1. Product purpose
Ceramic heating elements have a wide range of uses, in particular: indirect heating of water in boilers and electric boilers in households and companies, in large water tanks in industry, for heating oils and other liquids including galvanic baths. Furthermore, air heating in belt ovens in the food industry, in drying chambers, etc. An important area is industrial infrared heating, as well as various special heating applications, e.g. heating of soldering tips in soldering irons, heating of work surfaces in commercial kitchen equipment, etc.

2. Basic characteristics
The heat source is a resistance heating coil placed in ceramic supports of various designs. These are often cylindrical elements with holes for the coils and slots for heat radiation. The heating coil can also be on the outer part of ceramic supports adapted for this purpose, or hidden inside. The common feature is that the ceramic part carries the heating coils, electrically insulates them and gives the heating element its shape and dimensions. The ceramic part is therefore crucial for the mechanical strength of the heating element and for electrical safety, as it determines the value of the insulation state. Ceramic elements can, when using a suitable ceramic material, reach higher operating temperatures than classic tubular elements and heating cartridges, because their heating part can be made of only their own resistance heating wire in addition to ceramics, without the use of other metals or other materials.

3. Technical parameters
Dimensions, nominal voltage and power consumption of selected types are listed on the previous pages. However, overall, there are many more designs in our range today. Technical parameters are determined by the arrangement of the heater, which can be quite diverse - see previous pages, and also depend on the selected heating wire material, power load and configuration of the heating coil, and the selected ceramic material. The supply voltage is most often according to the standard network: 1x230 VAC, 3x400/Y VAC, 3x400/D VAC, or low DC voltage.

4. Assembly and installation of ceramic heating elements
- Before installation, check that there is no damage to the heating element or assembly of elements, the connection area, the electrical outlet, etc.
- Under no circumstances must the operator carry the heating elements by the electrical connection elements, or that the cables or wires are tensioned after installation.
- Install the heating elements in areas free from coarse dirt, metal shavings or dust, cleaned of liquids and lubricants (there is a risk of dirt baking onto the surface of the heating element, this is particularly dangerous for ceramic elements, as it could leak inside).
- No liquid must flow into the ceramic heating elements.
- Electrical connection or connection of multiple elements may only be carried out by a worker with the appropriate qualifications according to Decree 50/78 Coll. The connection must comply with the valid safety regulations for the given electrical equipment in a specific industrial environment. In particular, it is necessary to ensure that the frame (well) of the heating element casing is properly grounded. Before putting the heating element into operation, it is necessary to carry out an inspection in accordance with applicable regulations.
- In the case of dismantling and subsequent assembly of a still functional element, careful handling is necessary; the heating element must not be subjected to any strain or impact, as there is a risk of cracking of the ceramic parts and the spiral. The spirals can be very fragile after heating!
- Take extra care when installing larger ceramic elements. Long heating elements must be supported in several places during handling to prevent deformation due to their own weight - Protect the ceramic parts against cracking. Any damage to the ceramic part usually means dismantling and reassembling the heating element.

5. Operation and maintenance of ceramic heating elements
Ceramic heating elements in industrial applications may only be operated by trained personnel. Heating elements that are turned on must not be manipulated. Heating elements are usually designed so that their operation does not require special maintenance. There are many types and designs with completely different methods of use. The general principles of operation and maintenance of ceramic heating elements include:
- Protect the entire body of the ceramic element against moisture and mechanical damage.
- Never manipulate the elements by the electrical power cable or mechanically stress the electrical connection elements. These parts are used exclusively for electrical connection, never for mechanical operations. - Check the insulation condition before the first start-up. If it is insufficient, the heating elements must be dried in an oven, or it must be started slowly so that it dries out by its own operation. If a wet element is fully started, there is a risk of cracking the ceramic parts and thus destroying the element. Similar precautions should be taken during longer shutdowns when there is a risk of ceramic parts getting wet. - Ceramic heating elements have a low degree of electrical insulation due to their design. Their surface must never be poured with liquid. - The heating part of the element must never pass through the thermal insulation area, it may only be in the area designated for heating. - If there is a risk of excessive heat transfer to the electrical connection area, it is necessary to use an element with a sufficiently long non-heating part under the head. This is almost always the case when the element is placed vertically with the head at the top, because heat rises upwards. (In conventional boilers, heating elements are usually placed with the head down). - Avoid excessive cycling during regulated operation. - Prevent dirt from settling on the surface of the elements - this could lead to changes in heat dissipation or dirt penetrating the internal parts of the element. - Avoid vibrations and mechanical shocks, prevent mechanical damage, prevent corrosion and other chemical stress on the body. - Protect against power supply voltage surges.

6. Storage
Ceramic heating elements must be stored in a dry environment. The maximum relative humidity in the storage room can reach 70%. During longer storage or longer shutdown of the elements, it is necessary to verify their satisfactory insulation condition. If the result does not comply with the requirements, it is necessary to dry the elements with an external heat source at a temperature of 150 - 160 °C (if the design of the given type allows it) for a sufficient period of time (usually longer than 5 hours), until the required parameters are achieved. In case of any damage to a part of the ceramic heating element, the entire product must be replaced. Before dismantling, the heating element must be disconnected from the power source.

7. Technical standards
Ceramic heating elements meet the requirements of ČSN EN 60 335-1. The product surface is marked with the name of the manufacturer, the type of heating element, the rated voltage and power, the date of manufacture usually in the month - year format, and the CE mark. The tolerance of the rated power is in the range of ČSN EN 60 335-1 in the range of +5/-10%. The heating elements are intended for normal environments, not for explosive environments Ex. Ceramic heating elements are manufactured in such a way that their main characteristics, especially power and dimensions, do not change after prolonged use under the same operating conditions. The manufacturer reserves the right to make changes that do not affect the function and use. New designs of ceramic heating elements are possible after agreement with the manufacturer.