Under Control Instruments Ltd is a leading supplier of heating elements and temperature controllers. With decades of experience in the industry, we’ve earned ourselves an unbeatable reputation for quality heating elements in the UK at affordable prices. We work with a wealth of different industries. In addition, our range of temperature control products can support even the most demanding and challenging industrial and commercial environments. From cafes and restaurants through to large manufacturing plants, our customer-centred approach means that we’ll support our customers in finding the right solution tailored to the exact needs of their business.
When it comes to considering how to maintain a heating system, there are many different factors to look at, particularly within the heating elements themselves. We’ve put together some of the most important aspects you should consider when looking after your heating elements.
The Breakdown of a Heating Element
Typically made from a coil, ribbon, or strip of wire, heating elements in the UK contain an electric current. This current flows through the coil/ribbon/wire and becomes hot, the electrical energy passing through is then converted into heat. Many industrial heating elements can operate at incredibly high temperatures - sometimes up to 1400 °C. They can do so due to the protective oxide layer that is formed on their surfaces. If something interferes with this protective layer, the heating element can fail.
How to Look After Heating Elements
Regularly maintaining your heating system and its heating elements will maximise the lifespan of your system, ensure it’s operating at its highest efficiency, and support safety in the workplace. If a commercial heating system isn’t maintained and serviced correctly, the consequences can be severe. Electric heating elements play pivotal roles in various areas of business operations - such as the food production sector. By looking after the elements well, businesses can ensure they get the best performance from their heating systems.
Keeping Your Heating Elements Clean
Surface contamination is one of the most common reasons that a heating element can fail. It is important that the heating elements and the system itself are cleaned regularly. Over time, no matter how regular or rare the usage is, deposits can build up on the elements. This can then begin to prevent the heat from transferring efficiently. Elements should have a quick inspection before use in order to ensure any restrictive deposits are removed.
Handling Heating Elements
Whether you’re installing, replacing or cleaning the heating element, it can easily contaminate the part with natural oils from the body. When handling the elements, be sure to wear clean cotton gloves or wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water beforehand before handling the elements. The smaller the element, the more significant the contamination becomes should anything be transferred to it. When handling elements, be cautious of what the elements are exposed to. If you do think that there has been contamination, be sure to clean the element before using it.
Storing Heating Elements
Another important thing to think about when considering how to maintain heating systems, is the way heating elements are stored. Heating elements should be shielded from harsh weather and should be stored in a cool and dry environment. Some of the alloys used contain high levels of iron and as a result can be at risk of rusting if exposed to moisture
The Consequences of Not Looking After Your Heating System
With numbers of people (whether it’s employees, guests, or customers) relying on a heating system, system downtime can have a negative impact on businesses as a whole. Even if the system doesn’t shut down completely, a system that is beginning to malfunction could be causing excessive fuel usage, resulting in increased energy costs. Additionally, you could find your business receiving financial penalties for increased carbon emissions.
Heating Elements in the UK
Be sure to check the conditions of your heating elements and the heating system as a whole regularly. Should you spot anything that doesn’t seem right, be sure to seek professional advice or arrange an inspection if in doubt. If you’d like to find out more about heating elements in the UK, explore our website today. Alternatively, call 0121 238 2795 to speak to a member of our helpful and friendly team.
