Watlow Finbar Data sheet

Tubular and

Slotted End

Aluminized Steel Fins

Flexible Lead Wires

304 Stainless Steel Sheath

Stainless Steel
Mounting Bracket

Process Assemblies

FIREBAR Heating
Elements

FINBAR

Composed of aluminized steel fins
press fitted to a one inch single­ended FIREBAR element. The
FINBAR is designed to improve
heat transfer to the air and permits
putting more power in tighter
spaces—like forced air ducts,
dryers, ovens and load bank
resistors.

Heat transfer, lower sheath
temperature and element life are all
maximized by its finned
construction.

Installation is simplified by
terminations exiting at one end and
mounting accommodations on both
ends.

Performance Capabilities

• Watt densities to 50 W/in
(7.7 W/cm2)

• 304 stainless steel sheath
temperatures to 1200°F (650°C)

• Voltages to 480VÅ(ac)

• Amperages to 48 amps per

heater or 16 amps per coil

2

Features and Benefits

• Rugged aluminized steel fins

effectively increase surface area
to approximately 16 square
inches for every linear inch of
element length. Fins press fitted
to the heating element improve
heat transfer to the air.

• Single-ended termination sim­plifies wiring and installation.

• Stainless steel mounting
bracket, welded to the terminal

end, is supplied with a slotted
end for ease of installation.

• Lavacone seals provide
protection against humid storage
conditions. Moisture retardant to
392°F (200°C).

Applications

• Forced air heating for dryers,
ovens, ducts

• Still air heating for ovens,
comfort heating

• Incubators

• Ink drying

• Load bank resistors

Construction Features

Construction features are detailed
for assembly stock products only.
Optional materials, sizes,
terminations and ratings may be
available at additional cost. For
availability and ordering information
on options, see pages 307 to 312.

Watt Density: Stock; up to 40 W/in

(6.2 W/cm2), made-to-order; up to
50 W/in2(7.7 W/cm2)

Fin Surface Area: 16 in2/linear inch

(40.5 cm2/linear cm)

Fin Cross Section: 2 X 1 inch (50 X

25 mm)

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Maximum Operating Temperature:

Sheath material: 304 Stainless Steel,
1200°F (650°C), Fin material;
Aluminized Steel; 1100°F (600°C)

Heater Length: Stock; 10 to 48

inches (260 to 1210 mm),
made-to-order; 6 to 120 inches

2

(150 to 3050 mm)

No-Heat Length: 1 inch minimum,

12 inch maximum (25/305 mm)

Voltages: Up to 480VÅ(ac)
Phase: Stock; 1-phase parallel

made-to-order; 1-phase parallel or
3-phase wye

Resistance Coils: Stock; 1

made-to-order 1 or 3

Terminations: Flexible lead wires,

quick connect (spade), screw lug
(plate) and threaded stud

Seal Material: Lavacone, rated to

392°F (200°C)

Optional Internal Thermocouple:

made-to-order only; ASTM Type K

Single-End Configuration: Stock:

slotted, made-to-order; slotted,
no-slot or sealed

Agency Recognition: refer to

FIREBAR UL file # E52951 and CSA
file # 31388 under Agency
Recognition on pages 268 to 271.

W A T L O W

51015202530354045505560

Watt Density—W/in

2

1600

1400

1200

1000

800

600

400

200

Sheath Temperature—°F

Maximum Heater Temperature
to Avoid Scaling of Fins

Maximum Heater Temperature

1 FPS
4 FPS

9 FPS

16 FPS
20 FPS

12 345678910

Watt Density—W/cm

2

800

700

600

500

400

300

200

100

Sheath Temperature—°C

Maximum Heater Temperature
to Avoid Scaling of Fins

Maximum Heater Temperature

900

1000

0.3 MPS

1.2 MPS

2.7 MPS

4.9 MPS

6.1 MPS

Temperature

Sensor

Tubular and
Process Assemblies

FIREBAR Heating
Elements

Air Heating

The Watt Density, Air Flow and
Sheath Temperature graph shows

the relationship between watt
density, air flow velocity and sheath
temperature, along with a
recommended temperature to avoid
deteriorating the fins. Be aware that

lower sheath temperature yields
longer heater life.

The graphic representation is based
on a a single-ended FINBAR,
various air velocities (at 68°F/20°C
inlet temperature) and different watt
densities.

To determine, from the graph, the
operating temperature of the
FINBAR’s sheath, identify the air
velocity curve that approximates

your application in feet per second
(meters per second). Then look at
the vertical line that most closely
approximates the FINBAR’s watt
density. From the intersecting point,
read over to the temperature
column to determine the sheath’s
operating temperature.

Watt Density, Air Flow and Sheath Temperature (°F)

Application Hints

• Avoid deteriorating the fins by

• Ensure proper air flow to prevent

• Locate the temperature sensor

Air Flow

not exceeding the recommended
maximum fin temperature of
1100°F (600°C).

premature heater failure.

downstream from heater(s) for
process temperature sensing.

Watt Density, Air Flow and Sheath Temperature (°C)

The following mounting parameters
are recommended:

• Air flow over element must be
parallel with the flat side.

• Element center line to element
center line spacing must be a
minimum of 11⁄2 inches (38 mm).

Dual Ended FINBAR

FINBAR elements are typically
terminated at one end. Upon
request, however, dual ended

Air Flow

FIREBAR

®

Proper air flow relative to the heater’s sheath
is parallel with the longer cross sectional axis.

FINBAR heaters can be ordered.
To order, specify dual ended
FINBAR and lead length.

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