Self regulating trace heating kit

[jlaw08]

Hi,

Recently bought a self regulating kit due to having some frozen pipes in the garage. Trying to conduct a continuity test on it but struggling to get anywhere, and wondering im missing something?

Kit is: https://www.frostprotection.co.uk/Cache/Downloads/harmoni-frost-protection-kit-manual-2019-10.pdf

I’ve had it in the fridge for a good few hours and then tried touching on the L & N? Is that right?

Thanks

 

[ericmark]

It should have a resistance which varies with temperature, but I have never tried to measure the resistance of the likes of ReyChem as it will vary due to both voltage and temperature, I have always measured the current drawn.

 

[SUNRAY]

I expect the resistance to be someting in the order of 5KΩ to 100KΩ for every meter depending on the stated power/m, usually in the order of 10w/m.
ie 10m should be in the order of 500Ω to 10KΩ and obviously lower resistance for lower temperature, put it in the freezer for half hour before checking and watch the resistance rise.

Take care when installing to not allow any kinking or sharp bends, there will likely be a minimum bend radius in the spec

 

[ericmark]

Looking at the Reychem site it give the resistance per meter at 5ºC and this varies from 10 to 31 W/m your says 12 W/m at 10ºC since no idea how long can't say the load, but looking at around 4.4 kΩ per meter, which would hardly be considered as continuity.

 

[jlaw08]

Thanks folks, put it freezer for a bit and tried to take resistance again and finally getting a reading! Guess the fridge isn’t cold enough haha.