Cartridge heaters are available with a standard 304 Stainless Steel sheath. In addition, 316SS and Incoloy 800 are optional. 304SS is excellent for most applications. However for extremely high temperature applications, Incoloy 800 is the better choice. For some corrosive environments, 316SS is recommended. The chart below can help in selecting a sheath material.
| Fluid being heated | 304SS | 316SS | Max Watt Density | Max Temp (°F) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air up to 1200 °F | E | E | E | 1200 |
| Air up to 1400°F | G | G | E | 1400 |
| Air up to 1600°F | F | F | G | 1600 |
| Acetic Acid | F | G | F | 180 |
| Acetone | E | E | E | 130 |
| Alcohol | F | E | E | 212 |
| Asphalt | E | E | E | 200-500 |
| Caustic Soda, 10% | E | E | E | 210 |
| Degreasing Solution | G | E | E | 275 |
| Electroplating Bath, Cadmium | E | E | E | 180 |
| Electroplating Bath, Copper | E | E | E | 180 |
| Ethylene Glycol | E | E | F | NA |
| Freon | E | E | E | 300 |
| Glycerin | E | E | E | 500 |
| Kerosene | E | E | E | NA |
| Molasses | E | E | E | 100 |
| Nitric Acid (30% max) | F | F | NR | 167 |
| Oil (SAE 30) | E | E | E | 250 |
| Oil (SAE 50) | E | E | E | 250 |
| Oil, Vegetable or Mineral | E | E | E | 400 |
| Paraffin or Wax | E | E | E | NA |
| Steam | E | E | E | 300 |
| Steam | E | E | E | 500 |
| Trichlorethylene | F | F | F | 150 |
| Water, Distilled | E | E | E | 212 |
| Water, Tap | F | E | E | 212 |
