Operating Temperature

Impact: High operating temperatures can significantly reduce the lifespan of a cartridge heater. Continuous exposure to temperatures near or beyond the heater’s rated capacity can lead to rapid degradation. 

Consideration: Ensure that the cartridge heater’s temperature rating matches the application requirements. Where possible, operate below the maximum rated temperature to prolong life. This step needs to start at the design phase to verify a heater is the correct one for the application. Always check your controller proportional-integral-derivative (PID) settings to ensure set points do not exceed the temperature rating of the heater. At the same time, you will want to check to make sure temperature sensors (thermocouples and resistance temperature detectors—RTDs) are located, installed, and wired correctly to provide accurate feedback to the temperature control system. Another overlooked factor here is the rating of the leadwire themselves; deterioration of the lead wires will lead to a shortened life of the heater as well.

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