﹛﹛Self-temperature
regulating cable consists of two parallel
metal bus wires encased in a semiconductive
polymer matrix forming a heating unit
with a polyolefin jacket as metallic
shield. For corrosive and some hazardous
environments, additional fluoroplastics
overjackets can also be used. As the
electric current flows from one of the
copper wires, passes the conductive
polymer and arrives in the other copper
wire, a close circuit is established.
The electric power causes PTC polymer
to heat up and consequently raises the
resistance value. When the PTC polymer
reaches the transition temperature,
its resistance value takes a step increase,
which is high enough to cut off the
current and keep the temperature from
going any higher, and the purpose of
self-temperature regulating is served.
﹛﹛As
the temperature of the conductive
core increases, so does the electrical
resistance. The result is a diminishing
output for each temperature increment.
In other word, self regulating heating
cables adjust their power output
in response to the surrounding temperature,
in comparison with constant wattage
heating cables that give out constant
output to the heated objects.