About DirectConnect™
Electrifying large‑scale process heating is essential to reducing emissions and enhancing efficiency. But moving away from trusted fuel‑fired systems can raise real concerns around uptime, reliability, and operational risk.
DirectConnect™ is designed to remove that uncertainty.
With the largest installed base of medium voltage heating systems, Chromalox delivers a proven solution for high‑capacity processes.
Engineered to perform reliably in demanding, real‑world environments DirectConnect is a medium voltage solution that you can trust to deliver high‑capacity electrification without operational compromise.
Why DirectConnect™ stands apart
Proven in real‑world applications
Chromalox has been designing and installing medium voltage heating solutions for over a decade, with more installed systems than any other supplier. That experience translates directly into lower risk, faster deployment, and trusted long‑term performance in demanding environments
MV expertise - built on experience
Delivering medium voltage heating at scale requires deep application knowledge and practical installation expertise.
Our in‑house specialist engineers bring extensive experience in integrating DirectConnect™ systems into complex, large‑scale processes. From front‑end design through to commissioning, they understand the challenges of electrifying critical operations and ensure each system is:
- Correctly specified for the application
- Safely and efficiently integrated into the process
- Optimised for long‑term performance and reliability
This hands‑on expertise, developed across our global installed base, gives you confidence that your project will be delivered right and built to perform.
Engineered for safety
DirectConnect™ Converter Systems are designed specifically for electric heater power control and engineered in accordance with IEC 62477 - the international standard for power electronic converter systems.
Many alternative solutions are based on equipment originally intended for switching or motor control, rather than continuously modulating heater load.
The difference is critical:
IEC 62477 addresses electrical, thermal, and fault‑condition risks in power conversion. It ensures systems are designed to protect people, equipment, and processes under real operating conditions.
The advantages of medium voltage - delivered with confidence
Medium voltage electric heating enables a step change in what’s possible for large‑scale processes, delivering higher capacity with greater efficiency, reduced infrastructure requirements, and precise temperature control.
And while the benefits of medium voltage heating are clear, how those benefits are delivered is critical. DirectConnect™ combines proven system design, specialist engineering expertise, and standards‑based safety - so you can adopt medium voltage heating with confidence in performance, reliability, and safe operation.
Converter systems engineered for electric heating
At the heart of DirectConnect™ are our medium voltage converter systems, specifically designed for electric heater power control.
- Engineered to IEC 62477, not switchgear standards
- Designed for continuous power modulation, not simple switching
- Built with patented moisture damage mitigation intelligence
- Integrated safety features including arc‑flash protection and kirk key interlock system
- Enabled for remote monitoring and seamless system integration
This ensures a higher level of protection, performance, and long‑term reliability than systems adapted from motor‑drive technology.
Fully engineered, efficient system design
DirectConnect™ is not a heater alone, it offers a fully engineered medium voltage heating system, including a purpose‑built converter system and integrated controls and protection.
Designed end‑to‑end for electric heating, the system delivers stable power modulation, optimised performance, and seamless process integration. Lower installation costs with greater operating efficiency. Medium voltage design fundamentally reduces the complexity and cost of large‑scale electric heating installations.
Reduced infrastructure and installation complexity
Operates up to 7200V, minimising or eliminating transformers while reducing cabling, terminations, and overall installation scope
Lower electrical load, simpler system design
Lower current requirements mean smaller cables, fewer runs, and less labour - streamlining project delivery
Improved efficiency and long‑term cost savings
Reduced I²R losses increase system efficiency from around 96% to 99%+, lowering operating costs over the lifecycle
Our Range of DirectConnect™ Products
Chromalox DirectConnect™ offers medium-voltage heaters, converter systems, and heat transfer systems that reduce costs and ensure precise temperature control.
DirectConnect™ in numbers
92
sites worldwide using Chromalox DirectConnect™ Medium Voltage technology
up to 432
tons of CO² avoided per day across Chromalox DirectConnect™ Medium Voltage global sites in operation
1000 s
of tons of copper saved globally thanks to DirectConnect™ installations reducing the need for complex wiring runs and additional transformers
Interested in Medium Voltage?
Speak to one of our thermal energy experts to understand how Chromalox DirectConnect™ can reduce your installation and lifecycle costs and also deliver emissions-free operation.
