Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides an electric heater including: a resistive heating element; a current transformer positioned around a portion of the resistive heating element or a lead thereto, the current transformer adapted and configured to produce a secondary induced current proportional to a primary current flowing through the resistive heating element; and a controller communicatively coupled to the resistive heating element and the current transformer. The controller is programmed to either: (i): detect a deviation between the secondary induced current and a reference value; and in response to the deviation, generate an alert; or (ii) communicate to a remote server programmed to detect a deviation between the secondary induced current and a reference value.

Abstract: A support insulator for an open coil electric heater includes an insulator body having at least one coil support portion and plate attachment slots. The support insulator has an arm extending from the insulator body, the arm having a slot on an end thereof. Depending on the mounting of the support insulator, the slot can receive a resistance wire as a portion of a coil break-turn, a wire as part of a coil section, a part of a lead wire, or a part of a run of resistance wire that is not a coil break-turn or coil section.

Abstract: A foldable electric resistance heater comprises at least a pair of insulator plates with a resistance wire threaded through openings in the insulator plates. In one mode, the insulator plates are folded with respect to each other and fastened together using one or more fasteners. In another mode, the plates can have other angled configurations with respect to each other. One or more insulators is positioned between the folded plates or adjacent the plates to isolate the resistance wire. The folded plate configuration and resistance wire provide significant advantages in manufacturing costs while forming a more robust heater configuration.

Abstract: A heater with an optical sensor for over-temperature protection. The heater includes a heating element and a sensor assembly including a coupler and an optical sensor. Wavelengths emanating from the heating element passes directly through the coupler to the optical sensor. The optical sensor provides an over-temperature feedback signal for limiting power to the heating element to avoid an over-temperature condition for the heating element.

Abstract: A heater with an optical sensor for over-temperature protection. The heater includes a heating element and a sensor assembly including a coupler and an optical sensor. Wavelengths emanating from the heating element passes directly through the coupler to the optical sensor. The optical sensor provides an over-temperature feedback signal for limiting power to the heating element to avoid an over-temperature condition for the heating element.

Abstract: An electric belly band heater is configured with only one end of the heater cable assembly thereof having lead wires extending therefrom. A single housing box is positioned at the end of the heater cable assembly where the lead wires exit to encompass the lead wires and includes an opening to receive a conduit to provide further protection to the lead wires exiting the housing box and being connected to a power source.