PTC Elements

Unlike traditional heating elements that use a resistance wire, PTC heating elements are made of ceramic stones.  These ceramic stones are manufactured to heat to a defined temperature and then maintain that temperature by reducing the power.

Initially, the element will use 300 watts of power until the rail reaches its designed operating temperature of 65°C, after which it will reduce the electrical current whilst maintaining the rail temperature.

As a result, a separate thermostatic control unit is not required, and the heating element uses significantly less electricity than a conventional heating element.

Benefits of PTC heating elements

• No thermostat required
• Maximum temperature cannot be exceeded by PTC elements
• Any working position: the absence of thermostats permits either horizontal or vertical orientation of the heater during operation.
• Smaller diameter than in traditional heaters – provides a wider installation capability
• Very fast warm-up phase followed by constant temperature thereafter
• Lower running costs than conventional resistance wire heaters

FAQs

What is a PTC heater?

A PTC heater is an electric heating device that uses a PTC ceramic element. As the temperature increases, the element’s electric resistance also increases. This allows the heater to self-regulate and maintain a consistent and safe level of heat.

What does PTC mean in heating?

PTC stands for Positive Temperature Coefficient. In heating, this means that a material’s electrical resistance increases as its temperature goes up. This property makes PTC heaters energy-efficient and safer, as they automatically limit the amount of heat produced.

How does a PTC element help save electricity?

A PTC element helps save electricity by automatically regulating its own heat output. As the temperature rises, the resistance of the PTC element also increases, which reduces the electrical current flowing through it. Their self-regulating feature means less power is used once the desired temperature is reached, making PTC heat more energy-efficient than traditional heating elements.

What are the benefits of PTC heating?

PTC heating offers several advantages over standard heating methods. PTC heating elements provide faster heat-up times, greater energy efficiency and enhanced safety due to their self-regulating design. They also maintain a stable temperature without overheating, making them ideal for applications such as towel rail elements and other home or commercial heating systems.

Can a PTC heating element be used in a towel rail?

Yes, a PTC heating element is ideal for use in a towel rail. Its self-regulating properties allow it to provide consistent PTC heat without overheating, ensuring safe and efficient performance. This makes it perfect for keeping towels warm while using less energy than traditional elements.

How long do PTC heating elements last?

PTC heating elements are known for their long lifespan and reliability. As they automatically limit their temperature and prevent overheating, the components experience less wear and tear. With proper installation and use, a quality PTC element can last for many years with minimal maintenance.

Are PTC heating elements safe to use?

Yes, PTC heating elements are very safe to use. Their self-regulating design means they stop drawing excess power once they reach their operating temperature, reducing the risk of overheating or electrical faults. This makes PTC heat a safe and efficient choice for applications such as towel rail elements, heaters and other household appliances.

What’s the difference between PTC heating elements and standard heating?

Unlike traditional heating elements that rely on resistance wire, PTC heating elements are made from ceramic stones. These stones are designed to heat up to a set temperature and then maintain it by reducing power automatically. This self-regulating function provides consistent PTC heat without the need for a separate thermostat, making them more efficient and safer for use in products such as towel rail elements.

Are PTC towel rails more energy efficient than traditional ones?

A PTC towel rail element offers several key benefits compared to a traditional wire heater. It heats up quickly to around 65°C and then maintains that temperature using less power. Because the PTC element limits its own heat level, there’s no need for a thermostat, reducing both energy use and running costs. It can also be installed in any position, horizontally or vertically, giving greater flexibility during installation.