In the cold season, one of the main problems of construction is to carry out excavation and other earthworks. Frozen ground requires significant efforts, which increases fuel consumption and equipment wear. Labor costs also increase. Cable heating devices can solve the problem of frozen ground.
It is enough to place the cable mat on the area where the work is planned. From above, the heating cable mat is covered with a heat-insulating layer. After five to six hours, the ground warms up enough to carry out any work.
Cable heating devices are used in the following cases:
- when carrying out reconstruction of buildings and structures;
- during construction in winter;
- when repairing and laying highways;
- for digging.
Cable mats offer many advantages over other soil thawing systems. Heating is carried out quickly enough, the system does not require installation, defrosting can be carried out at any air temperature.
Electricity consumption in cable heaters is not too high. The use of cable mats is more economical than carrying out work without prior defrosting. To supply power to the cable mat, experts recommend laying a protected, or even better armored VBbShv cable possessing a number of undeniable advantages. These cables can be laid in a trench and will not be damaged by accident.
The power of cable heaters depends on the ambient temperature. At temperatures not lower than -10 degrees, sufficient power will be 250-300 watts per square meter of area. At lower temperatures, it is more advisable to use cable mats with a power of 400 watts per square meter. If the power is insufficient, a longer warm-up is required. It is also possible to increase the operating time of the cable heater. Mineral wool or similar slabs are used for thermal insulation. The heating cable mat is covered with foil on top, on which the thermal insulation is placed.
