Safety and Efficiency of PTC Heaters

Industrial PTC heaters are better built than commercial heaters.

An example of where a PTC surface heater is used for sealing packaging.

PTC heaters are safer and more efficient than traditional heaters.

Industrial Applications Require Rugged Construction

Electrical heaters for industrial applications are typically better and more rugged than those for commercial applications. Industrial applications require higher heat output, more durability, and longer lifespan and are often used in harsher environments than commercial applications.

Industrial heaters are typically designed for applications such as factories, warehouses, and other large commercial or industrial settings. They may be used for process heating, air, and water heating, space heating, or other specialized purposes. 

These heaters are typically built to withstand the rigors of industrial use, including exposure to dust, dirt, other contaminants, extreme temperatures, and humidity.

Industrial heaters are often made from higher-quality materials than commercial heaters and may be subject to more rigorous testing and certification. They may also incorporate heavy-duty insulation, corrosion-resistant coatings, and explosion-proof enclosures for use in hazardous locations.

Safety Seal or Certification Mark Used on Industrial PTC Devices

The UL (Underwriters Laboratories) safety seal is a certification mark used in the United States to indicate that a product has been tested and certified for safety. In Europe, the corresponding certification mark is usually the CE (Conformité Européene) mark, which indicates that the product meets the requirements of relevant European Union (EU) directives.

Some differences between the UL and CE marks are worth noting:

• Certification process: UL certification is a voluntary process generally initiated by the product manufacturer, while CE marking is mandatory for many products sold in the European Economic Area (EEA). Manufacturers must ensure that their products comply with the relevant EU directives and can then affix the CE mark to the product.

• Scope: The UL mark is primarily used in the United States and Canada, while the CE mark is used in the EU and other countries.

• Standards: UL certification is based on standards developed by UL, while CE marking is based on standards developed by the EU. While there is some overlap between the two sets of standards, there are also some differences in the specific requirements for certain types of products.

• Product categories: UL certification covers various products, including electrical and electronic equipment, appliances, and consumer products. CE marking also covers a wide range of products, but specific directives cover certain categories, such as medical devices, machinery, and construction products.

The UL and CE marks are both used to indicate that a product has been tested and certified for safety. Still, there are some differences in the certification process, scope, standards, and product categories covered by each mark. 

Read further about seals used on German industrial products sold in the US and Canada.

PTC heaters are safer and more efficient than traditional heating elements.

PTC heaters (Positive Temperature Coefficient heaters) are generally considered safer than some other types of electric heaters for several reasons:

• Self-regulating: PTC heating elements are self-regulating, which means they automatically adjust the power they consume based on the room's temperature. This helps to prevent overheating, which is one of the leading causes of electrical fires.

• Low surface temperature: PTC heaters are designed to have a lower surface temperature than other types of heaters, which reduces the risk of burns or fires if they come into contact with flammable materials.

• Overheat protection: PTC heaters typically have built-in overheat protection features, which automatically shut off the heater if it gets too hot. This helps to prevent fires and other safety hazards.

• Unlike other electric heaters, PTC materials do not have glowing elements, eliminating the risk of igniting nearby combustible materials.

PTC heaters typically have a higher initial efficiency than some other types of heaters, such as resistive heaters, because they can quickly heat up to a high temperature and then maintain that temperature with less power input.

They are great for green energy applications such as windmills’ control circuitry. PTC convection heaters are used in windmill electrical panels.

Any questions on the best PTC heater for your application?

It's essential to consider the specific requirements of the heating application and choose the most appropriate type of heater based on those requirements.  Speaking to an experienced thermal management engineer at DBK USA can help you choose the right industrial heater for your application.   Call - 1-864-791-6014 today.  We are open 9-5 EST on weekdays.