Heating elements are a core component of heating equipment. Silicon carbide and MoSi2 heating elements are commonly used because of their high temperature capability, durability and corrosion resistance.
However, like any electrical component, heating elements will age or wear out over time. It is very important to test them regularly to ensure they are functioning properly.
How do you test silicon carbide and MoSi2 heating elements?
We have summarized the following methods.
Visual Inspection
Check for any signs of damage, including cracks, breaks or deformation. Also, check the connections, wires and insulators for any damage or wear. If these problems exist, the heating element may need to be replaced.
Resistance Testing
One of the most effective ways to inspect and test a heating element is to measure its resistance. Use a digital multimeter to measure the resistance of the heating element. Before performing this test, turn off the power to the heating element. Disconnect the heating element from the power supply and connect the leads of the multimeter to the terminals of the heating element. If the heating element is functioning properly, the multimeter should display a specific resistance value. If the resistance value is too low or too high, it may indicate a problem with the heating element.
Conductivity Test
Another test to perform is the conduction test. This test checks the circuit of the heating element for shorts. Before testing, turn off the power to the heating element and connect the leads of the multimeter to the terminals of the heating element. Set the multimeter to beep and if there is a short in the circuit, the multimeter will beep or display a reading.
Insulation Test
We need to use a megohmmeter to perform this test. This test is designed to measure the insulation resistance between the heating element and its surrounding material.
With the heating element disconnected from the power supply, connect one lead of the megohmmeter to the heating element and the other lead to the surrounding material. If the insulation resistance is too low, it may indicate a problem with the heating element.
In summary, testing silicon carbide and MoSi2 heating elements is critical to ensure their proper operation. Visual inspection, resistance testing, conduction testing and insulation testing are all effective methods of testing heating elements.
If you do not know how to test your heating elements, consult the manufacturer’s instructions or have a professional do it for you.
Electric furnaces require regular maintenance and testing that can help identify any problems with the heating element early and prevent damage to the equipment and even injury to people.
