MI IOM

Mineral insulated metal sheathed heating cables have found a niche in the electric surface heating industry.  The robust heater has earned a reputation for strength and durability.

The heater is comprised of three components: (1) a central conductor of an electrically resistive metal, (2) surrounded by a highly compressed mineral insulant (MgO), (3) sheathed with a metal covering of copper or stainless steel.  The metal sheathing provides a permanent ground to comply with NEC 427.23.  The cables, approved by FM, UL, CSA and a host of other testing laboratories, can be installed in hazardous and
non-hazardous areas.

Copper sheathed cables are used for general environments where corrosion and high temperatures will not be evident.  The cables should not be used above a working temperature of 300�aF or where a withstand temperature of more than 400�aF is required.

Stainless steel sheathed cables are able to withstand 1250�aF energized and can maintain temperatures up to 800�aF.  The base nichrome sheath is unaffected by a wide range of aggressive alkalis and acids, thus making the cable ideal for projects in chemical plants, refineries, utilities, etc.

Using single or three phase supplies and carefully selecting the correct cable can make heating circuits for voltages up to 600volts.  Hotfoil offers a design service to clients for all heating cables and ancillary components.

Two types of heater construction are available for designing the best system available.

Both single and two core heating cables are available and thorough consideration is given to each design to give the best system possible.  We currently have 29 single core cables and 41 two core cables.

On all M.I. systems we recommend that metal tape or foil be applied over the heating cables prior to installing the thermal insulation.  This will avoid any thermal insulation becoming trapped between the cable and the object being heated.