In winter, in the period of junior frost, the owners of country houses risk remain without water supply. Ice corks in the outer water pipe will not only leave the tenants without a shower, the working water supply system in the sinks and other benefits of civilization, but also cause damage to pipes.

Agree, the prospect is low-reaching. Prevent such developments will be able to prevent the events, if you install a warming cable for water pipes together with pipes and connect it to the power grid. All work is quite realistic to spend yourself.

We will tell how the heating element is arranged and we describe the basic parameters of its choice. As well as consider in detail the ways of installing the heating cable and illustrate the stages of work with visual photos.

It is reasonable to argue that you can easily do without. It is enough to know the level of soil freezing in the area, and then, relying on the indicators, dug the trench of the required depth. It is usually 1.5-1.7 m for the middle band depending on the type of soil.

Based at such depths and insulated pipes do not freeze, as the surrounding soil has a positive temperature (suppose, + 2-4 ° C).

However, not all so simple. On wetlands or in areas close to water bodies, a non-discovered phenomenon is a high level of groundwater. This means that during the period of flooding or melting of snow communications will be flooded, which will negatively affect their functional properties.

If the pipes are hit by half half the meter, but at the same time connect the electrical cable and, then the deep canvas do not have to dig.

It happens that even swallowed areas are freezing with harsh winters. Accommodation in the house without automatic water supply from the well becomes less comfortable, and sometimes impossible. Have to carry out avral repair work

We will not forget about the critical zones most affected by the cold - the place of entering the pipeline into the house. If the building is built on a pile-screw foundation, then under it is an open portion of the pipeline, which is easiest to be insulated with the heating cable.

Conclusion: If there is a technical possibility of laying a heating system for the water supply system, it is necessary to use it, at least for the sake of damage from freezing.

When contacting a specialized company, you may encounter some variety of suggestions. We will deal with the assortment.

Gallery of images

During the period of severe frosts, water can occur in the systems of sewage and water supply, which often leads to a number of unpleasant consequences: from stopping the supply of water to breaking pipes.

To avoid similar trouble, it is recommended to use a warming cable for a water supply, which is a resistive or self-regulating. Installation of such a wire will help prevent the formation of ice plugs in the pipes, will support the feed pressure at the technological level, when laying a new water supply, the use of the cable will reduce the depth of its location in the ground.

Resistive warming cable for water supply.

The system of resistive heating cable works on this principle: along the entire length of the pipe (on the surface or inside), the cable mounted on the pipe thermal sensors determine the ambient temperature, and the control thermostat is sensitive to any change relative to the specified parameters. If the temperature drops below, the heating system automatically turns on: a current comes, the conductor begins to highlight the heat, heating the pipe and water in it. When the required temperature level is achieved, the system automatically turns off.

The cable consists of metal veins concluded in isolation. Its heating occurs evenly along the entire length and, if not followed the temperature regime, can overdo it. In order for the work of such a heating system to be the most efficient, the pipeline should be provided very good thermal insulation - it will significantly reduce the energy consumption and reduce heat loss. For thermal insulation device, any materials with a low thermal conductivity coefficient can be used, for example, mineral wool.

At the calculation of power, the warming cable can be laid on a pipe with one or more parallel lines, on a helix or waves. The laying is made easily, without tensions, is attached to the surface with adhesive aluminum tape. To enhance the contact of the cable with the pipe and ensure the best heat distribution over the surface, you can clean the pipe with the cable with several layers of aluminum foil.

Self-regulating warming cable for water supply.

A self-regulating warming cable for water supply was developed as an alternative solution to the resistive system and it was excellent. The cable is distinguished by wonderful operational and technical characteristics, it can be successfully noted in various systems that prevent icing. Such systems, for example, are installed on roofing buildings, to prevent the formation of ice icicles.

Heating self-regulating wire is a pair of insulated conductors enclosed in a polymer, which is sensitive to the slightest change in temperature and changes depending on this. The lower the temperature drops, the stronger the resistance decreases and, accordingly, the current and the amount of heat produced increases.

The response to temperature change occurs at any point along the entire length of the wire, thus, the amount of heat released in different places may differ. This feature allows the use of material with great efficiency. In addition, it is distinguished by the high efficiency and safety of use, since it is equipped with very reliable insulation. The scope of its use is truly limitless, and service life, with constant use, not less than 40 years. To mount the cable, you can cut it into it with pieces of any length - the efficiency of work is not to decrease.

How to make a heating cable with your own hands.

You can buy warm cables in the trading network, but you should know that the cost of them is quite high. But, with a certain skill and some technical skills, you can try to make a heating cable with your own hands using for this, alternative material.

Experienced craftsmen claim that the most appropriate replacement of the branded heating cable is the so-called "field" - a power telephone cable, which is intended for the military field communication device, its official marking - P-274M. It is thin, rather durable, hard, has a good and reliable insulation, can be used in a humid environment.

Naturally, the system of homemade heating cable will be deprived of some qualities, for example, it will not be a special food isolation and there will be no self-regulating function. If it will not work constantly, but only periodically (for example, occasionally turn on at the cottage, on which it does not live in winter constantly, but only come from time to time) and the cable laying is not carried out inside the pipe, but outside, then it is possible to do without The above useful qualities.

When installing the "wildfish" inside the plumbing pipe so that at the end of the veins do not bare, it is better to spread it into two wires. Then the single wire bend in half and twice again. In two open ends, it is necessary to provide a sealed ride of the wire, it can be built from the flange from the flexible eyeliner for water. Entering should be really sealed and not to miss a drop of moisture, for this fitting, with the extinguishes inside the wires, you need to pour epoxy glue and slightly add a slightly, the asshole will allow you to tighten the connection well.

If the cable is supposed to be embarked on top of the pipe, then it is not necessary to break the "field", but simply make a wire connection in the opposite end of the heated area. The connection must be thoroughly insulated.

Fix the wire to the surface is very tight. Initially, the pipe with the cable should be necessary to wrap the foil, and turn on top of it the scotch, which, in fact, will press the cable to the heated base. Next, all this is wrapped with insulation, for example, mineral wool.

In this way, heating can be arranged not only for water supply, but also for sewage. The strength of the current missing by the "wildfut" should not exceed 9a.

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A self-regulating heating cable is a kind of heating conductors who are able to change their heat release independently depending on the temperature that surrounds the device. This is considered his main feature. This product will begin to warm stronger if the temperature is below. In this article, we will look at the device, the principle of operation and the scope of self-regulating heating cable.

Constructive features

How is the self-regulating conductor arranged? The design consists of certain parts, namely:

1. Two copper veins. They provide voltage along the entire length of the wire.
2. Heating conductive matrix. This is the main device in the design. The use of such a matrix allows you to adjust and heat the element itself. Each it is connected between two wires in parallel, thus connecting to the electrical circuit.
3. Layer of insulation. For greater degree of thermal protection, the electric structure is wrapped in several layers of insulation.
4. Protective shielding braid. It is made of metal and its use is necessary to protect against various mechanical and electromagnetic effects. The grounding is supplied to this braid.
5. Outer shell. Such a protective coating ensures the protection of the design from the damage to the mechanical genus.

Due to such a simple design, the self-regulating heating cable becomes resistant to various damage and is able to provide a high and long service life.

Operating principle

The principle of operation of such a product is a bit reminds the work of the resistive conductor. The self-regulating heating cable operates based on the electrotock conductor properties: when it is heated, the resistance increases. The higher the lower the current and, accordingly, less than the power spent.

The principle of operation of the polymer matrix in this case is as follows: when the temperature on any portion of the matrix decreases, the current conductivity increases, and as a result, the heating element heats up more. Due to this, the temperature can be adjusted without the use of various thermostators. Thus, thermoregulation is achieved.

For example, the principle of operation on a specific segment of the wiring, which is located in a cold location consists of the following: it has less resistance, but a significant current flows through the matrix here, which significantly heats the device. Where the pipe is warm, the resistance will be large, which means less flowing current. Therefore, when a self-regulating heating conductor is connected to the freezing plumbing pipe, it starts working for full force, and when the pipe starts to warm up, the device power will increase. We were told in the relevant article.

The principle of operation of such a product makes it possible to get:

• a reliable adaptation that will serve for many years;
• application of the product under any circumstances and conditions.

On video reviews, it is clearly shown below how this type of conductor is also working out of what.

Application area

Heating self-regulating cable is used when heating the water supply, cornice, floor or roof, as well as other elements where water freezing should be prevented. The principle of operation of such a cord allows you to allocate three main areas of application of the product:

• for private needs (heating sewage or water supply);
• for commercial organizations (heating pipes, fire extinguishing systems);
• in industry (for work in conditions of increased danger).

It is possible to understand which self-regulating heating cable refers to a certain sphere, it is possible at the specified deadlines for the material of the matrix with the degree of protection of the material for isolation.

Advantages and disadvantages

Like any product, self-regulating heating cable has its own advantages and disadvantages. In addition to reliability and simplicity in the design, the heating conductor has the following advantages:

• the whole length is heated evenly and uniform;
• self-regulating heating element resistant to;
• saving in electricity, with a fairly high power, the consumption of electrical energy will be relatively small;
• this design is considered more secure, even with overhearst, it is reliably protected from overheating;
• there is practically no need for maintenance;
• no limit on length.

Self-regulating heating conductor has its own minuses. The disadvantages of such a design include:

• relatively high cost of product time;
• the cable is produced by sinks in a large volume and in most cases there are no factory clutches and glands for the connection, as well as the insulation tubes (all this will need to lend themselves).

So we considered the device and the principle of operation of self-regulating heating cable. We hope now it has become clear how this heating conductor works and where it can be applied!

In the desire for perfection in the construction of residential buildings, other structures, the latest technologies are actively applied to the efficiency of production facilities. One of these technical solutions is to use heating cables, laying and connecting which can be done with their own hands. For this purpose, the instructions are attached to the products, but there are also some nuances that you need to learn from specialists. Their use is almost versatile, and mount the warming cable for water supply and other devices is easy, which allows you to widely use the technology in various fields.

Application of heating cable on the roof and drainage pipes of buildings

Application

The principle of operation, as well as simplicity and versatility of the application of the heating cable, opens up wide spaces for its use. Most often, the warming cable for water supply is used to solve the following tasks:

• Heated roofing coatings, water supply systems, pipelines, pipes on the roofs of buildings. The wire is attached both outside and inside the pipe. When the heating system is enabled, it eliminates icing on the edges of the roof, the drop in ice pieces and the destruction of the pipeline, which contributes to the safer operation of buildings for people.
• Heating flooring - makes housing warm and cozy in the cold season.

Installation of heating cable in floor covering

• In residential buildings and industrial premises, a warming cable for water supply is used, supporting with its help plus temperature of pipes on the network. Heated pipeline, located underground and in open areas of the street, prevents freezing the transported liquids and the pipe itself.

An example of using a heating cable for pipes

• Heated garden tracks, individual sections of sidewalks, steps, which eliminates the fall and injury to passersby on the icing surface.

Heated by cable steps at the entrance to the house

Views

All heating cables are divided into two types:

• resistive cable;
• self-regulating.

Resistive cable

The resistive cable is considered the most affordable for consumers, its production does not require complex technologies and large financial costs. The length of the cable and power is made with a constant value, it cannot be cut into parts. If the cable is shortened, the resistance will increase, and at the same time the temperature of the conductive lived above is permissible, which will lead to a chain cliff. The resistive option provides uniform heating over the entire length. Therefore, when designing heating, determine how much the cable is needed and choose the appropriate length.

There are several ways to connect a warming cable to be used for water supply, drainage systems and other purposes. The simplest is the usual connection to the outlet. More complex ways provide for the connection of the elements of the circuit through the sensors. In addition, it is necessary to install electronic equipment that adjusts the power to maintain the specified heating temperature.

There are several varieties of constructive design of the resistive cable:

• The single-core is the easiest design, the outer heat-resistant sheath, under it the shielding copper braid on fluoroplastic insulation, in the center of which the conductive heating lived.

A single-core design is stacked so that the ends of the cable can be connected on a common terminal block in one place. It is calculated how much the cable is needed so that it can be returned to the voltage source. This feature is caused by the fact that it is necessary to connect both ends into one outlet. It can be done with your own hands as simple as inserting the plug into the socket from any household electrical instrument.

• The two-core cable is folded for the entire length, connects on one side, the tight clutch is installed at the second end. It makes work on the installation even easier.

The structure of single-core and dwended cables

• Zonal heating cable is also one of the varieties of the resistive option. The design of the two-housing cable was improved by the addition of spiral heating wires between the main two veins at equal sections of the length having the same power. It made it possible to cut it with parts with a set step. The disadvantage of such a design is the possibility of burning spiral wires in some sections. Such a malfunction leads to the occurrence of the cold zone at the beginning or end of the contour.

Scheme of zonal cable

Important details when installing resistive models with their own hands:

• never allow the intersection by placing the cable to the heated surface;
• do not use for the anti-icing or pipes cables for warm floors, the insulation of which does not have due moisture-resistant protection;
• competently calculate the necessary power, thermal costs. The calculation of the humidity, temperature, area and the material of the heated surface should be taken into account. The insufficient heat dissipation will lead to a reduction in the service life of the heating structure.

The main advantages consider low prices, ease of design and installation of the heating cable, low starting currents, the stability of parameters throughout the service life, high reliability.

Self-regulating cable

The principle of cable operation is completely different. The design of the self-regulating heater is the matrix of semiconductor elastic material located between the current-time cores. The temperature of the medium around the cable affects the resistance value of the semiconductor material of the matrix, changing the power consumption and the intensity of heating.

The process of self-regulation of heating

Heat release is carried out in cold areas, the resistance of the semiconductor matrix increases there. In the warm zone, resistance and heating decrease. Such a principle of operation is significantly saved by electricity consumption. Self-regulating heating is very effective in anti-icing systems and for pipes underground communications. In the process of installation, it can be divided into sections of any length with their own hands, without referring to those skilled in the art, without prejudice to operational characteristics. At the same time there is no need for heating the entire pipeline. The heating wire is needed for a pipe only in areas where its mocking is most likely, for example, when entering the house. Despite the high price of the cable, it is very in demand, the initial costs quickly pay off during the operation when saving electricity.

Advantages of cable

Installations that launch a heating cable mark the following positive aspects of this technology:

• simplicity of work performed, which does not require highly qualified employees;
• the ability to mount the heating systems with their own hands, but subject to the competent calculation and compliance with the installation conditions of the heating system;
• environmentally friendly installation and operation;
• flexibility and elasticity allow you to lay a heating cable for a network of water pipes, as well as inside and outside the structures of various geometric shapes.

Cable connection. Video

How the self-regulating heating cable is connected, you can learn from the video below.

It is difficult to list all the possibilities of applying heating systems. Much depends on the purpose of objects, the operating conditions and competent decisions of the designers. Practical experience shows that the use of heating cables is very efficient. Deciding to use these technologies on their facilities, it is worth thoroughly consider all the details, consult with specialists to eventually get the maximum benefits. Cable for heating and equipment to it can be installed with your own hands, but everything needs to be done correctly. To do this, detailed instructions are attached to each product.

In order to prevent the size of the water supply system into tuning frosts, it should be thought out that it will help to avoid an unpleasant situation, the reason for which it becomes at best of the water supply interruptions, in the worst - the size of the system and the break of the pipes. Specialists recommend applying the so-called warming cable. The installation of such a system will prevent the freezing of water in the pipes, will help maintain the pressure at the proper level, and when installing in a new system, it will allow the water supply to be paved at a lesser depth. Consider what kind of heating cable and how to make it personally.

What do you need heating cable

Since we live in regions with unstable winter, sharp drops of temperature, you need to think about the additional protection of sewage and plumbing systems. The dimension of these vital points will make residents of the house hold partial repairs or restore the entire system. In order not to happen trouble, they should be prevented. And this can be done when using a heating cable that will not allow water to freeze. The meaning of the work is based on heat release into the water supply system and, as a result, preventing the dimension of pipes. Two cable options are used:

• self-regulating;
• resistive.

Below will look more each of the options. In principle, the mechanism of their action is similar, due to the electric flow, heat is distinguished and the threat of freezing the water supply system is prevented.

The question is why it is necessary to use cable heaters, has a unambiguous answer - to prevent damage to the water supply system, sewage and the like.

Varieties of heating cable

Two varieties of heating cable are known:

• resistive;
• self-regulating.

The first type of cable uses a metal feature to warm up the current. Heating, the conductor selects a fixed amount of heat that does not depend on the ambient temperature. That is, this version of the cable always consumes the same amount of electrical energy. To reduce costs at normal temperatures and the absence of frosts, special sensors and thermostators are mounted. During the installation of the system using a resistive cable, a very important requirement that the cable threads do not lie back to each other and there was no bang. With this cable location, there is overheating and damage to the wire.

The resistive heating wire may consist of one or two lived. The two-core wire is more expensive, but it is used more often. It is easier to connect them, as they have a plug from one edge, and one-core requires a connection from two ends. Resistive wires are not allowed to cut, otherwise they will not work. This nuance should be remembered when laying this kind of wire - if the bay has a big length than you need, you still have to put it completely.

Self-adjusting wires - metal polymer bases. The veins spend current and the polymer is heated by this - this is the principle of operation of self-regulating cable. An interesting feature of the polymer is that the stronger it warms up, the less heat allocates and the more cools, the more heat gives. It independently adjusts the temperature from here and the name. These positive parties can be distinguished from self-regulating cable:

• when contacting or crossing each other, the material does not deteriorate and does not burn out;
• this type of wire can be cut, the ending should be closed;
• long operational term.

The minus is a rather big value, but the cost will pay off with high quality material.

Resistive heating wire

The resistive heating cable has a clear principle of operation and it is possible to present this way: in water pipes from the inside or outside the cable is laid, the temperature sensors determine how low the environmental degrees and the heating system is automatically launched. The thermostat is responding to any deviation from the specified parameters. Begins to flow the current, the system and water is heated. When the specified parameters are reached, the system is automatically shutdown.

The water heating cable is metal fibers that are exhibited. It is necessary to control the heating process, since the heating occurs immediately along the entire length and the wire can easily turn into. In order for the efficiency of the heating cable to be effective, it is necessary to take care of thermal insulation, it will save on electricity and reduce heat loss. For insulation, the Ministry of Service and any other material with a low ability to lose heat are suitable.

The cable is placed in one row or spirals, without tension. Cold on the surface of the pipe with a special adhesive tape. If desired, the pipe is wrapped with aluminum foil. It enhances the contact of the cable and pipes and improves heat dissipation over the surface. The cable of this species is applied not only to prevent the freezing of the water supply system, but also in other systems, for example, on the roof, against the formation of icicles.

Self-regulating heating cable

A self-regulating wire or cable is a heating conductor, changing the level of given heat depending on the ambient temperature. The colder around, the stronger the cable is heated and there is more heat in the water supply system.

Conducts wire from:

• two lived, which provide voltage over the entire length of the wire;
• heating matrix and isolation layer;
• for reliable thermal protection, the veins are wrapped in several layers of insulating material;
• braid for grounding and protection against various kinds of influences;
• external shell protecting the wire from mechanical exposure.

All this together ensures the stability of the wire to damage and extends the service life.

The advantages of self-regulating cables in front of resistive

After analyzing the features of two cable options, it can be said that the self-regulating cable wins significantly in front of resistive:

• self-regulating cable can be cut at the required length;
• contributor of the foundations will not cause damage to the cable;
• the temperature is adjustable, while the resistive cable has permanent indicators;
• the cable has high stability to voltage drops;
• the wire is resistant to mechanical damage;
• durable and reliable.

If you choose between two options, the solution is obvious, even the fact that the self-regulating wire is more expensive, does not affect its popularity.

Installation of self-regulating heating cable Internal work

Heating cable is stacked with an external or inside of the pipe. In principle, a slightly different material is used for each option. Consider the option of mounting the wire from the inner surface. The material that will be installed in the pipes must comply with certain requirements:

• the outer coating of the cable should not be a source of discharge of negative and harmful substances;
• electrical protection must comply with the established standards;
• the end of the cable must be closed with a special coupling.

The wire is refilled into the pipe. The transition site between two cables (heating and electric) is not in the field of pipes, as it is not intended for places with high humidity. The tee for mounting the heating cable from the inside is with a variety of removal angles, with an internal version of the installation is not fixed, and simply refills inward.

Heating cable external installation with his own hands

If the installation of a warming cable will be located on the outside of the pipe, you need to monitor dense adjacent over the entire surface. If not new pipes are installed, they are viewed about dust, contaminants, rust, welding works and, if necessary, purified from outsiders. All unnecessary parts can spoil the cable. The wire must be reliably fixed every twenty - thirty centimeters, a special adhesive tape or plastic clamps will serve as a fixation material.

If you plan to lay the heating cable of two parts, place them below, where the temperature will be minimal if the threads are three, most lay down, and one above. Thus, the tap pipes will be maximally protected from low temperatures.

There is another option to lay the cable on the outside of the pipe. This is a way - styling the wire with a spiral. During pipe processing, do not forget that when the cable may be damaged. It does not tolerate the bends, for this, the tangle wires are unwinding gradually and immediately wind the pipe or fix it by sagging and fasten the adhesive tape. If the wire is not attached to a metal, and the plastic pipe, then before laying the wire, the surface of the tap pipe is treated with a layer of metal scotch. Around the components: tees, fittings, cranes, it is recommended to make hinges from the wire, since it is these parts that the system requires maximum protection. But it should be ensured that the heating wire does not have sharp beggars during insulation around the cranes and similar parts of the system.

Connecting heating cable

To connect the cable, you must prepare material and tools. For installation you will need:

• heating wire;
• special boxes for connecting the cable;
• adhesive tape;
• aluminium foil;
• pliers.

Three cable connection options are known:

• linear (in a straight plane);
• spiral;
• interior.

Linear option - laying the wires along the pipe. Most often, this method is used during installation. With this method of laying, the probability of damage was eliminated by cable.

The spiral version is the winding of the wire on the pipe in the form of painted. Sometimes the linear laying scheme is impossible, then it is replaced with spiral. Cable consumption in this case.

Another option is the cable laying inside the pipe. This option is applied when the external installation is not possible. This option is not very good because the service is hampered, reduces the service life and reduces the bandwidth of the pipe.

How to make a warming cable with your own hands

Heating cable can be bought in any construction store, but the cost of products is quite high. In order not to spend the family budget, make a warm cable can be handled by applying alternative material. Homade specialists found out that the most suitable alternative to the buying heating cable will be a power telephone cable serving for field communication in the army. It can be used as heating cable due to its characteristics: the cable is thin, hard, well isolated, can be used in places of high humidity.

Two cable types have only similar characteristics, but not identical. The field cable is deprived of such a strong isolation as heating and it does not have a self-regulating function. But this is not a problem if you apply the homemade version constantly, but only on the case of the case, it is not installed inside the pipe, but from the outside, in such a case the supercopiness of the heating cable is not needed. The water pipes covered with cable, it is important to pay attention to the ends of the wire, carefully treat them with a sealant or a similar substance. Attach the wires to the surface of the pipes should be very tight, on the first layer - foil. It is recommended to cover with a scotch, which will perform the function of the heat insulating material. You can also process sewer pipes.

As we can see, it is not difficult to carry out the heating cable for water supply with your own hands and is quite real for any home master. The main thing to decide on the type of cable, the laying option. If there is difficulty or not everything is clear on the installation of heating cable, see the video. There is detailed about the procedure for conducting actions and you will not have any questions.