The safety and performance of electric heating elements is dependent upon the user's proper handling, installation, control, application, and maintenance. While it is impossible to anticipate all the operating conditions for electric heaters, the following items are universal precautions that must be considered in every situation.Electric heater element handling, installation, application, and maintenance precautions:
- Always have a qualified person install the heating element in accordance with the National Electrical Code and/or local codes.
- Always use extension wire rated for the current, voltage, and exposure temperatures suitable for the application.
- Always use the proper environmentally rated electrical connection and housing for the type of service the heater will see.
- Use temperature controlling and/or limiting devices with electric heaters.
- Use ground fault protection where required.
- Do not apply higher voltages than the marking on the heater indicates.
- Do not operate heaters in thermally insulated conditions where sheath temperatures may exceed the recommended maximum.
- Do not expose heaters to conditions, substances or contaminants that can damage, change, or destroy the integrity of the heater's sheath or electrical insulation.
- Heaters by their nature can absorb moisture which can cause high leakage current. A megohm test to the manufacturers specification should be performed to ensure moisture levels are within acceptable standards.
- Do not apply heaters with operating sheath temperatures that exceed the safe exposure temperature of the process media.