Cartridge Heaters, Pencil Heaters, Rod Heaters
The Big Chief Cartridge Heater is the top of the line, high density cartridge heater. Our heater is so highly compacted that it produces superior heat transfer, and the dielectric and physical strength necessary for long heater life and outstanding performance. Our heater is designed for high temperature applications or where vibration occurs. Our heaters are available in 1/8″, 1/4″, 5/16″, 3/8″, 1/2″, 3/4″, 15/16″, 1″, and 1 1/4″ diameters in every imaginable length increment and hundreds of lead configurations. Our heaters are also available in the following metric diameters: 6.5mm, 8mm, 9.5mm, 10mm, 12mm, 12.5mm, 16mm, 18mm, 19mm, 20mm and 25mm.
- Nickel-chromium resistance wire precisely wound on magnesium oxide core.
- The magnesium oxide is thoroughly compacted to a predetermined density. The density is very important, as it results in the best combination of high dielectric strength and efficient, fast heat transfer.
- Stainless Steel is used as the standard sheath material on our cartridge heaters because it provides maximum protection against high temperature oxidation and corrosion from a broad range of chemicals and atmospheres. Maximum Sheath Temperature is 1500°F.
- Solid nickel conductor pins overlap the resistance wire inside the core. For crimped-on lead connections, mechanically crimped splices connect 12″ lead wires to solid nickel pins, insulated with fiberglass sleeving. Leadwire is TGGT, rated for 482°F. For swaged lead connections, hi-temp wires are internally connected to the resistance wire and protected by a hi-temp potting at the end of the heater.
Big Chief Cartridge Heater Spec Sheet PDF
Lead Configurations
Options
Threaded Fittings
Style-TF Pipe threaded fittings are available in brass or stainless steel and are attached leak tight to the heater sheath. All diameters 1/4″ and up.
Cartridge Heater with Internal Thermocouple
A cartridge heater with an internal thermocouple is for applications where monitoring the internal temperature of the heater is necessary as over-heat protection or where material flow is close to the heater sheath as in plastic molding. 12″ high temperature (850°F/450°C) leads are standard. When ordering, specify whether the junction is grounded or ungrounded and what type of thermocouple needed. The standard position for either a grounded or ungrounded junction is at the bottom.
Flange
Stainless steel flange welded directly to heater sheath. Fiberglass insulated leadwires are the standard. Other flange sizes and hole patterns are available upon request.
Diameter Inches | Flange Size | Inches | ||
D | C | H | ||
1/4, 3/8, 1/2 | FS | 1 | 3/4 | 0.144 |
1/4, 3/8, 1/2, 5/8, 3/4 | FM | 1 1/2 | 1 1/ 8 | 0.156 |
5/8, 3/4, 1 | FL | 2 | 1 1/2 | 0.201 |
Maxiwatt Expan Split Sheath Cartridge Heater
The expandable cartridge heater solves two major problems associated with conventional cartridge heaters – poor durability and proper fit. The expandable cartridge heater will expand in the hole and will make better contact against the walls during heating, providing uniform heating along the complete length of the heater, better durability, and longer heater life. After cooling, the heater can be easily removed – meaning no more drilling, hammering, or destruction of heaters being removed from the holes. Expan heaters can be made with various lead terminations, threaded fittings, built-in thermocouples, and flanges.
Cartridge Heater Specifications | ![]() |
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Nominal Diameter | 1/4″ | 5/16″ | 3/8″ | 1/2″ | 5/8″ | 11/16″ | 3/4″ | 7/8″ | 1″ | 6.5mm | 8mm | 10mm | 12.5mm | 16mm | 20mm |
Actual Diameter +/- .002 | 0.246 | 0.309 | 0.371 | 0.496 | 0.621 | 0.683 | 0.746 | 0.871 | 0.996 | 0.252 | 0.312 | 0.391 | 0.489 | 0.627 | 0.784 |
Maximum Voltage | 240 | 240 | 240 | 240 | 480 | 480 | 480 | 480 | 480 | 240 | 240 | 240 | 240 | 480 | 480 |
Maximum Amperage | 4.2 | 6.0 | 6.5 | 10.5 | 22.0 | 22.0 | 22.0 | 22.0 | 25.0 | 4.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 10.5 | 22.0 | 22.0 |
Wattage Tolerance | +5% – 10% of rated wattage | ||||||||||||||
Length Tolerance | +/- 3% of length | ||||||||||||||
Camber Tolerance | Up to 12″ long: .010 per foot Over 12″ long: .015 per foot | ||||||||||||||
Watt Density | Total Wattage: Diameter x 3.14 x heated length |
Factors for Longer Cartridge Heater Life
- Do not exceed recommended maximum watt density specified for heater size.
- The heater sheath must fit properly into the machined hole. A tight fit is critical.
- Protect the heater from contaminants such as oil, grease, and vapors.
- Install adequate KW to accomplish work load and make up for heat losses.
- Nominal Diameter
- Overall Sheath Length
- Lead Length
- Termination Type
- Voltage
- Wattage
- Special Modifications
Special Modifications
- Distributed Wattage – resistance windings can be concentrated in specific areas of the heater for localized heat distribution.
- Centerless Grinding – precision grinding of the heater sheath provides tighter diameter tolerances when required.
- Teflon Coating – Teflon coating can be provided on heater sheath for applications requiring chemical resistance.
- Ground Leadwire – separate color coded ground wire can be provided if required.
- Special Connectors – Various connectors for power leads can be supplied upon request.
Cartridge Heater Care & Maintenance
- Store heaters in a dry area, especially during periods of high humidity.
- Protect leads from abuse and abrasion.
- Maintain temperature control and keep accessories in good working condition to obtain correct operating conditions.
- All cartridge heaters have hygroscopic tendencies and can accumulate moisture in shipping and storage. Low heater insulation (less than 1 meg ohm) can be baked in an oven for several hours or started at low voltage to eliminate moisture.