Under-surface electric ramp heating system

Edited by the Buildingtalk editorial team Jul 31, 2006

FES commissioned heat-tracing specialist Smith Electrical Glasgow to provide a Raychem under-surface electric ramp heating system for exposed areas of car parks at Silverburn Shopping Centre.

During the construction of Glasgow's massive new Silverburn Shopping Centre at Pollok, the project's electrical contractor FES commissioned heat-tracing specialist Smith Electrical Glasgow to provide a Raychem under-surface electric ramp heating system for exposed areas of the multi-storey car parks.

Smith Electrical, a Tyco Thermal Controls' distributor partner, has installed the system on the vehicular ramps to all floors and on the roof level parking area to prevent icing or snow accumulation.

On this project, the ramp heating cables were installed and embedded into concrete wedge shape sections prior to these being lifted into position to form the single circular infrastructure.

The electrical heating system was then connected up in situ.

Raychem ramp-heating systems are manufactured by Tyco Thermal Controls and feature robust self-regulating heating cables, specially designed for embedding in concrete or sand.

At Silverburn, whenever the ambient temperature falls below 3C (variable set point) and moisture is also detected by the ramp surface sensors, these cables will power up and deliver just the heat required to keep the surface free of snow and ice.

They are ideal for a wide variety of applications in exposed environments where it is essential to keep vehicular and pedestrian access available in freeze temperatures.

Ramp heating can be used to prevent frost damage, maintain service continuity and enhance safety around commercial and public buildings and industrial sites.

Complete systems, including Raychem 'Smart' controllers, are energy-efficient, easy to programme and can be incorporated into building management systems.