Ramp Heating System Testing & Maintenance
Maintenance & Testing Schedule
The ELSR-RAMP is a ramp heating system manufactured by Eltherm. It is used to prevent ice and snow buildup on ramps, driveways, walkways, and other surfaces to prevent slips and falls during winter months. Testing and maintenance of the ELSR-RAMP should be carried out regularly to ensure its proper functioning and longevity.
Since 1985, Thorne & Derrick have supplied over 3 million metres of trace heating cables– this includes design and delivery of complex multi-kilometre, major-project, process heating systems for explosive atmospheres to heat trace cable kits for frost protection of mechanical building services to prevent pipework bursts.
Note: It is recommended to follow the specific testing, maintenance, and troubleshooting guidelines provided by Eltherm for the ELSR-RAMP heating cable system.
Regular testing and maintenance of the ELSR-RAMP heating system is crucial to ensure its optimal performance and to identify any potential issues. Here are some general guidelines for testing, maintenance, and troubleshooting:
After installation of the ramp heating cable and before pouring of the top layer the following steps are to be taken:
Ramp Heating Cable- ELSR-RAMP
Firstly, during the operation of the system, local laws and regulations for the use of electrical trace heating should followed. Also the permissible operating conditions given in the trace heating data sheet (voltage, current, operating temperature, maximum ambient temperature, IP rating) are to be followed accordingly.
Remember, these are general guidelines, and it is essential to refer to the specific instructions provided by Eltherm for the ELSR-RAMP heating system.
By following the testing and maintenance guidelines as laid out by the manufacturer, you can ensure that your ELSR-RAMP ramp heating cables are working efficiently and effectively, providing a safe environment during winter conditions.
More Case Studies
Thorne & Derrick, the UK’s leading Specialist Distributor of Electrical Process & Trace Heating Solutions, last year announced they had entered into a Strategic Partnership with Eltherm UK Ltd, the subsidiary of the Eltherm Group, a world-class manufacturer of Heat Tracing Cables & Systems for the commercial, industrial and hazardous area industries.
Thorne & Derrick provide a complete portfolio of Electric Process & Trace Heating Solutions for Industrial, Hazardous Area & Explosive Atmospheres,
Ramp Heating | ELSR-Ramp
Installation Instructions For ELSR-Ramp
The ELSR-Ramp heating cables from Eltherm are specifically designed to provide efficient snow and ice melting for concrete ramps. These ramp heating cables are suitable for direct burial installation, ensuring a safe and reliable solution for preventing winter hazards.
By following the correct installation instructions, Eltherm’s ramp heating solution ensures that concrete ramps remain safe and free from snow and ice. This minimises the risk of accidents making the ramps safer and more accessible for vehicles and pedestrians during the winter months.
Thorne & Derrick has nearly 40 years’ experience in providing extensive design and installation specifications for ramp heating applications – we are able to provide trace heating solutions for both new and retrofit systems.
Since 1985, Thorne & Derrick has been the UK’s largest stockist and supplier of heat trace cables & systems. We can provide overnight delivery of trace heating cables at the most competitive prices to guarantee frost protection of your pipelines and mechanical services. Please contact us with your enquiry.
Installing Eltherm’s ELSR-Ramp trace heating cables in concrete requires specific installation instructions. Below is a review of the steps involved:
The ELSR ramp heating cable is suitable for installation in asphalt, concrete, or under paving slabs. The power supply lead that should be used in the concrete application is type NYY 3G6 or NI2XY-J 3G6 with fine strands.
Snow & Ice Melting – access and ramp heating systems maintain pedestrian and vehicle traffic by delivering heat to the ramp during periods of freezing temperatures.
It is essential to make sure to attach the ramp heating cable in the correct way to avoid pulling stress or torsion on the electrical connection. If you would like to save energy the use of temperature controls might be worthwhile. Please contact T&D to discuss your exact requirements.
⚠ It is important to make sure that the maximum operating temperature of the heating is not exceeded.
Please note: when using ELSR-Ramp for industrial applications, all requirements of the DIN VDE 0100 series of standards need to be observed as well as DIN VDE 0721 part 1, DIN VDE 0721 part 2A3 and all effective local codes and regulations. Also all electrically heated areas have to be identified by warning signs “Electrical Heating“ in reasonable intervals (approx. every five metres or at least with one sign per distinctive area).
Installation of ELSR-Ramp Heating Cable
As shown in the above image the following steps must be adhered to:
ELSR-Ramp is not only very durable and designed for the most demanding installation conditions, but also offers on-site installation flexibility
While pouring and finishing the concrete, the ramp heating cable should be monitored for resistance between the ground and bus wires throughout installation. During the pour, care should be taken to minimise the risk of cutting or damaging the snow melting cable, causing short circuits.
If the resistance test reading suddenly decreases, the heating cable has been damaged! The ramp heating cable should not be energised for a minimum of 7 days after installation to ensure a complete concrete slab cure.
The ELSR-Ramp is designed to withstand temperatures and mechanical stresses associated with concrete pour. Avoid placing excessive weight or pressure on the cables to prevent damage.
Ramp Heating Cable- ELSR-RAMP
More Case Studies
Thorne & Derrick, the UK’s leading Specialist Distributor of Electrical Process & Trace Heating Solutions, last year announced they had entered into a Strategic Partnership with Eltherm UK Ltd, the subsidiary of the Eltherm Group, a world-class manufacturer of Heat Tracing Cables & Systems for the commercial, industrial and hazardous area industries.
Thorne & Derrick provide a complete portfolio of Electric Process & Trace Heating Solutions for Industrial, Hazardous Area & Explosive Atmospheres,
Championing Professional Growth & Confidence
Thorne & Derrick International, based in Chester-Le-Street in the North East of England recognises the importance of investing in the future workforce and the value that apprenticeships bring to both the company and the individual. By offering apprenticeship opportunities, we are able to attract talented individuals who are eager to learn and develop their skills.
Currently Thorne & Derrick International employ six apprentices with three studying Business Admin (Level 3), two studying Sales Executive (Level 4) and one who will start a Digital Marketing Apprenticeship in 2024.
Earning While Learning….
Apprenticeships allow us to tailor the training and development to meet the specific needs of our organisation and allows the individuals to earn a wage, further their education and gain vital “on the job” experience. We are able to train apprentices in the skills and knowledge that are directly relevant to our industry and our business, ensuring that they are equipped to contribute to our growth strategy.
Boasting Local Economy…
In addition, by providing apprenticeships, Thorne & Derrick International also fulfils our responsibility to support the local community and economy. By offering employment opportunities to young people in the North East of England, we help to address the issue of youth unemployment, contribute to local economic growth, and encourage the retention of skilled workers in the region.
As a continued supporter of apprenticeships, Thorne & Derrick are pleased to have four new members of the team on board who are eager and ready to grow professionally with the company and develop new skills.
Deborah Cooney Vocational Development Officer for Gateshead Council Learning and Skills is currently mentoring Chloe & Dylan as they embark on their Level 4 Sales Executive Apprenticeship journey.
“In my role as a Tutor for Gateshead Council Learning and Skills I work in partnership with many employers across different sectors delivering training to apprentices and staff who have sometimes worked within organisations for several years.
It’s been great working with Thorne & Derrick and their Sales Executive Level 4 apprentices. Thorne & Derrick go beyond providing their employees with the tools to do their jobs. Development opportunities provided are exemplary, and they do this by focusing on areas that will benefit both the business and their apprentices.
Valuable opportunities are presented to work with suppliers, learning about product development, which includes hands on experience of learning about technical specifications and how the products work within their industry. The result of this is seen in the expert advice and service which customers benefit from.
Other opportunities to network at national exhibitions and conferences help to build key skills and knowledge, and the apprentices are mentored expertly, developing their behaviours working with a range of local, national, and international customers.
It’s evident that Thorne & Derrick’s commitment to professional development has created a highly talented workforce which will continue to attract more skilled individuals to the organisation.”
Dylan and Chloe started their Level 4 Sales Executive Apprenticeship in September 2023.
Stephanie Coleman, Director of Business Developments and Partnerships at Northern Skills Group is thrilled by the company’s commitment to apprenticeships, she said:
“Thorne & Derrick are a great example of how apprenticeships can really benefit businesses and help train the workforce of tomorrow, we’re passionate about aligning our offering to the skills needed out in industry and it’s great to see apprentices succeed and make a real difference.”
Thorne & Derrick | Stockists & Key UK Distributor
Uploaded by Natalie Lundie | Supply Chain: Marketing Lead at Thorne & Derrick
Thorne & Derrick, the UK Specialist Distributor for Raytec have recently supplied 40 LED light fittings to upgrade a client’s plant from traditional fluorescent lighting – improving energy efficiency and reducing bills by installing Zone 1 & Zone 2 linear light fittings and Zone 2 bulkheads.
Thorne & Derrick were approached by a global supplier of consumable materials to semi-conductor manufacturers looking to replace their out of date fluorescent light fittings. Thorne & Derrick recommended that the client upgrade all their current fittings to LED hazardous area lighting manufactured by Raytec.
Inefficient lighting has slowly been phased out of the UK & EU marketplace as part of the wider global plan to tackle climate change with the ban on selling fluorescent lamps coming into play in September this year, making this the perfect time for the client to upgrade.
The client required 40 light fittings in total: a mixture of Zone 1, 21 and Zone 2, 22 fittings. A traditional lighting solution can easily be upgraded to LED with Raytec’s retrofit options that are a direct replacement for old fluorescent light sources.
With the development of LED light sources, today Raytec have a wide range of reliable and qualitative alternatives that are completely free of mercury. Our technical sales team recommended a point for point swap out and upgrade to Raytec linear (2ft and 4ft) and bulkhead lights.
These fittings offer the client superior lighting performance, enhanced durability, easy installation, and reduced energy consumption. The linear light fittings provide excellent illumination in hazardous areas while the SPARTAN bulkheads ensure reliable and robust protection against ingress of dust and water.
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SPARTAN Linear 4ft Light Zone 2/22 | SPZ-WL168
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SPARTAN Bulkhead Zone 2 | SPZ-BL24-W-120120 Zone 2
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Thorne & Derrick advised the client to take care when selecting the light fittings to ensure what they were purchasing was fully safe and compliant. Self certified equipment is readily available in the marketplace and is permissible for Zone 2 equipment under the ATEX Directive.
However here at Thorne & Derrick we understand that safety is of paramount importance when it comes to hazardous area lighting, which is why we only supply products that have been rigorously tested and certified by independent third-party and an authorised notified body. This provides our customers with complete peace of mind that their lighting installations are fully compliant with all current regulations and standards.
Another key factor in offering Raytec lighting is that maintenance is simple and straightforward compared with other LED fittings. Key components such as LED and PSU modules are easily accessible making inspection a lot simpler. Thorne & Derrick carry extensive stocks of the full range of ATEX lighting – this includes a full product line of spares and repairs available to be delivered to the client overnight if required.
All Raytec lighting is designed and manufactured in the UK and available with a 5 year warranty.
💡 Did you Know? – The Linear is the most popular lighting product in the SPARTAN range so Raytec decided to build on the most important key features and carry out a comprehensive review on the design, performance and range of the current product offering.
Today there are significantly more energy-efficient alternatives with LEDs that are free of mercury and have as good or even better function. Upgrading light fittings to LED can help reduce both capital and operating expenditure for a number of reasons:
1. Reduced energy consumption: LEDs use less electricity than traditional incandescent or fluorescent bulbs. This means that your energy bills will be lower, saving you money on operating expenses.
2. Longer lifespan: LEDs typically last much longer than traditional bulbs, which reduces the need for replacement bulbs and the associated labour costs. This means lower capital expenditure over time.
3. Reduced maintenance: Since LEDs last longer and have a lower likelihood of failure, they require less maintenance over time. This can save you money on labour costs and reduce downtime.
Working in partnership with Raytec, our technical experts can design a lighting system to retrofit legacy installations. Using latest software our FREE Lighting Design Service supports the upgrade from fluorescent to LED lighting focussed on maximised light output, optimised energy consumption with reliable and safe certification for explosion protection concepts in Zone 1 and Zone 2 hazardous area zones and workplaces.
Further Reading
Network Rail
Ensuring safe railway traffic is crucial, especially during winter months. Railway tracks and switch points must be free from ice and snow to avoid any potential hazards. That’s why Network Rail, the British Operator, tested electrical heat tracing on 29 km of track in Kent and Sussex.
The EL-Rail system by Eltherm was installed on entry and departure tracks at all railway stations, delivering reliable results. Due to its success, the test project was extended to include 106 km of heated tracks throughout the country. Passenger safety is a top priority, and this innovative solution ensures a safe and efficient railway system for all.
The EL-Rail system uses electrical heat tracing cables embedded into the rail track which are activated when temperatures drop below a certain threshold. The cables are powered by a control panel that enables remote monitoring and adjustments to ensure optimal performance.
The system proved to be more efficient and cost-effective than traditional snow clearing methods such as ploughing and gritting. It also reduced the risk of track damage from snowploughs and decreased the time needed for maintenance. Additionally, it provided more reliable and punctual train services during winter months, improving overall passenger experience.
Thorne & Derrick, the UK’s leading Specialist Distributor of Electrical Process & Trace Heating Solutions, earlier this year announced they have entered into a Strategic Partnership with Eltherm UK Ltd, the subsidiary of the Eltherm Group, a world-class manufacturer of Heat Tracing Cables & Systems for the commercial, industrial and hazardous area industries.
What is the difference between EL-Rail, EL-Point and El-Track?
In summary, EL-Point is specifically designed for switch points, EL-Track is a fixed wattage solution for rail networks of varying lengths, and El-Rail is best suited for long distances and heating circuits up to 300 meters. The differences in their designs cater to the specific needs of different types of railway systems.
What do Eltherm engineers need to know to achieve an optimised design?
The engineers need to know the following parameters: radius and length of switch point or rail to be heated, the rail geometry, operating voltage and the required power output.
What can influence the design?
Various rail geometries and specifications for switch points involve a range of devices attached to the rail that may require special attention. The design engineer will check how to overcome these obstacles on the outside of the stock rail.
How do Eltherm solutions differ with different track geometries?
Custom designed solutions are often required to adapt the cover profile to the shape and design of the rail, combined with the holding bracket. The trace heating solution itself does
not vary.
When should you us Switch Point Lock heating?
Heating the switch point lock should be used wherever the quantity of snow and ice may interfere with the mechanical setting of the switch point. This is a valuable safety feature.
What benefits does a Switch Point Lock heating offer?
Heating the switch point lock with a power output of 500 – 900 W activates heat transfer to the switching mechanism through reflection from the black surface on the inside. The heat is thus distributed evenly. At the same time, the surface temperature of the switch point lock is limited to 60 °C. This avoids debris and leaves catching fire.
Which accessories are needed?
The heating system includes a cover profile and suitable holding brackets and may be extended to include junction boxes, protective hoses or complete power and control systems.
Which applications are not suitable for EL-Rail, EL-Point or EL-Track?
This may be the case when the heating system cannot be installed on the outside of the stock rail because of devices or obstacles that disrupt heat transfer for a long stretch.
Thorne & Derrick provide a complete portfolio of Electric Process & Trace Heating Solutions for Industrial, Hazardous Area & Explosive Atmospheres,
Specialist Distributors of Electrical Heating, Lighting, Power & Process Instrumentation Equipment to deliver significant safety and reliability improvements in the Industrial, Explosive Atmosphere & Energy sectors.
Your proactive problem solvers experienced in succession planning for the replacement of obsolete, non-conformant and legacy equipment in hazardous areas with ATEX & IECEx Certification & DSEAR Regulatory Compliance.
Industries Supplied | Process, Oil & Gas, Petrochemical, Utility (Water, Gas & Electricity), Food & Beverage, Pharmaceutical, Renewable, Rail, Datacentre, Battery Storage
Product Categories | Electric Heating | Lighting | Control Panels | Confined Space Safety | Plugs & Sockets | Isolators | Enclosures & Junction Boxes | Control Stations | Motor Starters Gas Detection | Security Access Control | Duct Seals | Cable Accessories LV HV | Earthing & Lightning Protection | Feeder Pillars | High Voltage Electrical Equipment | Joints Terminations Connectors MV HV
Published 13 Mar 2020
Press Release Date: 02.04.2020 uploaded by Chris Dodds (T&D Sales + Marketing Manager) World’s First Fully Certified ATEX Doors Thorne & Derrick International, the Experts in Equipment for Explosive Atmospheres, today announce the signing of a Commercial Distribution Agreement...
Published 04 Jul 2019
Press Release Date: 04.07.2019 uploaded by Chris Dodds (T&D Sales + Marketing Manager) Category: Stockist Distributor Agreement Announcement Thorne & Derrick International announce that they have signed a Preferred Distributor Agreement with Raytec, the world leading manufacturer of LED...
