If you’re comparing heating options for your warehouse, you’ve probably come across a wealth of information advocating for the safety, power, and abilities of PTC heating. PTC heating is efficient, inexpensive, and effective, making it an attractive option for many appliances.

At Sisler Companies, we provide PTC heating technology and other products and support for companies and major corporations in Western Ohio. Contact us to learn more about how we can support your team.

If you’re curious about how PTC heating elements will work in your appliances, keep reading.

What is a PTC Heating Element?

PTC is an acronym for positive temperature coefficient. These heating elements are heating discs crafted from ceramic materials. Research has found that the heat produced by this technology is energy efficient, powerful, stable, and durable, making it especially applicable in compact spaces such as appliances.

PTC heaters run open-loop, which means they have no need for feedback controls or external diagnostic. This makes them much safer as there is a low risk of overheating. For appliances that need risk-free, uniform, and powerful heating, PTC heating elements are a dependable option.

How Does a PTC Heating Element Work?

PTC heating elements are made with advanced conductive ceramic materials. They have a positive resistance change when exposed to an increasing temperature. As the element is exposed to more heat, the ceramic restricts the passage of the current through the component. Conversely, when exposed to a lower temperature, it will increase the passage of current. This is how it is able to create, maintain, and self-monitor heat.

Research supports the effectiveness of PTC heating technologies across a variety of applications. It performs exceptionally well and provides appliance manufacturers with the opportunity to designate specific temperature limits for the heater to function within.

What Appliances and Applications can a PTC Heating Element Work In?

PTC heating technology is used in a wide variety of applications due to its versatility, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Moderns appliances that can use PTC heating elements are as follows:

• Food transportation and storage appliances including fridges and freezers
• Ovens, toasters, stoves
• Dishwashers, washing machines, and dryers
• Water heaters
• Healthcare appliances including heating systems in operating tables and beds
• Automotive and aerospace applications including heated seats and de-icers

How Can a PTC Heater Work for Your Appliance?

1. It can achieve the same level of heat with far less risk than traditional heating elements. In the case of malfunction, PTC heating elements will default to a “fail to cold” which makes the effect of the malfunction risk-free.
2. PTC heating elements self-regulate, so they decrease the level of resistance when the heat decreases, or increase the level of resistance when the heat increases, allowing the element to respond to its own temperature.
3. They are capable of offering customizable heating solutions when designed by an engineer. This means the temperature zones can be placed wherever is ideal for your appliance.
4. A simplified design means fewer components than are in a traditional heating element. This allows for less frequent damage or maintenance as the elements are easy to repair or replace, increasing the longevity of your product.
5. They are energy efficient and cost-effective.
6. They are smaller, more compact, and weigh less than other heating elements.

Where to Get a PTC Heating Element

That concludes our guide to everything you need to know about PTC heating elements. At Sisler Companies, we design our own patented PTC heating technologies. Our systems perform better, regulate temperature more effectively, are better at meeting target temperatures, and are superior at achieving temperature uniformity.

Contact us today to learn more about our custom PTC heating elements.