Testing & Maintenance For A Ramp Heating System

Published 10 Jan 2024

ELSR-Ramp is not only very durable and designed for the most demanding installation conditions, but also offers on-site installation flexibility

Ramp Heating System Testing & Maintenance

Ramp Heating System

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:

Test and Commissioning

heating cables for ramps

After installation of the ramp heating cable and before pouring of the top layer the following steps are to be taken:

a visual check of the trace heating regarding possible mechanical damages and/or incorrect installation (proper bend radius, proper spacing, no crossing of expansion gaps, cable ties trimmed, power and end termination undamaged, proper depth seating of heating cable)
insulation resistance test
– the insulation resistance of each heating circuit is to be measured between each single bus wire and the protective braid or screen. The measured values are to be noted
– test voltage: min 500 VDC, preferably 2500 VDC; duration 1 min
– independent of the heating circuit length, the insulation resistance must not be lower than 20 MOhm. In case of a lower insulation resistance, the source of defect has to be determined and eliminated
check of the function of the heating circuit (only in connection with the required temperature controller and/or limiter)
eventual damages must be repaired/replaced immediately. With short heating circuits, the ramp heating cable may be replaced completely. With longer heating circuits, the defect is to be eliminated by cutting out the damaged part and replacing it by a new piece of trace heating according to the termination instructions
during and after the pouring of the top layer the insulation resistance test needs to be repeated. Both bus wires vs. braid: at least 20 MOhm must be achieved! Note results in the test protocol. If the insulation resistance falls below 20 MOhm, the pouring needs to be stopped and the damage of the heater needs to be repaired

Ramp Heating Cable- ELSR-RAMP

Operation and Maintenance

ELSR-Ramp Heating Cable

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.

Trace heating ELSR-Ramp heating generally operate maintenance free. However, it is recommended that the power supply leads be checked by qualified personnel in regular intervals for visual damages and the insulation resistance of the installed system be tested
Additionally installed ramp heating has to be protected against damages that may occur during repair work on heated components after completion of the repair, the heating circuit will once again need to be tested as shown in “Testing and Commissioning”
Also damaged heating circuits shall not be operated
Finally temperature control units and control devices are to be checked at least annually by trained workers or authorised persons

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 & Eltherm

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.

eltherm

THE ELECTRICAL HEATING PACKAGE

Thorne & Derrick provide a complete portfolio of Electric Process & Trace Heating Solutions for Industrial, Hazardous Area & Explosive Atmospheres,

Trace Heating Systems & Cables
Serial Resistance Trace Heaters
Parallel Resistance Trace Heaters
Self-Regulating Parallel Trace Heaters
Mineral-Insulated Trace Heaters
Commercial | Snow Melting & Ice Clearance for Ramps & Roof Gutters
Industrial | Explosive Proof ATEX & IECEx Certified for Hazardous Areas
Zone 1 & 2 (Flammable Gas) or Zone 21 & 22 (Combustible Dust) | Class I, Division 1 & 2