Expandable multi-segment band heater construction with improved electrical connection

摘要

An expandable band heater having multiple heater segments wherein a jumper type arrangement is utilized between heater segments to reduce the number of sets of lead wires or other termination configuration for providing power to each of the heater segments. In a two segment band heater construction, each of the first and second heater segments includes a heating element sandwiched between two or more layers of insulation material, each heating element having end portions attachable to a pair of terminal members, a housing member enclosing the heater segments and enabling all of the terminal members to protrude therefrom; a single lead wire set including at least two conductors and at least one jumper connection extending between the terminal members associated with the first and second heater segments, the conductors of the lead wire set and the jumper connector(s) being connectable to the terminal members such that the first and second heater segments of a given band heater can be connected in either a series arrangement or a parallel arrangement, in accordance with the specific requirements of the end user.