So, you need to buy a new cartridge heater… again. They’re one of the most reliable and long-lasting heating elements currently available to buy. So why did the last one fail so quickly?
In most cases, it’s because you didn’t install or care for it correctly.
To maximise the lifespan of a cartridge heater, there are certain things that you should and shouldn’t do. And as experts in this field, we thought we’d shed a little light on the topic. Here we offer a few tips on how to look after your product and prevent unnecessary faults and failures in the future.
3 tips to maximise the lifespan of a cartridge heater
1. Avoid contamination
To get the most out of your cartridge heater, you must protect the leads from potential contaminants. This includes both liquids and gases, such as oils, sprays, lubricants etc. If any of these substances were to enter the heating element, it could cause a short circuit and eventual failure.
It’s also worth noting that, each time your cartridge heater expands and contracts, it pulls in air from the surrounding environment. Any moisture or impurities in the air can have a negative impact on the functioning of the heater. Therefore, it’s important to purchase a heater with appropriate seals.
2. Ensure the heating element fits snugly
Cartridge heaters often fail prematurely as they are not the right size.
The element should fit snugly inside the mould. If it doesn’t, heat will not be transferred efficiently and the heater will begin to run at a higher temperature than necessary. Over time, such over-heating can have a detrimental effect on the equipment and reduce the heater’s lifespan.
As a general rule-of-thumb – for the heat to be dissipated as quickly and effectively as possible – the diameter of the mould should be no more than 0.1mm bigger than the diameter of the heater.
3. Prevent excessive cycling
If the cartridge heating element has a higher wattage than necessary, it will switch on and off at a fast rate (e.g. every 30-60 seconds) to maintain the desired temperature. This is known as excessive temperature cycling. It quickly oxidises the resistance wires and often leads to heater failure.
To avoid excessive cycling, it’s therefore worth doing your research. Before purchasing a heater, you should always establish the lowest possible wattage, to meet the requirements of your application.
Need help choosing the right cartridge heater?
Cartridge heaters are a robust and durable piece of equipment. And if they fail prematurely, nine times out of ten, it’s because the wrong size or wattage was chosen for the job. But that’s where we can be of assistance.
Our team of specialists, here at cartridgeheaters.co.uk, have unrivalled knowledge and experience in this area. And if you need help selecting the right cartridge heater for your requirements, we’re always happy to help.
We stock a comprehensive range of cartridge heating elements, in both imperial and metric sizes, and can offer tailored advice and guidance on the best option for your application. In fact, we even provide a bespoke service, whereby we can design and create a new cartridge heater upon request – to meet your exact specification.
So, why not get in touch today? Before you hit ‘add to basket’, either give us a call on 0121 439 8932 or send an email to sales@cartridgeheaters.co.uk, and avoid any unwanted (and unnecessary!) issues with your new product.