Ibuki Kogyo A150ESSH/A200ESH Heater For Air Horn

Ibuki Kogyo A150ESSH/A200ESH Heater For Air Horn

The Ibuki Kogyo A150ESSH/A200ESH Heater For Air Horn is a 300W electric space-heating assembly built to prevent condensate freezing inside compressed-air diaphragm whistles. Designed in Osaka, Japan, for ocean-going vessels operating in sub-zero and ice-class latitudes, this element integrates directly into the air horn’s main body casting and valve housing.

Compressed air lines routed up forward masts and radar arches carry residual moisture. Without active thermal regulation, ambient temperatures below 0°C freeze condensation on the bronze/composite diaphragm seat and solenoid valve plunger, causing total acoustic failure during restricted visibility. Installing this heater keeps the internal valve chamber above the dew-point freezing threshold so the horn meets International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) readiness standards at all times.

Model Details

• Primary Heater Assembly Designation: Ibuki Kogyo 300W Space Heater Element for A150ESSH / A200ESH Series
• Manufacturer Part Numbers (MPN): A150ESSH-HTR / A200ESH-HTR (Assembly Reference: A150ESSH / A200ESH / A200ESH-B)
• Related Drawing References: ibk-01020302 (A150ESSH Outline View) | ibk-01010202 (A200ESH-B Outline View)
• Associated IMPA Codes: 370105, 370106, 370107, 370185–370199 (A150 / A200 Heated Air Horn Series)

Technical Details

Compatible Equipment Models

• Ibuki A150ESSH (Compact Class II Air Horn with Heater, 200 Hz, >138 dB/1m, for vessels 75m to <200m)
• Ibuki A150ESH / A150EH (Standard Class II Air Horns with Heater, 165 Hz / 135 Hz, >138 dB/1m, for vessels 75m to <200m)
• Ibuki A200ESH (Legacy Class I Air Horn with Heater, 128 Hz, >143 dB/1m, for vessels ≥200m)
• Ibuki A200ESH-B (Current-production Class I Air Horn with Heater & composite long-life diaphragm, 128 Hz, >143 dB/1m, for vessels ≥200m)

Features

1. 300W Continuous Thermal Output: Delivers steady conductive and radiant heat directly into the diaphragm chamber and solenoid valve block to prevent ice formation in sub-zero marine climates.
2. Dual-Series Mechanical Fitment: Engineered to fit the heater bosses and housing cavities of both the compact A150ESSH (25 kg) and full-size A200ESH / A200ESH-B (44 kg) air horn assemblies.
3. IP56 Marine Weatherproofing: Enclosed inside Ibuki’s cast-alloy waterproof housing with JIS-standard marine cable glands to resist green-water boarding seas and salt-spray corrosion.
4. Dedicated Heater Circuit Isolation: Wired independently of the main whistle control solenoid so continuous anti-icing power stays active from the wheelhouse distribution panel without affecting horn keying circuits.
5. OEM Japanese Construction: Built with marine-grade brass fittings and high-dielectric insulation rated for continuous masthead vibration and wide ambient temperature swings.

Applications

• Arctic & Ice-Class Navigation: Polar transit vessels, icebreakers, and winter Baltic/North Atlantic trading ships requiring uninterrupted SOLAS whistle readiness.
• Class II Commercial Vessels (75m – 200m): Feeder container ships, coastal tankers, bulkers, and offshore supply vessels fitted with Ibuki A150ESSH / A150ESH horns.
• Class I Ocean-Going Vessels (≥200m): VLCCs, Capesize bulk carriers, LNG carriers, and ultra-large container vessels running Ibuki A200ESH or A200ESH-B whistles.
• Winterization Retrofits & Dry-Dock Overhauls: Replacing burned-out open-circuit heating elements or upgrading unheated A150ESS / A200ES-B units during special surveys.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Ibuki 300W heater interchangeable between the A150ESSH and A200ESH air horns?

Yes. Both the compact Class II A150ESSH (for 75m–200m vessels) and the Class I A200ESH / A200ESH-B (for vessels over 200m) use a 300W electric space heater assembly to keep the diaphragm and valve housing ice-free. However, you must match the exact shipboard supply voltage (AC 100V/110V vs. AC 220V/230V) when ordering a replacement element.

Can the heater run on the same power circuit as the air horn solenoid valve?

No. The 300W heater requires a continuous single-phase AC power supply (100V–115V or 220V–230V) fed through its own dedicated breaker, whereas the whistle solenoid valve operates intermittently on a separate control circuit (commonly DC 24V 0.8A, AC 100V 0.2A, or AC 220V 0.1A) triggered by the bridge whistle controller.

When should the ship’s crew switch on the Ibuki air horn heater?

The bridge watch officer should energize the heater circuit whenever ambient air temperatures drop to +5°C or lower, or before entering freezing spray, snow, or sub-zero coastal waters. Keeping it switched off in warm climates extends the service life of the heating element and internal elastomeric seals.

What is the difference between the Ibuki A200ESH and A200ESH-B heater assemblies?

The A200ESH-B is the current-production successor to the discontinued A200ESH. While the A200ESH-B incorporates an upgraded long-life composite diaphragm design for lower air consumption (35 L/s), its anti-icing heating system retains the 300W rating at AC 100V or AC 220V.

What insulation resistance reading is required before commissioning a replacement heater?

Using a 500V DC insulation tester (Megger) between the heater terminals and the horn chassis ground, a healthy new or reconditioned element should read 100 MΩ or higher (with 20 MΩ generally treated as the minimum acceptable operational threshold in damp marine environments).