Heating Cables and Controls for Commercial and Industrial Applications

The Thermal-Flex crib heater is a unique and necessary component of the switch heating system. In unison with rail heaters they provide assistance in snow and ice removal at the point of switch. Their main function is to eliminate ice and snow in the crib area around rods for easy maintenance. Warming of movable parts cuts down on repairs to switch motors, rod joints, and provides a smoother-working switch.

Key Benefits

•  Effectiveness: Rail temperatures of approximately 70ºF above ambient are quickly achieved and easily maintained through conduction heating of the rail, tie plates, switch plates and track braces. The effectiveness of the system is not impaired by the inundation of snow.
  
•   Efficiency: Since the heating cable is well insulated, virtually all the heat is transferred into the rail. Standard systems consume approximately 7.6 KW/HR (240 VAC @ 31 AMPS).
  
•  Minimum water formation: By applying controlled heat to critical areas of the switch, the formation of excess water and the freezing and thawing of ballast are minimized.
  
•  Safety: Since the heating cable and connectors are watertight, the system is safe for signaling systems and personnel. Before leaving the plant, all systems must pass a Hypot test of 2000 volts and meg to 100 meghoms or better.
  
•  Low installation costs: A complete installation, including the area under the rods, can be made in about two hours. Through the use of easily removed reusable track clips, a system may be disassembled for track work and reassembled very quickly. Drilling of the rail is not required.
  
•  Low operating cost: Operating cost of the system is low because of two factors.
  
  1. First, the Thermal-Flex cable is a very efficient generator and transmitter of conductive heat.
     
  2. Second, thermally insulating the cable with non-wicking, ceramic fiber insulation drives virtually
     all the heat generated by the cable into the rail rather than being dissipated in the air.

  
  For these reasons the system requires a nominal 100 watts per foot to heat the rail to approximately 70ºF above ambient.
  

•  Extended application: Because of the system’s low power consumption, it offers an economical alternative to other methods of heating.
  Also, because of low power consumption, it now becomes practical to use electric switch heating at locations with limited power supplies. Remote switches may be supplied with portable generators.

Unique Properties of the Thermal-Flex Heating Cable

•  The cable is designed to operate at stress-relieving temperatures far in excess of those needed for switch heating. This unique cable design resists abrasion, corrosion, and oxidation at high temperatures.
•  Since 1999, a new heater design change allows parallel wiring of elements.
•  The cable possesses high dielectric properties with ample watt density per square inch.
•  Flexible cable encased in spiral tube may be easily formed around obstructions.
•  Moveable and reusable.
•  Rugged and durable.