If you have ever lived in a frigid climate you are familiar with the numerous types of heaters. There are oil stick heaters, oil pan heaters, radiator heaters, and even engine blankets that work similarly to the electric blankets you use on a bed at home. Most of these need a thermostat for controlling the temperature or limit the heat by the resistance of the heating element. The later has no control and will remain on as long as electricity is applied to the heater. These types of heaters use resistive wire as the source of heat. Newer electric immersion heaters are utilizing PTC technology to control the temperature of the heater.
If a material exhibits a positive temperature coefficient means that as its temperature increased its resistance to current raises proportionately. Initially, the current through these devices will rise sharply with the low resistance but then decrease to zero when the design temperature is reached. During manufacturing these devices are made to reach a specific temperature.
Mechanical and Electrical Design Engineers have been using PTC technology solutions to solve problems in a wide range of industrial applications where improved safety, less complexity, and durability had been issues. There are numerous other advantages that continue to make PTC heaters the number one choice for design engineers.
