What does PTC stand for?
PTC is short for Positive Temperature Coefficient and stands for one of our heating technologies. Unlike traditional heating wire, PTC heating technology is based on ceramics that have a fixed maximum temperature and cannot overheat. Therefore, PTC heaters are often used in applications that require high operational reliability, e.g. in automobiles. Another word for PTC is semiconductor.
How does PTC work?
PTCs or semiconductors are ceramic heating elements which undergo a logarithmic change in resistance in response to temperature changes. This means that the heating element limits itself with rising temperature due to its increasing resistance, without any complex safety or control electronics. Learn more about PTC Technology
When do I use a PTC heating solution?
PTC heating solutions are suitable for all applications that require high safety, homogeneous heat distribution and dynamic power, without electronic control. Their multi-voltage capability (110 - 240V) also makes them suitable for worldwide usage. We always examine both technologies (Wire and PTC) based on your request and recommend the best technical and most economical solution.
Can I supply a PTC with both, DC and AC voltage?
Yes, a PTC heating element can be operated with DC and AC voltage.
In which cases is a wire heating solution more suitable?
Wire heating solutions are suitable for applications with high temperatures > 240°C or for systems in which inrush currents should be avoided. We always examine both technologies (Wire and PTC) based on your request and recommend the best technical and most economical solution. Learn more about Wire Heating
What is the difference between PTC heating technology and wire heating technology?
The difference between the two technologies essentially lies in their physical heating behavior:
PTC:
The power of a PTC heater depends on the heat extraction. The more heat is extracted, the higher the power.
PTC heaters are fail-safe due to the PTC effect and do not require any additional thermal fuse
PTC heaters pass through an increased inrush current for a few seconds each time they are switched on.
The maximum surface temperature of PTC heating elements is 240°C.
PTC heaters can be operated in a wide voltage range, e.g. 100 - 240V, without any impact on performance.
Wire:
The power of a wire heating element depends on the voltage.
Wire heating elements should be safeguarded by a temperature limiter.
Due to their constant resistance, wire heating elements do not exhibit any inrush current during switch-on.
Wire heating elements are very robust and suited for high temperature applications up to 950°C.
In contrast to PTC contact heaters, wire heaters can be designed with a very flat and large heating surface, e.g. flat wire wound on Micanite.
What is Peltier?
The so-called Peltier effect was discovered in 1834 by the physicist Jean Peltier, who was the first to generate cold with electric current and thus became the eponym for this cooling technology.
How does Peltier work?
By applying a DC voltage to differently doped semiconductors, a heat transport from the negatively charged side to the positively charged side is triggered. This creates a cold and a warm side. The Peltier effect is used, for example, in our electric thermocoolers. Learn more about Peltier Technology
How do I dimension a heater or cooler?
The required heating or cooling capacity depends on many factors - e.g. on the medium to be tempered and the temperature difference to be achieved. We will happily do your calculations. Just give us some basic data and we will take care of the rest! Send us an enquiry