Heater arrangement with connector or terminating element and fluoropolymer seal, and method of making the same

This application is based on and claims the priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 of German Patent Application 199 48 819.3, filed on Oct. 9, 1999, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. A heater arrangement such as a heating band is especially suitable for providing freeze protection for water pipes in an aircraft, because it is resistant to vibrations, greatly varying temperatures, low pressure conditions, and aggressive chemicals, while achieving a reliable seal against the penetration of moisture or liquid into the areas of the electrical connections. The heater arrangement includes a heating element with a heater band matrix and heating conductors extending therein, as well as a fluoropolymer protective layer thereover. A connecting element or a terminating element is connected to exposed ends of the heating conductors. To seal the area at which the connecting element or terminating element is connected to the heater arrangement, a fluoropolymer is extruded over this area, and/or a fluoropolymer molded part is used as a connection block or end cap. The fluoropolymer materials are thermally fused together to form a continuous integral seal.