When installing induction heating coils in electromagnetic heaters, it is necessary to wrap them in thermal insulation wool. Many people have encountered this situation: every time they remove or refit the thermal insulation wool from the induction heating coils, the skin touched by their hands develops patches of red spots that are both itchy and painful, sometimes preventing them from sleeping properly for several weeks. This is because this type of thermal insulation wool is made of glass fibre, which causes severe itching when it comes into contact with the skin. Long-term inhalation of glass wool is undoubtedly harmful to health. As glass wool is composed of glass fibres, prolonged inhalation of large quantities of these fibres—particularly if they become deposited in the lungs—can cause serious damage to the lungs.
Nowadays, however, insulation for electromagnetic heaters typically utilises ceramic fibre blankets, which are more heat-resistant and practical. The standard thickness for electromagnetic heater insulation is 25 mm of aluminium silicate ceramic fibre blanket; the actual thickness varies depending on the power rating of the heater once it has been secured with high-temperature cable ties. For low-power models ranging from 2.5 kW to 5 kW, the insulation thickness is 20 mm; for 8 kW to 10 kW models, it is 25 mm; and for 30 kW to 60 kW models, the thickness after wrapping with high-temperature cable ties is 25 mm. The thickness and flatness of the insulation are crucial; it must be appropriately adjusted and laid flat.
It is particularly important to select ceramic fibre blankets for the insulation of electromagnetic heaters. In addition to preventing skin redness and itching, the excellent heat resistance, thermal insulation and electrical insulation properties of ceramic fibre blankets help to protect the heating temperature of the electromagnetic heater and significantly contribute to improved operational efficiency. Furthermore, they minimise heat dissipation, thereby reducing temperature rises in the working environment.
We therefore recommend that, when installing electromagnetic heating coils, you avoid using glass fibre insulation where possible. If its use is unavoidable, be sure to wear a face mask and gloves. When purchasing insulation, ask the electromagnetic heater manufacturer for non-irritating insulation. If glass wool comes into contact with the skin, its fine fibres can penetrate deeply; do not rub the affected area, but rinse it promptly with warm or hot water. To completely avoid such incidents, it is advisable to replace glass wool with ceramic fibre blankets as insulation at the earliest opportunity.
