1. Heating Cable Power Range

Heating cable power is typically expressed in watts per meter (W/m). Common specifications are as follows:

Low-power cable: 10-20 W/m

Applications: Pipe insulation, soil frost protection (e.g., eaves snow melting), and low-temperature supplemental floor heating.

Features: Gentle heating, suitable for long-term continuous operation.

 

Medium-power cable: 20-30 W/m

Applications: Residential floor heating and bathroom heating.

Features: Balances energy consumption and heating efficiency; requires a thermostat.

 

High-power cable: 30-50 W/m

Applications: Industrial environments (e.g., factories and warehouses), rapid snow melting (driveways and ramps).

Features: Rapid heating; requires strict cable spacing to avoid overheating.

 

Power selection recommendations:

Calculate based on the application scenario and heat losses (e.g., room insulation and ambient temperature).

Residential applications typically consume between 15 and 25 W/m, while industrial applications may require higher power.

 

2. Temperature Range

Surface Operating Temperature:

Ordinary PVC-insulated cable: Maximum operating temperature approximately 65°C (higher temperatures may cause degradation).

High-temperature-resistant silicone/Teflon cable: Maximum operating temperature 150 to 200°C (industrial use).

Self-regulating temperature cable: Automatically adjusts temperature, typically maintaining a temperature between 40 and 85°C (thus eliminating the risk of overheating).

 

Ambient Operating Temperature:

Low-temperature type: -40 to 50°C (suitable for outdoor frost protection).

Standard type: -20 to 60°C (commonly used for indoor floor heating).

 

3. Safety Instructions

Installation Precautions:

Spacing: Cable spacing ≥ 5 cm (greater spacing for high-power cables) to avoid localized overheating.

Insulation Test: Before installation, use a megohmmeter to test the insulation resistance (≥ 1 megohm).

Avoid crossing: Cables must not overlap or bend, as this can cause heat buildup.

 

Temperature Control System Key Points:

Use a thermostat or smart thermostat and ensure the set temperature does not exceed the upper limit of the cable (for example, for floor heating, an ambient temperature of 28°C or less is recommended).

While self-regulating temperature cables are self-regulating, installing a thermostat is recommended to improve energy efficiency.

 

Environmental Restrictions:

Waterproof cable (IP67 or higher) must be used in humid areas (bathrooms, outdoors).

If buried or laid in concrete, ensure the cable sheath is corrosion-resistant and pressure-resistant.

 

Regular Maintenance:

Inspect the cable for damage and seals annually before use.

Unusual power consumption (such as a sudden increase in electricity bills) may indicate a cable failure.

 

Prohibited Actions:

Cutting constant current cables (disrupting resistance balance); self-regulating temperature cables can be cut if necessary.

Covering with carpet or furniture will hinder heat dissipation.

 

4. FAQs

Q: Will the heating cable leak electricity?

A: Certified products have reliable insulation, but damaged or poor-quality cables may leak electricity. A grounding system and a residual current device (RCD) are required.

 

Q: What should I do if the cables are heated unevenly?

A: Check the cable spacing, voltage stability, and correct thermostat sensor placement.

 

Q: Can I use this under parquet flooring?

A: Yes, but the surface temperature must be ≤ 27°C and the recommended power is ≤ 18W/m² to prevent the wood from drying out and cracking.