Silicone Rubber Space Heaters

[AMeyers]

In all our specs for large motors, we have always specified that space heaters be rated at twice the voltage we will be running it at (i.e. running a 240V heater at 120) to increase the life of the heater. We just recieved information from US Motors that they are now using a Silicone Rubber space heater for all motors rated at 120V for operation at 120V saying that this product often lasts longer than the motors themselves.(

http://www.usmotors.com/products/ProFacts/1-118.htm)

Does anyone have any experience with them, or any more information pertaining to these types of heaters and their life span? I haven't been successful at all getting any other information on this product other than the US Motors website.

Thank you for any help.
Andrew Meyers

 

[electricpete]

I don't have any experience with them but Nailen's managing motors and EASA large motor handbook both have favorable comments on silicon rubber space heaters regarding long life and low surface temperatures.

 

[jbartos]

Suggestion: Visit

http://www.usmotors.com/Service/Bulletins/Issue4-Jan03.pdf

http://www.tempco.com/Surface Heaters/Silicone Rubber Hub.html

etc. for more info

 

[electricpete]

From EASA Principles of Large Motors 2000:

"Another solution to heater failure rate is to use silicone rubber space heters. These heaters consist of a resistance wire network sandwiched between two pieces of hi-temperature silicone rubgber. They are designed for low surface watt densit by providing a large surface area. ... .. In operation, the heaters are cool enough to touch with the bare hand without being burned. The life of these heaters typically exceedds the life of the motor"

I couldn't find the Nailen quote.

 

[AMeyers]

Has anyone seen a direct comparasion between the old metel space heaters and these silicon rubber heaters with pros and cons to each? I really appreciate the help so far.
Andrew Meyers