There are three main types of these heaters that differ by material: mica, ceramic and mineral insulated. They come in various sizes and each brings their own strengths to the table. These are sometimes further subdivided based on the following factors:
- Performance specifications
- Sheath material or sleeve
- Termination type
- Dimensions
- Mounting
- Insulation
Mica Band Type Heaters
For less intense temperatures, mica insulation offers competitive dielectric strength and corrosion resistance. The maximum temperature is lower, typically around 900 degrees Fahrenheit, but the water and chemical resistance make them popular in harsh environments.
Ceramic Band Type Heaters
Ceramic band type heaters are heaters that can handle extreme temperatures, typically up to 1,400 degrees Fahrenheit. The excellent insulation of a ceramic segment helps you focus heat where you need it, but the insulation also retains heat for longer, making overheating an issue. Ceramic bands reduce operations costs and energy consumption. They can sustain temperatures as high as mineral insulated heaters, but the outside temperature remains low. Thus, there is less wasted heat. For increased efficiency, you may also consider double-insulation options. To make this genius engineering possible, manufacturers construct these bands out of stainless-steel housing and then stack ceramic tiles on the inside. To add to this, they are built to last and easy to install. Finally, they also offer more termination options than mica and mineral insulated options. These include the following:
- Termination box
- Euro connectors
- Fiberglass lead
- Post terminals