What is a PTC Heater?

What Is a PTC Heater? Principle, Features, and EV Applications

Updated September 2025 · Reviewed by KLC Thermal Engineering Team

PTC heater meaning: A PTC heater, or Positive Temperature Coefficient heater (PTC heating element), or self-regulating heater is a type of electric heater that uses PTC ceramic heating elements to convert electrical energy into thermal energy (heat). The term “Positive Temperature Coefficient” refers to the material’s inherent property, where its electrical resistance increases as the temperature rises, enabling the device to self-regulate its heat output.

How Do PTC Heaters Work?

Here’s how a PTC heater works: When electricity passes through the PTC heating element, it heats up. As the heater reaches a certain temperature, the PTC material’s resistance increases significantly, which reduces the current flowing through the element, thereby preventing overheating and providing a safer heating solution. This self-regulating feature allows the heater to maintain a consistent temperature without the need for additional thermostats or temperature controls.

Why Choose KLC PTC Heaters?

KLC specializes in custom-engineered PTC heating solutions backed by rigorous R&D, extensive field testing, and international certifications. Our heaters are designed for fast response, energy efficiency, and long-term reliability.

PTC heaters are notable for their quick response, energy efficiency, and enhanced safety compared to traditional heating elements that rely on electrical resistance and can overheat or cause fires. They are widely used in various applications, including:

1. Automotive: They’re commonly used in electric vehicles (EVs) to provide cabin heating since they consume less power and can provide immediate warmth.
2. Consumer Electronics: PTC heaters are found in devices like hair dryers, heated car seats, and space heaters.
3. Industrial Applications: They’re used in processes that require consistent and controlled heat, such as fluid heating, laboratory equipment, and environmental control for electronic components.
4. Commercial Products: From hand dryers in public restrooms to defoggers in mirrors, PTC heaters are integral in various commercial products.

One of the significant advantages of PTC heaters is their self-regulating capability, providing a built-in safeguard against overheating, which is a common concern with traditional heaters. Their energy efficiency also means they’re a more environmentally friendly option, important in an increasingly energy-conscious market.

Related PTC Heaters:

PTC Air Heater with Build-in Safety Fuse	High Voltage PTC Air Heater	PTC Heaters for Electric Vehicles	PTC Air Heater with Mounting Frame
Full Claded Series	STW Series	PTC Heater for EVs	Accessories
PTC Air Heater	PTC Heat Conductor with Heat Sink	PTC Heate Conductors	PTC Heate Conductors
SS Series	LCH-E Series	LCH-C Series	LCH-A Series

• Ultra Thin Flexible Heaters
• PTC heaters for Electric Vehicles
• PTC heater for constant battery discharge
• PTC applications
• Ultra Thin Flexible Heater Applications

Characteristics

1. The PTC heating component is installed with safety protection device. When it is used abnormally, current will automatically cut off to maintain safety.
2. The heating components are integrated together, consist of average heating effect. When used for heaters, it can independently control single PTC (500W,800W) double PTC (1000W,1500W) or triple PTC(1500W,2000W) heating components, effectively saves electricity cost and increases product life.
3. The pole and terminal are connected by point welding, preventing electrode loosen causing resistant and temperature to increase when heated, cold contraction or heat inflation.
4. The outer edge of the PTC heating component is designed with single and double insulation. When in contact with metal will not cause electric shock or short circuit.
5. The heating component is airtight/ tightly sealed, electrode is unexposed. Most suitable for application in bathroom or high humidity locations.
6. It is installed with double insulation heating device, can be used underwater, without causing electricity leakage or short circuit. When heated dry, it will not crack or burn down the container.
7. No smell, no radiation and will not oxidize or cause oxygen shortage when used for a long time.
8. Fast thermal respond time, low inrush current. Will not cause fire sparks or flame by instant/sudden power supply or when in contact with flammable objects such as matches, cotton, paper.
9. Temperature control devices are not required for various temperature selections. Static heating, lowers product cost and saves electricity effectively.
10. The heating component not only can be used in heater fans, its individual components can also be used for general house ware electricity appliances
11. Either AC/DC can be applied to meet customers’ requirements, special specification can be developed according to customers’ need.

RT Curve of a PTC Heater

Here’s what the RT curve of a PTC heater (Positive Temperature Coefficient heater) explains:

1. Initial Resistance and Temperature Rise: At lower temperatures, a PTC material exhibits a relatively low resistance, allowing a higher current to flow, which generates heat. This part of the curve is relatively flat, indicating a stable resistance across a wide range of temperatures. This region is where the material behaves more like a typical resistor.
2. Sharp Increase in Resistance: As the temperature reaches a certain point, known as the “Curie temperature” or “switching temperature,” the resistance of the PTC material increases dramatically. This part of the RT curve is very steep, signifying that a small increase in temperature causes a significant increase in resistance. This is the positive temperature coefficient effect, which gives the PTC its name.
3. Self-regulation Zone: Beyond the Curie temperature, the resistance levels off again, and there’s a decrease in the rate of resistance change. This is where the self-regulating property of PTC materials is most evident. The high resistance reduces the current flow, thus limiting the heat generation. Consequently, the temperature stabilizes, preventing the material from overheating.
4. Cooling Phase: If the PTC material cools down, its resistance decreases, allowing more current to flow and thereby increasing the heat output again. This hysteresis effect helps maintain a relatively constant temperature.

In applications such as PTC heaters, the RT curve is essential for determining the operational temperature range and ensuring safe and efficient performance. It helps engineers and designers to specify the right PTC materials for applications requiring precise thermal control and safety from overheating.

Typical Applications

Automotive (DC Applications):

• Cabin heating for EVs and hybrid vehicles
• Battery heating and thermal management
• SCR system heating (urea/DEF)
• Blow-by gas heating and diesel filter heaters

Consumer & Industrial (AC Applications):

• Hair dryers, shoe dryers, towel warmers, ironing devices
• Air conditioners, humidifiers, and dehumidifiers
• Hand dryers in public restrooms
• Mirror defoggers, heated seats

Technical Advantages

• We have heater housing cover for 1500-2000W hot air machine, fore and hind net parts to provide our customers for use.
• Custom engineering support for heater and conductive product development.
• Patents held in: USA, Taiwan, China, France, Germany, and the UK…

FAQs about PTC Heaters

Q1：What is a PTC Heater?
A: A PTC Heater is a type of resistor with a Positive Temperature Coefficient, meaning its resistance increases with temperature. It’s commonly used in heating and circuit protection applications.

Q2：How does a PTC heater work in heating systems?
A: When voltage is applied, the thermistor heats up. As the temperature increases, its resistance increases as well, which limits current flow and provides self-regulation.

Q3：What materials are used in PTC Heater?
A: PTC thermistors are typically made from ceramic materials such as barium titanate. The doped formulation determines their Curie temperature and electrical behavior.

Q4：How do you calculate the resistance-temperature relationship?
A: The resistance curve of a PTC Heater is typically non-linear and follows an exponential pattern after the Curie point. It’s often charted using R-T graphs specific to the material type.

Q5：What’s the difference between a PTC heater and a traditional one?

A: Unlike conventional resistive wire heaters, PTC heaters automatically adjust power output based on surrounding temperature. This makes them more energy-efficient, longer lasting, and maintenance-free.

Related Products

• PTC air heaters
• PTC air heater frames
• PTC heat conductors
• PTC Thermistors
• PTC heaters for Electric Vehicles
• PTC heater for constant battery discharge
• PTC applications

Need expert help choosing the right PTC heater for your application? Contact KLC for engineering consultation and product customization.