Southern Heat Corporation FAQ

I hear there are two different grades of Thermocouple wire; Standard Grade and Reference Grade. What is the difference between the two?

The Special Limits Wire has better accuracy. Many customers choose the Reference Grade wire to ensure optimum performance for their temperature measurement (also known as Special Limits of Error Wire) with a .010% tolerance traceable to N.I.S.T

Is it safe to operate a heating element at a lower voltage than rated? Example: Operate a 240 volt heater at 208 volts?

It is generally safe to operate a heating element at lower voltages. However, heater operation at a lower voltage will result in a lower wattage output which may not produce enough heat for the application. NOTE: Heaters should never be operated at higher voltages than rated. Please refer to the Engineering Tools link: Wattage Output At Operating Voltages Other Than Rated

Why can't I install a catalog model bushing immersion heater or flanged immersion heater into the top of my tank?

The heating elements immediately below the mounting bushing or flange must be surrounded by liquid. If any portion of the heating elements is exposed to air, an elevated heater temperature will result and cause damage to the heater and produce unsafe operating conditions. Please contact us and we will design a product for your tank.

I want to use the shortest heater length possible, why do I have to be concerned about watt density?

Watt density is a function of the amount of wattage produced over the surface of the heater. A higher concentration of wattage (higher watt density) produces an elevated heater surface temperature. Design considerations such as application media, flow rates, process temperature, and heater construction type must be addressed to ensure heater and application compatibility. Our Engineering Tools link: Maximum Watt Densities Based on Application provides some general guidelines, please contact us for assistance.

What is the life expectancy of a heater or sensor?

Heater and sensor life is a function of operating temperatures, on-off frequency (cold to hot), corrosion and other application conditions. As a general rule, lower operating temperatures and fewer cold to hot cycles will result in longer product life. Conditions such as corrosion or scale build-up on the heater or sensor sheath will shorten life.

What is the difference between "immersed" and "submerged"?

The term immersed, as it applies to Vulcan immersion heaters and sensors, refers to the portion of the assembly located within the liquid, specifically the heating element or sensor assembly that begins at the face of the bushing, mounting fitting or flange. The term submerged, refers to products that can be completely located within the liquid. Vulcan heaters and sensors can NOT be submerged as the lead wires, enclosures, and other termination constructions are not designed for this purpose.

Is there a maximum Thermocouple wire length that can be run?

As a rule of thumb, it is best to keep the overall Thermocouple wire length shorter than 100 feet. For longer runs a transmitter is a possibility, please contact us for sensing solution options.

Can I receive a Certificate of Compliance with my purchased product?

Yes, a Certificate of Compliance per specification drawing is available upon request with any product.