AKO 7220H000 Self-Regulating Heating Cables Installation Guide
- June 5, 2024
- AKO
Table of Contents
AKO 7220H000 Self-Regulating Heating Cables
Application
These instructions address the minimum requirements to be considered in an
installation of self-regulating heating cable in order to optimize safety.
These are of a general nature, and depending on the application of the heating
cable will be complemented by specific instructions.
For certified cables used in hazardous areas for electrical heat tracing
systems in pipes and tanks, the instructions of data sheet 7210H051 will be
taken into consideration, and will prevail over any other general
instructions.
Warning
A design based on the instructions and data sheets of AKO should be carried
out for each electrical heating installation. Installations, verifications,
connections to the power supply and coordination must be carried out by
qualified staff.
Description
Self-regulating heating cables are distinguished because the heating element consists of a especial polymer with a carbon mixture which acts as a semiconductor.
COMPOSITION
Heating cables may be built according to one of the two following alternatives:
- A-Insulation (3), metal braid (2), outer sheath (1)
- B-Insulation (3), metal braid (2)
Figure 1 represents the composition of alternative A. Furthermore, the heating cables are composed of a self-regulating conductive core (4) and conductors (5).
Installation
When pulling and installing the heating cable we recommend:
AVOID jagged edges, pulling force, kinking and crushing, walking on it, or
running over it with equipment.
AVOID exposure to products which may damage its insulation.
RECOMMEND to use a reel holder that pays out smoothly with little tension.
INSTALLATION OF COMPONENTS AND ACCESSORIES
Suitable components and accessories should be used to ensure compliance with local codes and practices for the environment. The components to be used are defined in each type of cable’s datasheet.
Power supply and protections
Electrical power supply installation for the heating circuits should comply
with local codes and practices for the environment and the installation´s
characteristics. Only one heater should be connected in each circuit with the
appropriate protection. The braid for protection, it should be correctly
earthed.
OVERCURRENT PROTECTION
Electrical protection should be adapted to the appropriate current for each
circuit.
This may be done with circuit breakers or fuses.
RESIDUAL CURRENT (EARTH FAULT) PROTECTION
It is recommended to use a 30 mA sensitivity residual current device, but
others
sensitivities can be used, complying always with local codes and practices.
MECHANICAL PROTECTION
The heating cable should be protected in order to:
- Prevent itself from being damaged
- Prevent persons or animals to contact high temperatures
Labelling
Once the installation has been completed, a label indicating the existence of electrical circuits underneath should be placed on the protective cover.
Start-up
Before starting-up, make sure that the power supply installation complies with
local codes and practices.
Check in each circuit:
- The insulation resistance, which will be measured between the conductors and the braid. Measurement shall be taken with a d.c. source of 500 V=, it shall have an insulation resistance of at least 20 MW for cables shorter than 75 m, or [(1500 MW.m) / length in m] for cables over 75 m.
- Make sure that the residual current protection is working properly.
Repair and maintenance
REPAIRING THE HEATING CABLE
Repair of the heating cable should be only made with the original AKO kits and
components, following the instructions supplied therein.
MAINTENANCE
Check the electrical protections regularly to make sure they are working
properly
For any query or explanation required in connection with this Data Sheet, you
can get in touch with
AKO ELECTROMECANICA (ako@ako.com).
We reserve the right to supply materials that might vary slightly to those described in our Technical Sheets. Updated information is available on our website.
AKO ELECTROMECÁNICA , S.A.L.
Avda. Roquetes, 30-38
08812 • Sant Pere de Ribes.
Barcelona • Spain.
www.ako.com