Finned Strip Heaters

Finned strip heaters, often considered component heaters, are an electric heating element that maximizes heat intensity and transfer effectively in an area. Steel fin strip heaters are an excellent industrial heating product that can be easily controlled by using a heating control panel, mechanical thermostat or cost effective bi-metal thermostats that can be installed on the surface of the heater.

Finned strip heaters provide efficient heating solutions for both closed environments and open areas because they deliver controlled heat distribution with dependable performance. The design of these systems enables heat to escape from the unit into the surrounding environment, which makes them ideal for applications that need to maintain a consistent air temperature.

What Are Finned Strip Heaters?

Finned strip heaters are composed of a heating element, a protective sleeve or sheath, and mounting hardware along with steel finned that are used to extend surface area.

Finned strip heaters operate through their design, which uses metal fins that engineers attach to standard strip heaters. The system enables better heat distribution throughout the space while minimizing heat loss, which makes the system suitable for air heating operations.

If strip heaters are used as a radiant heater, or a duct heater, they have can have fins to maximize surface area and heat transfer to the air.

The design improves thermal distribution because it boosts surface area, which enables better heat transfer through systems that use air movement to control temperature.

Applications of Finned Strip Heaters

Finned strip heaters are widely used in applications which require both air heating and surface heating to deliver constant, efficient heat transfer. The design of these products enables their use in both industrial and commercial environments.

  • Strip heaters can be clamped or bolted onto objects or solid surface contact heating over large areas and are primarily used in indoor applications. 
  • Used in duct heating systems for effective air heating 
  • Applied in enclosures and cabinets to maintain internal temperatures 
  • Used in drying equipment and air circulation systems 
  • Suitable for space heating in industrial environments 
  • Applied in HVAC systems for controlled air temperature 
  • Used in machinery where surface heating is required over larger areas 

Types of Finned Strip Heaters

Finned strip heaters come in multiple configurations, which manufacturers designed to match three mounting methods, two control systems, and various application needs. The available options assist in selecting appropriate heaters for particular industrial requirements.

  • Steel finned strip heaters designed for enhanced heat transfer 
  • The clamp-mounted strip heaters provide a straightforward method for both installation and equipment removal. 
  • The bolt-on strip heaters provide permanent positioning through their secure attachment system. 
  • The custom-configured heaters enable users to select from various size options, wattage specifications, and voltage selection. 
  • The heaters provide users with two temperature control options through their built-in temperature management system and external temperature control interface.

Advantages of Finned Strip Heaters

Finned strip heaters provide an efficient and affordable heating solution for applications which need controlled air and surface temperature management. Their design enables better operational performance while delivering energy-efficient results.

  • Temperatures can reach as high as 500 degrees F, and use the high-quality magnesium oxide that is also used in tubular heating elements, which allow for effective heat transfer. 
  • Provides an effective air heating operation which consumes less energy
  • Provides two installation methods, which include mounting holes and clamping methods
  • Functions with multiple temperature control systems which control thermal output
  • Features a robust design which provides extended service life
  • Affordable method to heat areas which fall between small and medium sizes
  • Helps to create a consistent temperature distribution throughout all its uses

Additional Features of Finned Strip Heaters

Finned strip heaters have numerous design features that improve their functionality and enhance ease of technology and installation with respect to industrial applications.

  • Mounting holes are useful to mount the heaters securely on the wall housing with a terminal extending from the sheath for easy electrical connections. 
  • Many users also request lead wires that extend from one end, which makes the installation more flexible, as the temperature controller is easily adaptable to this configuration.

Finned strip heaters continue serving as a reliable and efficient heating solution because they provide better heat transfer capabilities and installation flexibility, together with their dependable operation. The system delivers uniform heating across all its surfaces and through its air distribution system, which enables its use in various industrial and commercial settings.

Get a quote on a finned strip heater today. WATTCO also manufactures other industrial heating products such as infrared heaters, immersion heaters, pipe heaters and more. Click here to view all of our products

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  • Options
  • Mounting Space

    Use insulators if a limited mounting space is 1/2 inch longer than the strip heater. WATTCO strip heater mounting tabs are punched prior to insulator installation

  • INSULATORS

    Use additional insulators when voltage to ground is over 300V

  • BRASS BUS BAR

    WATTCO perforated brass bus bar are solid conductors to connect several strip heaters in series or parallel. For higher current-carrying capacities, all WATTCO bus bars can be specially configured to meet your requirements.

  • TERMINAL BOX

    For CPS strip heaters: Terminal box is supplied with BX cable fitting Terminal box is mounted in any of the four directions according to your requirements.

  • SURFACE CLAMP

    Use heavy-gauge, nickel-plated steel clamps for mounting WATTCO strip heaters to large surfaces (tank walls, platens, dies). Weld, braze or thread threaded 3/8 inch diameter studs into the work areas.

  • CERAMIC POST TERMINAL COVERS

    Use ceramic post terminal covers for: – Heaters with standard 10-32 threaded terminals at both ends -Heaters with offset terminals at one end Also use ceramic post terminal with insulated wiring in order to be electrical shock proof.

TERMINAL HOUSINGS
Fin Strip Heater terminals offset
Fin Strip Heater terminals parallel
Fin Strip Heater off set terminals

 

Specifications Description
Terminations Type Off set terminations, Parallel terminals, terminal at each end or lead wires available
Insulation Equipped with insulation to reduce heat loss (MgO, Mica, Fiberglass)
Mounting tabs Available mounting tabs with holes, slots or without tabs
Sheath material Available in steel, stainless steel, iron, aluminum or Zinc coated steel
Pressurized Compressed under high pressure for excellent heat transfer
Wattage Available in a wide range of wattage
Custom Deigned To meet all your needs

 

  • Process air heating:
    • Ovens
    • Drying cabinets
    • Baking ovens
    • Vacuum dehydrating ovens
    • Moisture protection for motors

Duct Heaters

  • Winterizing:
    • Hoppers
    • Conveyors
    • Ducts
    • Car heating systems
    • Thawing
  • Dehumidifiers
  • Space heating
  • Packaging and sealing equipment
  • Food warming equipment
  • Vulcanizing presses
  • Drying equipment
  • Laboratory equipment
  • Air conditioning

 

Key Features BENEFITS
Equipped with insulation to reduce heat loss

  • Insulation materials:
    • Magnesium oxide
    • Mica
    • Fiberglass
Easy and economical to install
Minerals

  • Ceramic materials
Easy to control

  • Designed with first-class quality materials (high temperature alloy resistance wire)
Available mounting styles for strip heaters:

  • Mounting tabs with holes
  • Mounting tabs with slots
  • Slots or holes without tabs
  • Secondary insulating bushings offered for 600V applications
Uniform heat distribution
Special sizes, wattage, and materials available upon request Corrosion resistant and attractive (with aluminized steel strip heaters and a stainless steel sheath)
Steel, Stainless steel, Aluminized steel, Zinc-coated steel Suitable for higher temperatures
Available sheath materials: Aluminum, Iron, Compressed under high pressure Vibration resistant    (with compacted semi-vitrified refractory material and rigid sheathed construction)
Available in a wide range of wattage & voltages  Built solid, durable, versatile, and is  CSA, CSA US and UL approved