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Mica Insulated Strip Heaters

Standard Sizes and Ratings

A specially treated rust-resistant steel casing provides physical strength, high emissivity and good thermal conductivity for sheath temperatures up to 900°F (480°C). For sheath temperatures up to 1200°F (650°C) a stainless steel sheath is available. The specially designed stainless steel screw terminals are securely fastened to a connecting jumper, assuring positive contact with the windings. For other terminal or lead arrangements, see termination types below. Specially selected mica grade and thickness is used to insulate the windings, providing excellent thermal conductivity and dielectric strength. A specific nickel-chrome resistance ribbon wire size is to provide is designed  to provide the  lowest winding temperature possible. The ribbon wire is wound on a specially selected Mica Strip, providing even heat distribution for maximum
heater life.

Termination Types
mica_T2.jpg (4415 bytes) mica_Type B.jpg (8057 bytes) mica_Type_C.JPG (5479 bytes) mica_Type_P1.JPG (3796 bytes)
Type "T" Type "B" Type "C" Type "P1"
mica_Igloo.JPG (3381 bytes) mica_Type_W2.JPG (2809 bytes)  
mica_Type_L2.JPG (3630 bytes)		 mica_Type_R2.JPG (3365 bytes)
Type "Igloo™" Type "W" Type "L" Type "R"

 

Special Features

 

Standard Specifications and Tolerances, Installation Instructions

 Performance Ratings

Maximum Sheath Temperature
   Rust resistant steel: 900°F (480°C)
   Stainless Steel: 1200°F (650°C)
Nominal Watt Density: 5-45 W/in2 (0.8-7.0 W/cm2)
Maximum Watt Density: Depends on operating temperature and heater size.
  
 Electrical Ratings

Maximum Voltage: 240 Volts
Maximum Amperage: 25 Amps
Resistance Tolerance: +10%, -5%
Wattage Tolerance: +5%, -10%

 
 Certifications

Mica Strip heaters are UL recognized and CSA certified in many design variations. Tempco's UL file number is E65652 and CSA file number is LR43099.
Please specify if you require a UL recognized or CSA certified heater.
 Material Specifications & Physical Sizes

Material Specifications & Physical Sizes
Standard Sheath Material: Rust resistant steel
Optional: Stainless Steel or Aluminum
Nominal Thickness: 3/16" (4.76 mm)
Minimum Width: 5/8" (15.88 mm)
Width Tolerance: ±1/32" (0.79 mm)
Maximum Length: 60" (1524 mm)
Length Tolerance: Up to 24" (610 mm) ±1/16" (1.59 mm)
Over 24" (610 mm) ±1/8" (3.18 mm)
Screw Terminals
   1" (25.4 mm) wide strips: 8-32 threads
   Over 1" (25.4 mm) wide strips: 10-32 threads
 
Note: Heater's physical size and electrical ratings combined will determine the actual minimums and maximums.

 

Installation Instructions

1   Tempco Mica Insulated Strip Heaters are available with mounting slots at each end for surface mounting applications or without mounting slots for insertion into milled slots.
 		 4   The surface being heated must be clean and smooth for efficient heat transfer. Small air gaps caused by imperfections can cause hot spots, resulting in heater failure.
2   For surface mounting installations, Mica Strip heaters must be clamped securely along their entire length to a smooth metal surface by using metal clamps 3" to 5" apart. See this page for Hold-Down Clamps.
 		   5  

Contaminants such as oil, plastics, and dirt should not be allowed to collect on heaters, as they will find their way into the heater windings, eventually carbonizing and causing electrical shorts.
3   Holes along the body of the strip heater for mounting purposes are not recommended and should only be used when there is no other means of clamping the strip heater down. These holes take up valuable winding space, increasing watt density, resulting in poor heater life. When supported by mounting slots, the terminal end should be secured firmly. Opposite end should be slightly loosened to allow for linear expansion.