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Thermostats
Thermostats
Otter Controls produce some of the most precise bimetal thermostats with a 2°C sensitivity
Otter offers a variety of different themostats including the versatile G-series, robust V series, and the fluid optimised Y1 series.
With a range of cover options, switching temperatures and certifications, Otter has a thermostat for your next project.
G Series
G Series The G series is Otter Controls’ most versatile bimetal switch. The G Series is available in a wide range of formats such as thermostat, safety cut-out or DC motor protector and in many permutations of temperature setting, current sensitivity, cover and sealing options. The G series can be set to temperatures ranging from […]
H Series
H Series The H1 series is a rapid response thermal safety cut-out suitable for rapid heating or air sensing applications. The H1 series switching temperature range is 55°C to 165°C with a tolerance of ±5°C and is exclusively for AC applications. The H1 series is available in either auto reset or electrical reset options and […]
V Series
V Series The V series is a versatile bimetal switch, available either as a thermostat or thermal/current sensing safety cut-out. The V series operates as a thermostat with a narrow ±2°C differential, or a thermal safety cut-out with a ±5°C differential. The V series is auto-resetting, has a 13A rating, is highly robust and meets […]
Group Member:
October 31, 2024
Stove Controls
A mechanical control that senses the temperature directly in the flue and finely adjusts the airflow, to optimise the burn. Eliminates manual adjustment and the user can sit back & leave it knowing the fire is being managed at its ideal. The control can govern the primary, secondary or tertiary airflow.
Group Member:
September 23, 2024
Motor Brush Cards
The Brush Card assembly consist of thermally stabilized Glass filled Nylon Insert moulding & Over moulded with Thermoplastic Elastomer material. This equipped with Carbon brushes for supplying power to motor, Safety Cut-outs for overcurrent protection, EMC Circuit etc. For assembly and testing we have high quality semi-automatic equipment’s.
These Brush card assemblies are widely used in Power window motors as well as Wiper motors.
Group Member:
September 23, 2024
Control Panels
Control Panels
We manufacture products ranging from the simplest Junction Box assemblies to floor mounted PLC controlled panels complete with plug and play inter-connectivity for ease of installation.
All of our control panels are fully tested to customer’s requirements to guarantee fault free quality on delivery.
Our experienced production engineering team can work with you to offer the best design for manufacture processes for your product, achieving the most cost effective solutions possible.
We are a registered manufacturer of UL508A control panels and can offer full certification and listing services, ensuring compliance for the USA and Canadian markets.
Group Member:
September 6, 2024
Thick Film Steamers
Thick Film Steamers
Thick Film Heating technology is ideal for the rapid start, stop and control of steam. Our Thick Film Steamers leverage these advantages in an easy to integrate package.
Ferro Techniek can supply an “off the shelf” boiler or custom element assembly for this purpose. In addition, our Flow through heaters can be set up to deliver dry steam alongside its instant hot water functionality with no extra components required.
Features and Benefits
High power density and low mass gives fast delivery of steam from start up.
Low element mass, resulting in minimal stored energy ensures instant stop of steam.
After using the full element power to give the fastest possible boil, one track can be switched off and the other continue to deliver a consistent flow of steam.
Due to the low element mass, power adjustments are effective immediately with minimal response lag.
As the heater is low mass with low overshoot temperatures it is easier and safer to install, versus other technologies, in close proximity to other components, some of which maybe heat sensitive or flammable.
Steam generation creates limescale, EFAST can detect this before it causes overheating & damage to the element or surrounding materials
Standard Thick Film Steamers
Vertical Steamer
The vertical steamer is a slim design, occupying the minimum space within the oven.
Dual heater tracks provide 3 power levels to rapidly produce steam and then maintain control.
Maximum power is 1500W which will deliver 40 grams of steam per minute.
A level sensor is incorporated to manage continuous water replenishment.
Horizontal Steamer
The horizontal steamer has been designed for assembly on top of the cavity of a domestic oven, but it is suitable for other applications.
Maximum power is 1500W, delivering 40 grams of steam per minute, and a level sensor is integrated to allow for continuous water replenishment.
Flow Through Heaters
Our flow through heaters can be set up within an appliance to generate dry steam, ideal for frothing milk. In a coffee machine, one flow through heater can supply instant hot water and steam, with all of thick film technologies advantages.
Construction / Technology
Thick Film Steamer Assembly
Ferro Techniek thick film based steamers consist of a thick film element integrated into a boiling chamber.
Additionally our steamers include level sensing, multi-track power, overheat protection and anti-limescale features.
Level Sensing
Our Thick Film Steamers incorporate water level sensing to allow the boiling chamber to be continuously refilled.
The level sensor can also be used in conjunction with the known element power, to determine the amount of steam produced.
Rapid Response
The low mass of a thick film heater provides a rapid start & stop to the flow of steam.
Two heater tracks provide 3 power levels at 500W increments, enabling precise control.
Applications
Oven Steamer
Our Thick Film Steamers are perfect for domestic or professional ovens, because the steam output can be precisely controlled
As steam functionality in ovens is becoming more commonplace, our Thick Film Steamers offer a high performance and easy to integrate solution. The robust nature of our thick film products suits both the rigors of the professional market, and the likelihood of user error present in the domestic market.
Steam Cleaning
Our Thick Film Steamers are suitable for integrating into cleaning applications.
Our steamers can produce steam indefinitely due to their level sensors. Thanks to EFAST detection technology they can cope with the inevitable limescale build up which occurs in these kind of applications.
Medical Sterilisation
Thick film steamers offer significant advantages for medical sterilisation.
Due to their rapid start up, the autoclave can have less downtime between uses while maintaining efficiency.
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Group Member:
September 3, 2024
Flow Through Heaters
Flow Through Heaters
Flow Through Heaters consist of a channel brazed to the surface of a high power, thick film heater. Liquid is pumped through the channel, taking it quickly across the full element surface, optimising the energy transfer. This provides instantaneous, precise and efficient, liquid heating.
Our Flow through heaters can deliver boiling water, steam or super heated steam. Being so fast, there is no need for standby time or warm up time, like with a thermal block, so improving energy efficiency of your application.
Features and Benefits
Water is heated precisely to the requested temperature in mere moments! Maybe 100°C, 93°C, 60°C. Its up to you.
Elimination of warm up time or standby heating offers significant energy savings over the life of the appliance.
Dispensed water temperature can be set to different levels for each cup, even when the cups are filled in quick succession.
Using the EFAST feature, instant steam and even super heated steam can be generated in a controlled manner.
As the heater is efficient, the software can accurately calculate the volume dispensed from the power in and the temperature rise.
Flow through heaters offer significant space savings vs thermal blocks, as they run relatively cool so take up less space to install.
Standard Components
Flow Through Heater 2
FTH 2 is an ultra fast, high pressure, flow through heater based on a thick film heating element.
Water runs at high speed along a channel over the heater surface. This optimises the heat transfer, resulting in hot water in just seconds. FTH 2 delivers water up to boiling temperature and can also create steam! The heater will vastly improve the sustainability of your application.
Flow Through Heater 4
FTH 4 is the most compact & simple version of the flow through heater range.
The FTH 4 provides a more economical way to improve the sustainability of your application.
Flow Through Heater XL
The FTH XL is the scaled up version of the FTH Ⅱ with a maximum power of 3400W.
The FTH XL is able to handle high flow rates with a low back pressure since its channel size is twice as large as the FTH Ⅱ. This results in a good flow of hot water in seconds. Energy efficiency is key because you just heat what you need!.
Max Power
Flow Rate @ 95°C
Dimensions
Steam
Function
FTH 2
2.3kW
7 ml/s
90mm
YES
FTH 4
1.5kW
5 ml/s
84 x 84mm
NO
FTH XL
3.4kW
11ml/s
110mm
NO
FTH construction includes:
Max operating pressure 20Bar
NTC water sensing & thermal safety protection
Construction Overview
Construction Overview
Our Flow Through Heaters combine a Thick Film element with a channel plate to circulate liquid over the element surface.
This robust construction allows for high pressures. An NTC at the water outlet measures the temperature, and is used to control the power or the pump.
Channel Plate
The channel plate is joined to the steel element substrate, which gives it strength to cope with high pressure (maximum 20 bar operating, min 40 bar burst).
The stainless steel construction meets food safety standards.
Temperature Sensing
Our standard Flow Through Heaters incorporate EFAST technology for overheat protection, and an outlet NTC for temperature sensing & control.
The NTC is passed through the channel plate to directly measure the temperature of the liquid.
Steam Capable
High pressure construction combined with EFAST allows for our Flow Through Heaters to also produce steam, even super heated.
Environmental and Efficiency Benefits
Overview
Our Flow Through Heaters offer significant environmental and efficiency benefits, drawing from the core attributes of Thick Film Technology.
By reducing element mass, and eliminating standby operation, wasted energy is cut to an absolute minimum. In addition, the entire lifecycle of the product, including its manufacture, is more environmentally friendly than competing options.
No standby
With the flow through heater, there is no waiting for the heater to warm up or necessity to keep the heater hot in “standby mode”. There is no need to have a boiler full of hot water. The flow through heater instantaneously heats just the water that is required, giving significant saving energy and makes the appliance highly efficient/green.
Total Life Impact
TNO an independent Dutch organisation compared the environmental impact of a FTH vs the theoretical minimum, a boiler and a thermal block. They did this from cradle to grave including service life of making 10K cups of hot water.
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Group Member:
September 3, 2024
Thick Film Elements
Thick Film Elements
Thick Film Heating Elements typically consist of a metal plate, coated with a glass-ceramic (enamel). The glass-ceramic is an electrical insulation and carries the printed (conductive) heater tracks. This slim construction provides a robust, low mass, high power density, electric heater. Thick film heating is becoming more and more common as it provides numerous benefits, including energy saving.
Features and Benefits
Low thermal mass combined with high power density.
Rapid response to power adjustments gives close temperature control and low overshoots.
Ferro Thick Film Heaters will fit power where other heaters cannot.
The heater does not have to be circular. It can be custom, rectangular, horse shoe, oval. Virtually any 2 dimensional shape.
Low thermal mass = little energy wasted heating the element instead of the target material. Fast rate of rise = no need for standby mode,
Robust materials, stainless steel and enamel. EFAST keeps up with the highest power density elements, giving it long term reliability whilst being run to extremes.
Thick Film Element Variations
Contact Heating Elements: CHE
Contact Heating Elements are bolted directly to an object to be heated with a graphite sheet, thermal interface.
Their construction allows multiple CHEs to be tiled together, evenly heating a large surface area.
Direct Heating: Kettle Controls
Ideally the element substrate is in direct contact with the media to be heated.
Here the element has been assembled with Otter’s A12 Kettle Control. The linished stainless steel side of the thick film element forms the base of the kettle, in direct contact with the water. This allows for very high power densities. 3kW on a 110mm diameter disc.
Inline Heating: Liquids / Gases
Thick Film heating can be used to heat liquids and gases as they flow through.
Options are: a tubular printed element; the Ferro Flow Through Heater or aluminium fins brazed to a thick film heater (a fin pack), to assist in transferring the heat into the moving air/gas.
Thick Film Element Construction
Element Overview
The base of a Thick Film element typically consists of a stainless steel substrate. This substrate is then enamelled with a layer of glass-ceramic for electrical insulation. The conductive heater tracks are screen printed on top. Finally a coat of protective enamel is applied, with exposed contact areas for electrical connection.
Element Substrate
The element substrate acts as the carrier for the enamel and screen printed layers.
Typically the substrate is stainless steel, however other materials such as ceramic can be used. The substrate can be any two dimensional form. Three dimensional forms which can be screen printed consistently, such as tubes, are possible.
Substrate Insulating Enamel
This insulating enamel layer separates the substrate from the screen printed heating tracks.
This dielectric layer primary purpose is electrical insulation. In addition, it also provides a consistent surface on which to apply the screen printed heating tracks. Sections may be left exposed, or sandblasted away, for attaching items to the substrate.
Thick Film Heating Tracks
The resistive tracks are the most important layer of the element.
By varying the chemical composition and the geometry of the tracks, the element power and heat distribution can be finely controlled. Printed silver contact areas are added for electrical connection. For information on more advanced track design, see the link below.
Element Cover Enamel
The element cover enamel is a protective coat.
Thick Film Technology
While this section provided an overview on the construction of a Thick Film Element, there are far more features. For example EFAST provides instant overheat detection and multi-track designs can give zonal heating or multiple power levels on a single element.
For more details on the technology of Thick Film see our dedicated page below.
Thick Film Element Replacement
Element Replacement
Simply switching from a conventional element to a thick film solution improves efficiency by reducing thermal mass.
This will improve the environmental impact of your product, and appeal to the eco conscious market. The more frequently the appliance needs to heat from a cool state the greater the advantage.
Feature addition
You may wish to switch to a Thick Film Heating Element to leverage one of its unique design features.
These features can be used as a point of differentiation in the marketing and feature set of your product. An example of this could be the use of EFAST overheat protection, combined with the elements responsiveness, to more effectively prevent food burning.
Smaller Footprint
Thick Film elements often allow appliances to be significantly smaller.
The elements themselves are smaller than most comparable alternatives and can form a part of the appliance structure. An example of this can be found in thick film kettles, with the element itself becoming the base of the vessel. This opens up the possibility for new & more exotic product design.
Full Conversion
Some appliances benefit greatly from a significant redesign to take advantage of thick film.
An example of this is switching from a thermal block to a flow through heater in a coffee machine. This change allows for both hot water and steam to be offered from a single heating system, reducing appliance complexity. Also the ability to rapidly change dispensing temperature allows the option to vary temperature per cup for perfect brewing of different teas. The additional indirect benefits can be great with the right design.
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Group Member:
September 3, 2024
Trackside and Ancillary Equipment
LCS also offer a wide range of trackside and ancillary products. These include products for depots
Power Pedestal
The Pedestal supplies Traction Power to trains in depot lifting sheds via a Shore Supply Plug. The Shore Supply Plug is stowed in the area underneath the Local Operator Station and the cable is coiled either on the end of a middle road enclosure or on the boom or wall bracket for outer road enclosures
The Shore Supply Plug is fitted with a Plug Engaged sensor which inhibits the application of Traction Power to the train unless a magnet in the train receptacle to detected.. There is a frangible link that disconnects under strain thus preventing damage to the pedestal should the train be moved out of the depot with the plug remaining in the train receptacle. Shore supply status beacons are positioned on top of the Power Pedestal enclosure
CRHP
Provides isolation and fuse protection for 2 lengths of conductor rail heating strip. The circuit is protected by four traction grade fuses. Has separate sections & 100mm clearance with central barriers EM42 for positive and negative poles for:
Fuses
Switch disconnector SD 1
Switch disconnector SD 2
Heavy duty GRP cabinets available as wall mount or free standing frames.
Group Member:
April 18, 2024
Low Voltage AC Switchgear
LCS along with newly acquired Carville switchgear have extensive experience in low voltage AC switchgear design and manufacture. Our products comply with the latest standards including BS EN 61439. We can offer a comprehensive range of switchgear including:
LV Switchboards
Purpose built metal work is manufactured according to specific project criteria so that switchboard size, layout, colour, and access can be tailored to match site requirements.
With fully welded construction, our enclosures comply with BS EN 61439-1 for all forms of separation and BS EN 60529 for Ingress Protection. The switchboards can be designed for front or front/rear access with thermal imaging facilities. Top, bottom and side entry of cables can easily be accommodated and provision can also be made for large cables and multiple conductors.
Add on or ‘integral to switchboard’ solutions are also available for supply authority metering CT chambers, power factor correction, surge suppression, harmonic filtration, and voltage optimisation units.
Package Substations
Whatever your requirement LCS can offer a solution to suit your needs. Using cast resin or oil filled transformers from a variety of manufacturers, we can engineer a package best suited to your application including:
Close coupled or stand-alone solution
Top or bottom HV connections
Local HV isolation by Ring Main Unit or HV switch
Front/rear access
Safety interlocks with HV/LV inter tripping relays and Castell key system
Sub Distribution Units & Composite Switchboards
Usually designed to fit the available space – typically in a riser cupboard for example. These boards can incorporate both sub and final distribution components whilst giving the best access for cable infrastructure. We can offer:
Top, bottom or side entry
Fully welded construction
Form of separation as required. e.g. Form 4 Type 2
Most colours and finishes can be achieved
Existing cable connections can be included in the design
Full metering with BMS connections available
Power Distribution Units (PDUs)
As simple or sophisticated as you require, these units can be floor standing or wall mounting to suit the available space. Final cable connections can be made via plug and socket or IP3X terminals to give safe on-line connection without downtime. The following options can be incorporated into our PDUs:
Dual incoming supplies
Static transfer switch
Isolation transformers
Earth leakage monitoring and alarm
Full metering
Thermal imaging of connections online
Surge supression
Group Member:
April 18, 2024
DC Switchgear
LCS have a long history of producing DC switchgear, used extensively in safety critical applications for the rail industry. This is exemplified by our extensive list of Network Rail and London Underground approved products. All are comprehensively tested, generally in line with BS EN 50123, with ratings up to 3600V and 5000A. Recently our switchgear has been successfully used in the renewables industry.
We offer a range of services including custom variations of existing products or totally bespoke products. Listed below are some of our popular products.
Negative Short Circuiting Device
The Negative Short Circuit Device 2kA (NSCD) provides a short-circuit path between the DC Traction Supply and the Negative Return to protect against the inadvertent re-energisation of the circuit. The NSCD can be operated remotely via a SCADA Interface, locally via a Local Control Panel and at the NSCD itself for maintenance. The NSCD consists of a motorised 3.2kA Disconnector to provide the short-circuit path, a manual 2.5kA Disconnector to isolate the motorised Disconnector for maintenance, panel lighting and anti-condensation heating, and the associated control equipment. Both Disconnectors are off-load devices so voltage monitoring is included to give indication that the DC Traction Supply is live and to inhibit inadvertent operation of the motorised Disconnector.
CTS Controlled Track Switch
The CTS is a product integral to Safer Faster Isolation Technology, capable of switching and isolation of high power (4000A, 750V) circuits. Often used in conjunction with our NSCD, the CTS isolates the power to the conductor rail, prior to bonding by the NSCD.
The device consists of a fast-acting load break switch and an in line manually operated maintenance disconnector.
ICTS Integrated CTS
The Integrated Controlled Track Switch comprises combinations of previously approved products in a single package pre-wired and tested unit prior to installation.
1 x CTS: Controlled Track Switch 4kA – PA05/02035
2 x NSCD: Short Circuiting Switch 2.5kA – PA05/06098
The equipment can be fully interlocked to prevent the inadvertent bonding of a live conductor rail.
Tunnel Switch
LCS can provide a number of switches/disconnectors suitable for deep tunnel applications. Compact size enables these devices to be fitted to tunnel walls and operated via remote control cabinets. On load and off load, single and double pole options are available.
LCS2 Track Disconnector
The LCS2 is an off load 4000A manually operated track isolation disconnector. Used extensively to provide a point of isolation to allow safe working the track. The equipment is housed in an IP56 GRP enclosure. The operating handle can be padlocked in the open or closed position and can be further protected via mechanical, key operated interlocks
Combiner
Suitable for use on large battery installations, the combiner panel provides a point of isolation between the incoming supply and the battery banks. Additional fuses can be provided to protect against short circuits.
OS Load break switch
The OS load break switch is a fast acting manually independent spring-operated switch. Capable of making on short circuit currents of 65kA and breaking currents of 15kA. It is available as 900V or 1800V rated voltage options
The switch is equipped with high performance double break contacts and separate current carrying and current breaking contacts
The insulation is ultra-low smoke material that is approved for use in the London Underground.
Left hand, right hand and double pole options are available.
OD Off load disconnector
The OS load break switch is a fast acting manually independent spring-operated disconnector. Capable of making on short circuit currents of 65kA it is available as 900V or 1800V rated voltage options.
The switch is equipped with high performance double break contacts.
The insulation is ultra-low smoke material that is approved for use in the London Underground.
Left hand, right hand and double pole options are available.
