Watlow Brand Logo
  • English
    • 中文
    • Deutsch
  • Products & Services

    Products & Services

    Products Services Configure a Product Part Lookup Help Me Choose Product Documentation
    Products
    View All

    Electric Heaters
    Cartridge Insertion Heaters Circulation Heaters Immersion Heaters Air Heaters Flexible Heaters Tubular Heaters Gas Delivery and Exhaust Heaters High-Temperature Heaters Specialty Heaters View All
    Temperature & Process Control
    Multi Loop Controllers Single Loop Controllers Indicators and Alarms Limits and Scanners Operator Interfaces
    Power Control
    Power Controllers Power Switches
    Data Management
    Data Recorders
    Panels & Systems
    WATCONNECT® Control Panels POWERSAFE™ Thermal System
    Sensors
    Thermocouples Resistance Temperature Detectors (RTDs) Fiber Optic Sensing
    man with dual monitors using product selection assistant
    Not Sure? Try Our Digital Product Assistant

    Take the complexity out of product selection with our innovative Digital Product Assistant. Answer a few application questions and our interactive tool will recommend a product from our catalog.

    Launch Assistant
    Services

    thermalwatch thumbnail image of laptop with modern analytics dashboard
    THERMALWATCH™ Intelligent Analytics Solution

    THERMALWATCH leverages our deep understanding of thermal systems to provide secure data integration and management, along with expert analysis, to transform data into valuable information.

    Learn More
    Configure a Product

    vd_
    Watlow SELECT® Visual Designer™

    Quickly configure a product to meet the unique requirements of your application. Instantly access lead times, dimensional drawings, and more - at your own pace. No login required.

    Get Started

    Prefer to talk to a human? Find a Distributor or Sales Office 

    Part Lookup

    Know Your Part Number?

    Enter your part number exactly as marked.

    #
    Tip

    Many parts have lead times, dimensional, drawings, and more available on-demand. Click "Request a Quote" on the search result to access.

    Help Me Choose

    man with dual monitors using product selection assistant
    Not Sure? Try Our Digital Product Assistant

    Take the complexity out of product selection with our innovative Digital Product Assistant. Answer a few application questions and our interactive tool will recommend a product from our catalog.

    Launch Assistant
    Still need help? Locate a Rep Contact Us
    Product Documentation

    Watlow Catalogs Specification Sheets User Manuals Software and Demos Brochures
    CAD Drawings Mobile Applications Watlow Patents Certifications & Approvals
    catalog-ebook
    Try Our Interactive Catalogs

    Click Here

    Products
    View All

    Electric Heaters
    Cartridge Insertion Heaters Circulation Heaters Immersion Heaters Air Heaters Flexible Heaters Tubular Heaters Gas Delivery and Exhaust Heaters High-Temperature Heaters Specialty Heaters View All
    Temperature & Process Control
    Multi Loop Controllers Single Loop Controllers Indicators and Alarms Limits and Scanners Operator Interfaces
    Power Control
    Power Controllers Power Switches
    Data Management
    Data Recorders
    Panels & Systems
    WATCONNECT® Control Panels POWERSAFE™ Thermal System
    Sensors
    Thermocouples Resistance Temperature Detectors (RTDs) Fiber Optic Sensing
    man with dual monitors using product selection assistant
    Not Sure? Try Our Digital Product Assistant

    Take the complexity out of product selection with our innovative Digital Product Assistant. Answer a few application questions and our interactive tool will recommend a product from our catalog.

    Launch Assistant

    Services

    thermalwatch thumbnail image of laptop with modern analytics dashboard
    THERMALWATCH™ Intelligent Analytics Solution

    THERMALWATCH leverages our deep understanding of thermal systems to provide secure data integration and management, along with expert analysis, to transform data into valuable information.

    Learn More

    Configure a Product

    vd_
    Watlow SELECT® Visual Designer™

    Quickly configure a product to meet the unique requirements of your application. Instantly access lead times, dimensional drawings, and more - at your own pace. No login required.

    Get Started

    Prefer to talk to a human? Find a Distributor or Sales Office 

    Part Lookup

    Know Your Part Number?

    Enter your part number exactly as marked.

    #
    Tip

    Many parts have lead times, dimensional, drawings, and more available on-demand. Click "Request a Quote" on the search result to access.

    Help Me Choose

    man with dual monitors using product selection assistant
    Not Sure? Try Our Digital Product Assistant

    Take the complexity out of product selection with our innovative Digital Product Assistant. Answer a few application questions and our interactive tool will recommend a product from our catalog.

    Launch Assistant
    Still need help? Locate a Rep Contact Us

    Product Documentation

    Watlow Catalogs Specification Sheets User Manuals Software and Demos Brochures
    CAD Drawings Mobile Applications Watlow Patents Certifications & Approvals
    catalog-ebook
    Try Our Interactive Catalogs

    Click Here

  • What We Do

    What We Do

    The Thermal Loop Industry Solutions Electrification Industry 4.0
    The Thermal Loop
    Learn More

    icon representing a thermal loop system
    The Thermal Loop

    For Watlow, the underlying concept behind everything we do is that of the thermal loop. Every product we offer, and every project we work on, is ultimately about the creation and control of a thermal loop in an application. 

    Learn More
    Industries

    Heat Treatment Energy and Environmental Technologies Life Sciences
    Clinical Equipment Semiconductor Processing Foodservice Equipment
    Electrification

    thumbnails of white papers relating to electrification and decarbonization
    Electrification

    Over 100 years ago, Watlow began designing and manufacturing electric heating elements to replace steam in the shoe industry. We've been electrifying equipment and processes ever since. Wherever thermal is critical, no one is better equipped to help you reach your energy transition goals. Learn why leading companies partner with us.

    Learn More
    Industry 4.0

    thumbnail of industry 4.0 white paper on tablet and print
    The Thermal Loop & Industry 4.0

    Industry 4.0 technology enables the capture and processing of data in real time, both where its generated and where it is needed, to implement effective improvements to industrial processes. Capturing data, though, is not enough. The advantage Watlow® brings to an Industry 4.0 project are its thermal experts, who understand both the important role thermal loop systems play in key applications and industry 4.0 implementations.

    Learn More

    The Thermal Loop
    Learn More

    icon representing a thermal loop system
    The Thermal Loop

    For Watlow, the underlying concept behind everything we do is that of the thermal loop. Every product we offer, and every project we work on, is ultimately about the creation and control of a thermal loop in an application. 

    Learn More

    Industries

    Heat Treatment Energy and Environmental Technologies Life Sciences
    Clinical Equipment Semiconductor Processing Foodservice Equipment

    Electrification

    thumbnails of white papers relating to electrification and decarbonization
    Electrification

    Over 100 years ago, Watlow began designing and manufacturing electric heating elements to replace steam in the shoe industry. We've been electrifying equipment and processes ever since. Wherever thermal is critical, no one is better equipped to help you reach your energy transition goals. Learn why leading companies partner with us.

    Learn More

    Industry 4.0

    thumbnail of industry 4.0 white paper on tablet and print
    The Thermal Loop & Industry 4.0

    Industry 4.0 technology enables the capture and processing of data in real time, both where its generated and where it is needed, to implement effective improvements to industrial processes. Capturing data, though, is not enough. The advantage Watlow® brings to an Industry 4.0 project are its thermal experts, who understand both the important role thermal loop systems play in key applications and industry 4.0 implementations.

    Learn More
  • Who We Are

    Who We Are

    About Us Core Values Sustainability News Events & Webinars
    About Us

    We solve the world's toughest and most important thermal problems.


    About Us Leadership Team Company History Watlow Worldwide
    Core Values

    core values compass
    The Watlow Way

    At Watlow, our lean journey, as well as our core organizational beliefs are aligned with the Watlow Way, a set of core principles, behaviors and values which guides our company and is woven through every decision we make.

    Learn More
    Sustainability

    sustainability graphic - green earth
    Some of our best work is performed in areas intended to protect and preserve our environment

    We believe protecting the environment is everyone's responsibility and both our products and our own lean manufacturing processes are designed to address these challenges.

    Learn More
    News

    Find the latest news, press releases and annoucements.


    News
    Shiyi Zhou Joins Watlow® as Regional President for Asia Watlow® Welcomes Klaus Aarestrup as New Regional President of Europe Watlow’s New Large and Extra Large WATCONNECT® Control Panels Maximize Process Uptime with a Small Footprint Watlow’s New PM PLUS® 1/8 DIN PID Controller Watlow® Obtains KGS Certification on Flange and Circulation Heaters Watlow® Completes Acquisition of Eurotherm®
    View All News 
    Events

    Watlow & Eurotherm tradeshow booth at SPS 2024
    Events & Webinars

    Stay connected with Watlow through a variety of events, including upcoming trade shows, webinars, corporate and community involvement activities.

    Learn More

    About Us

    About Us Leadership Team Company History Watlow Worldwide

    Core Values

    core values compass
    The Watlow Way

    At Watlow, our lean journey, as well as our core organizational beliefs are aligned with the Watlow Way, a set of core principles, behaviors and values which guides our company and is woven through every decision we make.

    Learn More

    Sustainability

    sustainability graphic - green earth
    Some of our best work is performed in areas intended to protect and preserve our environment

    We believe protecting the environment is everyone's responsibility and both our products and our own lean manufacturing processes are designed to address these challenges.

    Learn More

    News

    News
    Shiyi Zhou Joins Watlow® as Regional President for Asia Watlow® Welcomes Klaus Aarestrup as New Regional President of Europe Watlow’s New Large and Extra Large WATCONNECT® Control Panels Maximize Process Uptime with a Small Footprint Watlow’s New PM PLUS® 1/8 DIN PID Controller Watlow® Obtains KGS Certification on Flange and Circulation Heaters Watlow® Completes Acquisition of Eurotherm®
    View All News 

    Events

    Watlow & Eurotherm tradeshow booth at SPS 2024
    Events & Webinars

    Stay connected with Watlow through a variety of events, including upcoming trade shows, webinars, corporate and community involvement activities.

    Learn More
  • Resources

    Resources

    Product Documentation Tools and Calculators Customer Service Knowledge and Insights CMRT/EMRT & Russian Material Disclosure Events & Webinars
    Product Documents

    Watlow Catalogs Specification Sheets User Manuals Software and Demos Brochures
    CAD Drawings Mobile Applications Watlow Patents Certifications & Approvals Retrofit Guides
    Tools and Calculators
     

    Wattage Calculator Ohm's Law Calculator 3-Phase Delta / Wye Calculator Glossary Equations Reference Data
    Customer Service Documents

    Invoice Payment Options Supplier Requirements Environmental Polices and Statements Copyright and Trademark Information Certifications & Approvals Policies Return Materials Authorization (RMA)
    Knowledge and Insights

    thumbnails of white papers relating to electrification and decarbonization
    White Papers
      Browse White Papers
    Tech Tips logo
    Tech Tips
      Browse Articles
    CMRT/EMRT & Russian Material Disclosure
     

    Conflict/Extended Mineral Russian Material Disclosure [.PDF]
    Events

    Watlow & Eurotherm tradeshow booth at SPS 2024
    Events & Webinars

    Stay connected with Watlow through a variety of events, including upcoming trade shows, webinars, corporate and community involvement activities.

    Learn More

    Product Documents

    Watlow Catalogs Specification Sheets User Manuals Software and Demos Brochures
    CAD Drawings Mobile Applications Watlow Patents Certifications & Approvals Retrofit Guides

    Tools and Calculators

    Wattage Calculator Ohm's Law Calculator 3-Phase Delta / Wye Calculator Glossary Equations Reference Data

    Customer Service Documents

    Invoice Payment Options Supplier Requirements Environmental Polices and Statements Copyright and Trademark Information Certifications & Approvals Policies Return Materials Authorization (RMA)

    Knowledge and Insights

    thumbnails of white papers relating to electrification and decarbonization
    White Papers
      Browse White Papers
    Tech Tips logo
    Tech Tips
      Browse Articles

    CMRT/EMRT & Russian Material Disclosure

    Conflict/Extended Mineral Russian Material Disclosure [.PDF]

    Events

    Watlow & Eurotherm tradeshow booth at SPS 2024
    Events & Webinars

    Stay connected with Watlow through a variety of events, including upcoming trade shows, webinars, corporate and community involvement activities.

    Learn More
  • Careers

    Careers

    Careers
    Career Opportunities

    Are you looking for an opportunity to make a great living and be part of a thriving cross functional community? Select an option below to view opportunities in your region.


    View Openings
    United States Europe Asia Mexico
    STM
    Student Programs
    At Watlow®, we recognize the importance of learning, experimenting, and building your career. Our student programs are a great way for you to gain hands-on experience and on-the-job learning from the start. Learn More

    Career Opportunities

    View Openings
    United States Europe Asia Mexico
    STM
    Student Programs
    At Watlow®, we recognize the importance of learning, experimenting, and building your career. Our student programs are a great way for you to gain hands-on experience and on-the-job learning from the start. Learn More
  • English
    • Español
    • Français
    • Italia
    • Dutch
    • 中文
    • Deutsch
  • Contact Us
    • Contact Watlow
    • Locate a Partner

Search

  1. Browse Products
  2. Heaters
  3. Cartridge Insertion Heaters

FIREROD® Cartridge Heaters - Frequently Asked Questions 

  • How do I know that my heater will be built to the correct specifications?
  • How long will my heater last?
  • How fast can I get my heater?
  • How do I determine the correct hole diameter size for my application?
  • Can I get a drawing of my heater?
  • What additional documentation is available for my heater? or How do I access all the documentation I need?
  • What lead options are available?
  • What is the best way to control my heater(s)?
  • What else do I need?
  • Do your heaters meet UL® requirements?
  • How much will my heater cost?
  • Can I get a discount?
  • How do Watlow cartridge heaters compare to competitive cartridge heaters?
  • How do I justify purchasing from Watlow?

How do I know that my heater will be built to the correct specifications?

Watlow uses vigorous testing and manufacturing processes to ensure that all heaters perform exactly as they are designed. Our engineers have been designing thermal systems for virtually every application since 1922. We have leveraged this broad experience to create a suite of online tools designed to assist customers in the selection process. Our Product Selector, Visual Designer™ and Engineering Tools will guide you through the heater selection process. You can also refer to our “General Method for Determining Heater Requirements” page.

How long will my heater last?

There are many variables that contribute to heater life including temperature, duty cycles, heater design, the operating environment and controlling methods. While our products are designed to perform for years of “normal” operation, there is not a single answer possible given the number of factors involved. Minimizing thermal cycling of the heater by using PID control and faster power switching algorithms available in the ASPYRE® power controller will increase heater life. Another helpful resource in our “Ten Tips to Maximize the Heater Performance".

How fast can I get my heater?

All cartridge heaters are built-to-order based on your application needs. Watlow customers are not constrained by catalog stock heaters so you get the best of both worlds: a heater tailored to your needs that is built and shipped within days of ordering. Many standard cartridge heaters are included in our Watlow SELECT™ program where you can easily configure the product you need online with our Visual Designer tool. SELECT heaters are also shipped within five days or less. If you need it sooner you can expedite your order to same-day/next-day shipping for $125 or 25%, whichever is greater. (Note: same-day/next-day shipping is determined by when an order is placed. If placed before noon CST, your cartridge heater will ship same-day).

How do I determine the correct hole diameter size for my application?

Use this guide to determine maximum hole size or recommended watt density.

Can I get a drawing of my heater?

You can create your own drawing through the configuration process on the Visual Designer. The tool will generate a dimensional image based on the selections made during the configuration process. The visual feedback featured in the Visual Designer guides you through the configuration process to ensure order accuracy and design flexibility.

What additional documentation is available for my heater?

  • Cartridge heater catalog section
  • Specification sheets:
    • FIREROD Cartridge Heaters 
    • 1/8" FIREROD Cartridge Heaters
    • FIREROD Cartridge Immersion Heaters
    • High Temperature FIREROD Cartridge Heaters
    • Metric FIREROD Cartridge Heaters
  • FIREROD Cartridge Heater Product Guide 
  • The Watlow Application Guide
  • Corrosion charts/material compatibility

What lead options are available?

Depending upon your heater requirements (diameter, voltage, wattage, length and termination options), the design combinations are broad. The Visual Designer will provide you with all termination options currently available based on the specifications of your heater as you proceed through the configuration process.

What is the best way to control my heaters?

The “best way” depends on what is important to you or your customer.  For accurate temperature control a closed loop control system using PID control with a solid-state power switching device is recommended.  Many customers use Watlow’s EZ-ZONE® controller.  These come in many form factors including panel mount, rail mount, touch screen, single loop or multi-loop configurations.  If safety is important, an integrated, UL® or FM® approved limit is available.  See our interactive thermal system diagram for more information on temperature and power controller products for your application.

What else do I need?

All thermal applications include four basic components to form a thermal loop. A simple description includes the heater, a sensing device, a controlling mechanism and a power switch. The heater provides the thermal energy required to do the work. The sensor monitors the operating temperature sending signal information to the controller. The controller sends commands to the power switch to deliver power to the heater as needed to maintain the required temperature. Watlow also offers a range of additional products to maximize the performance of your system, such as data loggers for industries requiring regulatory compliance or users who want more visibility into their process. See our interactive thermal system diagram for recommendations on all thermal products needed for your application. You can also view our online article, “Specifying Thermal Components – Making a Great Gumbo”.

Do your heaters meet UL® requirements?

Many of our heater constructions carry UL® component recognition:

  • UL® component rated to 240VAC (file number E52951)
  • CSA component rated to 240VAC (file number LR7392)
  • VDE component rated to 240VAC (file number 1164800-4911-0009) (file number 1164800-4911-0004)

Note: Not all options or combinations of options are covered. UL®, CSA, VDE and CE marking is available upon request.

How much will my heater cost?

Heater pricing is entirely dependent on the specifications required for each application. Watlow’s Visual Designer allows customers to configure a heater that will meet their application requirements.

The tool will not only generate a list price for the configured heater but will also create a dimensional image to ensure that what you have configured is what you will receive. Pricing is based upon Watlow’s standard terms and conditions.

How can I get a discount?

Discounted pricing may be available for larger order sizes. For more information please contact your sales office or local distributor. To locate an authorized Watlow representative, use our sales office and distributor locator.

How do Watlow cartridge heaters compare to competitive heaters?

Watlow has consistently built world-class, high-quality products since 1922. We stand behind our cartridge heaters with a full one-year warranty (warranty terms). 

How do I justify why I bought from Watlow?

The world’s leading companies start with Watlow for all their thermal needs. This has been true since 1922 when our company was founded. Our engineering expertise, local support and comprehensive product offering enable Watlow to consistently lead the industry with innovative products wherever thermal is critical.

Back to top
About Us
  • Core Values
  • Environmental Sustainability
  • Social Responsibility
  • Governance
  • Watlow Worldwide
  • Company History
  • News
Contact Us
  • Submit an Inquiry
  • Locate a Partner
  • Locate a Sales Office
  • Application Assistance
  • e-Solutions Login
Industries We Serve
  • Heat Treatment
  • Energy and Environmental Technologies
  • Semiconductor Processing
  • Clinical Equipment
  • Foodservice Equipment
  • Life Sciences
Resources & Support
  • Customer Service & Support
  • Engineering Tools
  • Technical Library
  • Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal
  • OFCCP Pay Transparency Non-Discrimination Provision
  • Environmental Product Information Request Portal
    • Core Values
    • Environmental Sustainability
    • Social Responsibility
    • Governance
    • Watlow Worldwide
    • Company History
    • News
    • Submit an Inquiry
    • Locate a Partner
    • Locate a Sales Office
    • Application Assistance
    • e-Solutions Login
    • Heat Treatment
    • Energy and Environmental Technologies
    • Semiconductor Processing
    • Clinical Equipment
    • Foodservice Equipment
    • Life Sciences
    • Customer Service & Support
    • Engineering Tools
    • Technical Library
    • Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal
    • OFCCP Pay Transparency Non-Discrimination Provision
    • Environmental Product Information Request Portal
Policies Privacy Policy Terms of Use Data Protection Policy - GDPR
© 2025 Watlow Electric Manufacturing Company. All Rights Reserved.