Self-regulating cables

While resistance heating cables heat evenly along their whole length and any blockage affecting the heat delivery in any of its parts leads to local overheating, the structure of self-regulating cables ensures the automatic regulation of the heating output depending on the local temperature, and this at any point along its length.

The cable is formed by two copper conductors between which there is a semi-conductive heating core. When the ambient temperature rises, the resistance of the heating core increases and its output thus decreases. The opposite is true when the temperature drops - the output of the cable increases. The cables can thus touch and cross one another or pass through environments with different temperatures without there being a danger of overheating or burning. The structure enables the reduction of the cable to any length and the double insulation with a protective screen provides high dielectric strength, protection against humidity and resistance against mechanical damage. These cables are offered in four output strengths – 10, 15, 20 and 30 W/m. They are mainly used for the anti-freeze protection of pipes (10 and 15 W/m), or roofs, eaves troughs and downpipes (20 and 30 W/m).

As it is possible to cut self-regulating cables to any length (only the maximum length is limited depending on the protection), circuits are not produced in a range of types but it is necessary to use accessories for the cables (KIT No.4) which enable the ending of cables (the closing of the electric circuit) and the connection of connecting conductors (known as cold ends). Even though self-regulating heating cables change their output depending on the ambient temperature, they never switch themselves off completely. Therefore, it is necessary to use suitable regulation even with self-regulating cables.

Self-regulating cables are suitable for the protection of pipes against icing, the provision of ice protection to gutters and roofs, the process heating of pipes, etc. (EEx II certification).