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Fluval/Tronic safety

What makes the Tronic different and safer than other heaters?

What makes the Tronic different and safer than other heaters?
The major difference between most other heaters and the Fluval/Tronic is the patented Thermo-Sensor which transmits the glass temperature of an isolated area of the tube continuously to an integrated circuit that controls the heating circuit. Almost every other heater on the market uses a bi-metallic strip to do the job of both monitoring air temperature inside the tube ans controlling the heater element. Bi-Metallic strips react to the temperature within the tube and are a true moving part that can actually arc and weld itself in the on position. The system uses a bar of metal that moves back and forth to close an electronic circuit depending on the ambient temperature in the tube. It actually does not have all that much actual reference to the water temperature. The heater core, when it is on, can cause temperature rises in the tube that have nothing to do with the actual water temperature. In many cases the unit will shut down long before the proper water temperature is attained and not re-start the heating process until the air temperature drops back to the right level.

We have not heard of the Tronic being stuck on, since the unit is a chip controlled unit, using a separate and more accurate sensor that is pressed directly to the glass tube - and essentially monitors the water temperature. Due to the thermodynamics of glass immersed in water, heat is transferred from the heater core to the water directly at point of creation as fast as it is made and is not conducted through the glass to other parts of the tube. The actual temperature of the glass closely mirrors the water temperature. Since the heater's circuit control is electronic, not a set of eletrical points, the system cannot stick on or off. As an electrical current passes through moving parts and the points of contact, some arcing and welding can occur, especially if the temperature is very close so the opening or shutting of the circuit is extended. Build-ups of carbon often occur and can lead to stuck points.

Another advantage of the Fluval/Tronic is that when it is exposed in a powered condition to air, different thermodynamics operate. The glass, when exposed to air becomes a more effective conductor of heat and will cause the glass temperature to rise. The Thermo-Sensor delivers the data to the integrated circuit which has been programmed to recognize a dangerous condition of glass temperature at or above 150 degrees. When this information is sent to the IC, the heater is switched off until the glass cools. This is not a one-shot fuse, but rather re-sets automatically to ensure a long life to the heater as it will recycle rather than destroy in this abnormal condition. Since the glass is tempered to a 200 degree state, the glass is protected and will not shatter. Also, the heat is low enough that it cannot create a fire if it is left plugged in on a normal surface. This does not protect from customer abuse, however, the problem of placing a hot heater into a cold tank will cause the glass to shatter as the sudden temperature differential will create untenable stresses on the glass chrystaline matrix.

I hope this helps you understand better the differences between a truly electronic heater and the older technology of the bi-metallic strip.

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