account the material of the pipe. If it is made of polymers, then the power cable should not go beyond 17 W / m. Otherwise, the water supply system may fail due to overheating.

The last criterion is the cable manufacturer. Better to pay a little more expensive, but the system will work like a clock.

You will learn how to choose a heating cable to protect sewer pipelines from next article, which we strongly recommend reading.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Video # 1. About the features of the choice:

Video # 2. About the device and the advantages of self-regulating cable:

When deciding on the purchase of a heating cable for your water main, you need to proceed from specific conditions, based on technical and operational characteristics.

If you approach the choice from the financial side, then the self-regulatory option will cost more. This choice is justified by high reliability and considerable energy savings.

Want to talk about how you chose and installed a heating cable with your own hands? Do you have useful information on the topic of the article, which is worth sharing with site visitors? Please write comments in the block below, ask questions and post photographs.