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SW SERIES: METAL OVER-THE-SIDE HEATERS

  • Over-the-side design allows for easy installation without draining the tank.
  • Heavy wall 304, 316 Stainless Steel and Titanium options offer corrosion resistance.
  • Watt densities of up to 35 watts per square inch (5.4 w/cm²) standard. Derated variations available.
  • UL/CSA-listed with built-in thermal protection for peace of mind.
UL Listed C US logo
CSA US logo
Watts
500 - 36,000
Volts
120 - 600
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Made in USA

Convenient Open-Topped Tank Heating

The SW Series immersion heaters are designed for the metal finishing industry. Also known as side-wall, over-the-side, or top mount heaters, these units mount flush to the side of your tank. Whether you need to heat oil, water, acids, or alkaline solutions, there is a Stainless Steel, Incoloy®, Titanium, or derated SW heater for that application.
  • Simplified and convenient mounting: Unlike other immersion heaters (such as flanged or screw plug heaters), the SW Series offers a convenient mounting solution, eliminating the need for tank penetration. These heaters can be bolted to the side of the tank. The “over-the-side” design also allows for removal, whether for cleaning or replacement, without having to drain the tank.
  • Terminal enclosure: Our SW Series utilizes a flame-retardant and vapor-resistant polypropylene enclosure designed for the metal finishing industry’s challenging environments. Three feet of conduit and four feet of lead wire come standard and allow for easy installation. Longer lengths are also available.
  • Thermal protector: The SW Series come standard with either a replaceable or resettable thermal protector suitable for solutions up to 180°F, 230°F, and 300°F. Please note the thermal protector must be connected to a compatible control for safe operation.
  • Voltage: SW Series heaters feature voltages up to 600V, ensuring our heaters can be engineered to meet your power supply configurations and operational needs.
  • Wattage & watt densities: Over-the-side immersion heaters offer a wide range of wattages and watt density ratings. The standard watt density is 35 watts per square inch but derated versions are also available (add “D” to start of the part number).
  • Dimensions: Customize the immersion length, cold section, and element configurations to fit your tank. Our team can design an over-the-side heater that’s perfectly sized to fit your space constraints while delivering the heat output you need.
  • Element numbers: These heaters can be configured with either 3-, 6-, or 12-element configurations for the efficient and cost-effective heating of both small and large tanks. The 12-element configuration is a particularly powerful space-saving design that puts up to 36kW into a tank, relieving the need to use multiple smaller heaters.
  • Element sheath material: Choose from a variety of sheath materials, including 304 or 316 Stainless Steel, Incoloy® 800, and Titanium. Ask us what material would provide the best lifespan and value for your metal finishing application.

Metal over-the-side heaters are commonly used in open-top tanks and process baths where parts are dipped for cleaning, coating, or chemical treatment. Their rugged construction and corrosion-resistant materials make them ideal for demanding industrial environments. Common Industries Served:

  • Metal Finishing & Plating: Aqueous alkaline solutions, plating, and phosphate tanks.
  • General Industrial: Provide reliable heat for caustics, detergents, and custom chemical solutions used across manufacturing processes.
  • Replaceable T1: Suitable for solutions with temperatures up to 180°F (82°C)
  • Replaceable T4: For solutions with temperatures between 180 to 230°F (82 to 110°C)
  • Replaceable T5: For solutions from 230 to 300°F (Not UL-Listed)
  • Resettable T2:  Suitable for solutions with temperatures up to 180°F (82°C)
  • Resettable T6: For solutions from 180 to 230°F (82 to 110°C)
  • Resettable T7: For solutions from 230 to 300°F (Not UL-Listed)

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LET US DESIGN AN SW HEATER FOR YOUR TANK

Know your tank’s dimensions, the solution you need to use, and the temperature, but don’t know heaters?

With 70 years of experience in the heating industry, we’ve helped countless companies select the right heater for their metal plating application. Simply fill out the below quote form, and a Heatmax representative will get back to you with a proposal within one business day.
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