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To order, call 1-800-826-6342 or shop online at omega.com
SM
Strip Heaters
Specially treated rust-
resistant steel sheath
casing provides the best
combination of physical
strength, high emissivity and
good thermal conductivity
for sheath temperatures
up to 480°C (900°F). For
corrosive atmospheres and/
or sheath temperatures up
to 650°C (1200°F), stainless
steel sheath is available.
For maximum connecting
surface, the specially
designed stainless steel
screw terminals are securely
fastened to a connecting
jumper, assuring positive
contact with the windings,
providing maximum
current carrying capacity.
For other terminal or lead
arrangements, see pages
3 and 4.
Specially selected mica
grade and thickness is used
to insulate the windings,
providing excellent thermal
conductivity and dielectric
strength.
A specific nickel-chrome
resistance ribbon wire size
is properly engineered
to achieve the best
combination of wire gauge
and spacing between
turns, thereby providing
the lowest winding
temperature possible.
The ribbon wire is wound
on a specially selected Mica
Strip, providing even heat
distribution for maximum
heater life.
An economical, practical and reliable heat source
capable of providing uniform heat transfer to flat surfaces.
Mica insulated strip heaters are used in hundreds
of industrial and commercial heating applications.
* Mica Strip heaters are UL recognized and CSA certified in many design variations. Omega’s UL file number is E65652 and CSA file number is 043099.
If you require UL, CSA, or other NRTL agency approvals, please specify when ordering.
Mica Insulated Strip Heaters
Typical Applications
l Food Warming Equipment
l Packaging Equipment
l Blow Molding Equipment
l Testing Equipment
l Vulcanizing Presses
l Vending Machines
l Hot Plates
l Ovens
l Molds
l Kettles
l Incubators
MSH Series
*
2
To order, call 1-800-826-6342 or shop online at omega.com
SM
Strip Heaters
If tighter tolerances are required consult OMEGA. A heater’s
physical size combined with electrical ratings will determine
the actual minimums and maximums.
Performance Ratings
Maximum Sheath Temperature:
Rust Resistant Steel: 480°C (900°F)
Stainless Steel: 650°C (1200°F)
Nominal Watt Density: 5 to 45 Watt/in
2
(0.8 to 7.0 Watt/cm
2
)
Maximum Watt Density: Depends on operating
temperature and heater size; 38 Watt/in
2
(5.9 Watt/cm
2
)
Maximum when UL and CSA approval is required
Electrical Specifications
Maximum Voltage: 480V
Maximum Amperage:
Lead Wire Termination: 10 A
Screw Terminations: 8-32UNF—20 A; 10-32UNF—25 A
Resistance Tolerance: 10%, −5%
Wattage Tolerance: 5%, −10%
1. Mica insulated strip heaters are available with mounting
slots at each end for surface mounting applications or
without mounting slots for insertion into milled slots.
2. For surface mounting installations, mica strip heaters must
be clamped securely along their entire length to a smooth
metal surface by using metal clamps 76 to 127 mm
(3 to 5") apart.
3. Holes along the body of the strip heater for mounting
purposes are not recommended and should only be used
when there is no other means of clamping the strip heater
down. These holes take up valuable winding space,
increasing watt density, resulting in poor heater life.
4. When supported by mounting slots, the terminal end
should be secured firmly. Opposite end should be slightly
loosened to allow for linear expansion.
5. The surface being heated must be clean and smooth
for efficient heat transfer. Small air gaps caused by
imperfections can cause hot spots, resulting in heater
failure.
6. Contaminants such as oil, plastics, and dirt should not
be allowed to collect on heaters, as they will find their
way into the heater windings, eventually carbonizing and
causing electrical shorts.
Installation Instructions
Specifications and Tolerances
Watt Density =
Heater Wattage
(Heater Width -
3
⁄8) × (Heater Length - Cold Area*)
* Cold area consists of holes or cutouts.
Minimum Termination Distance from Edge of Heater
No Mounting Tabs With Mounting Tabs
Formula for Calculating Watt Density
Material Specifications and Physical Sizes
Standard Sheath Material: Rust resistant steel
Optional: Stainless steel or aluminum
Nominal Thickness: 4.76 mm (
3
⁄16")
Minimum Width: 15.88 mm (
5
⁄8"), may vary depending
on termination
Width Tolerance: ± 0.79 mm (
1
⁄32")
Maximum Length: 1829 mm (72")
Length Tolerance: Up to 610 mm (24") ± 1.59 mm (
1
⁄16")
Over 610 mm (24") ± 3.18 mm (
1
⁄8")
Screw Terminals:
25.4 mm (1") Wide Strips: 8-32 threads
Over 25.4 mm (1") Wide Strips: 10-32 threads