Frost protection in portable drinking water pipes
An effective solution using self-regulating heating cables
Winter is the season of frost. At Christmas markets, funfairs and on building sites in particular, the problem frequently arises that temporary drinking water pipes freeze as temperatures drop – often precisely when a reliable water supply is most crucial. If the water freezes, sales at the stalls come to a standstill, and on building sites the water supply fails. Thawing the pipes with radiant heaters or hot-air guns is often too labour-intensive.
eltherm therefore provides a solution that tackles the problem at its root: self-regulating heating cables that are inserted directly into the drinking water pipe and reliably protect it from frost and ice formation.
Enquire about heating for drinking water pipes
Self-regulating safety
The self-regulating eltherm ELSR-M-BAF heating cable provides safe and cost-effective frost protection for mobile water pipes. The heating cable is inserted directly into the mobile drinking water pipe or flexible hose. There, it functions as a safe and pressure-resistant electric heating element and automatically adjusts to the ambient temperature. The resistance increases with temperature, so that the heating output rises as the water temperature falls and decreases again as it rises. An additional temperature limiter is not required, and there is no risk of overheating. Nor is additional external insulation necessary in this case, as the heat emitted by the heating cable keeps the water pipe at the correct temperature from the inside out, thereby providing permanent protection against frost.
Hygienic and tested, for safe operation
The eltherm ELSR-M-BAF heating cable has a TPE-O outer sheath and complies with the Drinking Water Ordinance and the KTW guideline for permanent contact with drinking water. The cable is DVGW-approved for both the internal heating of drinking water pipes and for flexible hoses. It also meets the requirements of the Federal Environment Agency (KTW-BWGL) for pipes and fittings with an internal diameter of less than 80 mm in cold water systems (23 °C).
Key facts
- Internal heating: Frost protection without external insulation
- Self-regulating, DVGW-approved, KTW-BWGL (cold water 23 °C) and DVGW W 270
- For pipes and flexible hoses, with protective braiding for higher mechanical loads
- Rated power 10 or 15 W/m (at 10 °C), 230 V, heating circuit lengths up to 89 m
- Accessories suitable for drinking water
- Existing hose and pipe systems can also be retrofitted
Easy to retrofit, versatile in use
The pipe is fed through special connection fittings: for DN32 PE pipes, this is done via a brass Y-fitting; for copper and stainless steel pipes, via a screw connection. Existing hose and pipe systems can be retrofitted without any problems, meaning that a completely new cable is not necessary.
Our ELSR-M-BAF heating cable is also suitable for flexible hoses subject to higher mechanical stress, such as when they are moved or coiled, thanks to its additional protective braiding. Naturally, the entire system complies with the necessary regulations. However, according to the Federal Environment Agency, it should be tested by the end user as a technical unit in accordance with KTW-BWGL.
Heating for drinking water pipes
End termination kit
EL-ECMF
Self-regulating heating cable
ELSR-M-BAF
Drinking water pipe
ELVB-71 Y-fitting 32 mm
Connection kit
ELVB-SRV-M
Power feed cable
FAQ
During the winter months, low temperatures can cause water pipes temporarily laid at, for example, Christmas markets or on building sites to freeze. Electric heating using self-regulating heating cable is an effective and low-maintenance measure to ensure that drinking water always remains in a liquid state, thereby guaranteeing an uninterrupted supply.
Electrical heat tracing for drinking water pipes offers several advantages. These include preventing frost damage, ensuring the quality of drinking water, guaranteeing a continuous flow of water, and significantly reducing the effort required during day-to-day operation, as no manual readjustment is necessary.
Electrical heat tracing plays a key role in ensuring food safety at events such as Christmas markets by preventing drinking water pipes from freezing, thereby guaranteeing an uninterrupted supply of clean water for food preparation at all times. It also meets the necessary hygiene standards.
The connection kits are pre-assembled and easy to fit – however, the electrical connection should be carried out by trained or qualified personnel in accordance with the applicable VDE regulations.
Frost protection is activated immediately after connection to the mains – the self-regulating mechanism of our ELSR-M-BAF heating cable automatically adjusts the heat output to the ambient temperature.