CSF3

Supported Applications

The Omega CSF3 Series consists of ceramic insulated finned strip heaters designed for air heating and thermal processing. Typical applications documented for this series include duct heating, space heaters, drying ovens, food warmers, dehumidifiers, shrinking tunnels, and heat curing.

Operating Conditions & Performance

The CSF3 Series features a maximum sheath temperature of 650°C (1200°F). Electrical specifications support a maximum voltage of 480 Vac (when applicable) and a maximum amperage of 25 A. The series maintains resistance tolerances of 10%, -5% and wattage tolerances of 5%, -10%. Performance ratings for maximum watt density vary by air condition and temperature range:

• Still Air – Up to 149°C (300°F): 3.1 Watt/cm², 20 Watt/in²
• Still Air – 149 to 316°C (300 to 600°F): 2.5 Watt/cm², 16 Watt/in²
• Still Air – 316 to 427°C (600 to 800°F): 1.6 Watt/cm², 10 Watt/in²
• Moving Air – At 3 m/sec, up to 93°C (up to 200°F): 6.2 Watt/cm², 40 Watt/in²
• Moving Air – At 3 m/sec, up to 204°C (up to 400°F): 4.7 Watt/cm², 30 Watt/in²
• Moving Air – At 3 m/sec, up to 316°C (up to 600°F): 3.1 Watt/cm², 20 Watt/in²

Configuration Options

The CSF3 Series is constructed with a helically wound resistance coil in a ceramic insulator housed within stainless steel rectangular tubing (sheath material: 304 stainless steel). Voids are filled with high-purity magnesium oxide. Fins, mounted to the tubing for maximum surface contact and rapid heat transfer, are standard nickel-plated steel; stainless steel fins are optional.

Physical dimensions include a width including fins of 51 mm (2") and a height including fins of 35 mm (1⅜"). Length tolerances are ±⅛" for lengths up to 0.61 m (24") and over 0.61 m (24"). Standard mounting slot size is 8 x 13 mm (⅝ x ½"); a larger slot of 13 x 16 mm (½ x ⅝") substitutes when secondary insulating bushings are required for voltages of 300V and above.

Terminations utilize stainless steel screw terminals with 10-32 UNF threads. Available options include:

• Secondary Insulating Bushings (Model CERR-1001): Required for series connection or direct line voltage above 300V to increase effective space between the heater and grounded surface.
• Igloo™ Ceramic Covers: Types C6, C7, C8, and Ceramic Cap Thread 10-32 (Model Numbers CER-101-104, CER-101-106, CER-101-107, CER-102-101) to fully insulate standard terminal lugs.
• Custom Terminations: Type C Terminal Box and Type P High Temperature Quick Disconnect Plug are available for custom heaters.

The series supports 120V or 240V AC power supply configurations. Custom engineered/manufactured heaters can be specified with details including type of application, termination type, length, secondary bushings, wattage, Igloo™ ceramic terminal covers, and voltage.

Key Product Differences

The CSF3 Series is offered in various lengths ranging from 266.7 mm (10½") to 1079.5 mm (42½"). Wattage ratings vary by model, with examples including 500 Watts, 725 Watts, up to 4150 Watts depending on length and voltage configuration. Model numbers follow the pattern CSF (e.g., CSF00005). Specific models are designated for either 120V or 240V operation; some lengths offer both voltages while others are specific to one rating.