Nelson™ Heat Trace Snow Melting System

Brand: Nelson

Nelson™ Heat Trace snow melting system is made up of MI (mineral insulated) cable.

It is used for the electric heating of paved surfaces such as sidewalks, driveways and parking ramps is an efficient, economical method of preventing snow and ice accumulation.

Heat Trace electrical snow melting systems replace older, less efficient means of snow removal such as heated water or oil circulating systems, plowing or shoveling, and offer an effective alternative to the application of salts and other chemicals which result in pavement damage and environmental pollution.

Features

Mineral insulated cable is a high performance, industrial quality, series resistance heating cable which uses a high temperature metallic conductor as the heating element. The conductor is insulated with an inorganic dielectric, Magnesium Oxide (Mg0). The cable has a corrosion resistant Alloy 825 outer sheath which provides mechanical protection and a ground path. Because of the superior performance of MI cable, snow melting designs can use these advantages to reduce the overall cost and improve the reliability of the snow melting system.
Constant wattage: MI cable provides a series resistance heating system so that the power output is uniform over the entire length of the cable. Parallel, self-regulating heaters develop significant voltage drop over their circuit length which results in reduced power output at the end of the circuit.
No inrush: MI cable eliminates oversizing of circuit breakers because of cold temperature inrush. Most MI cable does not exhibit cold temperature inrush, and circuit breakers are sized for steady state load. Circuit breakers for parallel, self-regulating heaters must be oversized to compensate for inrush.
Rugged sheath: MI cables have a rugged, Alloy 825 outer sheath which resists mechanical damage during installation. Parallel, self-regulating heaters have plastic sheaths which are easily damaged during installation.
High voltage: MI cables can be operated up to 600 volts while parallel, self-regulating heaters are limited to 277 volts. Increased voltage results in longer circuit lengths and fewer circuits. In addition, increased voltage correspondingly reduces amperage for an overall reduction of power distribution costs. And, at higher voltages, the need for step down transformers can be eliminated.
High power: MI cable can be operated up to 70 watts per foot. Because of the superior performance capabilities of MI cable, power outputs can be increased, which reduces the amount of cable necessary for the required watt density. Parallel, self-regulating cables are limited to 30-35 watts per foot at start-up, which results in narrower spacing and increased heater quantities.
High temperature exposure: MI cables can withstand high temperatures, a requirement for installation in asphalt. Parallel, self-regulating heaters are damaged by these temperatures.
Conduit installation: MI cables can be installed inside conduit without deration of the heater. No additional cable is required if the cable is installed in conduit. Parallel, self-regulating heater power output must be de-rated as much as 40% if installed in conduit, which increases the amount of cable required.
Design options: MI cables are available in a wide variety of resistances and with either one or two conductors. More design choices allow the designer to provide the most economical heating solution, taking many design variable into consideration such as circuit length, voltage, and power distribution requirements. Parallel, self-regulating heaters are limited to only one or two cable choices, with few options for design efficiency.