Watlow heaters are incredibly reliable and durable once installed and set up correctly. However, applying the installation correctly as well as working with the right tools makes all the difference. Most of the troubleshooting that occurs with a Watlow heater generally has to do with a particular installation step not being followed correctly, or the wrong tooling was applied and damage occurred to the equipment as a result.

Performance-wise, Watlow heaters have proven themselves far beyond the competition. In a variety of industrial applications, manufacturing and facility managers agree that Watlow heaters are the units they go to for the correct temperature creation, heat-applied manufacturing, and control management capability of the heated environment.

Examine Everything Before Starting to Build

As with any equipment out of the box, the first step is to examine all the components and parts to make sure everything is included and present, as well as not being damaged. While Watlow manufacturing does everything to produce a guaranteed product, things can still go haywire in shipping. Heaters are particularly susceptible to dents, nicks and dings, affecting their ability to produce a reliable radiant effect on their target.

Once checked, the next step is a Megohm Test review. This particular check ensures the heater unit doesn’t have an insulation problem. Ideally, the insulation resistance should be dry and pass the test. However, if, for some reason, it gets damp, then the heater insulation needs to be dried out. Every Watlow heater comes with instructions that specify the exact insulation resistance that should be expected. Applying the Megohm Test, the results should be within spec. If, however, shipping exposes the unit to moisture, the heater will need to be dried out by increasing its temperature to cause the moisture to evaporate. This must be done before the installation. Again, the instructions included provide all the steps needed for a successful Megohm Test review and pass.

Confirm the Tooling Approach for Installation

Next, check all the directions for what tooling is required for installation. Do not assume a typical toolbox will have everything needed for installation. It's a common problem that a Watlow heater may require a specific type of tool for securing and customer personnel trying to win the situation with generic tooling. This is common, for example, where a heater is supposed to be installed with a flange, and the technician involved is used to installing heaters with a screw-in plug approach. All correct tools for installation are detailed in the equipment manual and the installation instructions provided by Watlow for each of its heaters.

Finally, all wiring should be connected consistently with Watlow instructions, using correct wiring gauges, connectors and torque settings. With everything wired, but not connected to a power source yet, then an Ohm’s test should be applied to confirm the connections are working correctly and there is no dead point or shorting out on any of the related circuits.

Get Expert Help for Each Step of the Way

Seagate Controls  support program and product team guidance can help. Installations of Watlow heaters often involved connections with existing equipment, and those modifications to existing systems oftentimes need the right advice to avoid costly mistakes. Again, most Watlow heater issues are related to incorrect installation steps taken. With Seagate Controls on your side, your team will install their Watlow heater units correctly the first time, every time. Don't be a statistic; work with Seagate Controls for your Watlow heater procurement and set up. You won't be disappointed.

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