Heat trace, heat tape, or heating cable for pipes is typically an electric heating cable that can be attached to the pipe which helps keep non-flowing water pipes in poorly insulated perimeter walls flowing despite harsh winter temperatures.
4 people found this helpful. Did you find this helpful? Yes NoUnfortunately there's no set answer for this because it depends on many factors such as the diameter of the pipes, the installation density of the heating cables, the outdoor temperature, the installation of thermal insulation sleeves, etc.
There are too many variables to provide an accurate answer. Even though this product is designed to keep pipes from freezing, it is not designed to thaw pipes. If your pipe has frozen with the heat tape installed and energized, please check the placement of the built-in thermostat and verify that the insulation has been properly installed and waterproofed.
Only use on water pipes with a length greater than 3‘. Maximum pipe diameter of 1.5“. Never use a cable that is longer than the pipe. Never install constant wattage pipe heat on plastic/PVC/PEX piping unless it is filled with water at all times. Never install on pipes heated above 149°F/65°C such as steam lines.
Did you find this helpful? Yes NoNever spiral heating cable on pipes. Apply the constant wattage cable straight along the bottom of horizontal pipe, or the "weather side" of verticle pipe. For pipes 1“-1.5“ in diameter, apply two separate cables on opposite sides of the pipe. Please refer to the installation manual for further information.
Did you find this helpful? Yes NoConstant wattage cable cannot be used on plastic pipe unless it is filled with water at all times. Never spiral or wrap heating cable around pipes. Keep the heating cable straight along the pipe. In order to obtain even heat distribution, WarmlyYours recommends wrapping plastic pipe with aluminum foil before applying the heating cable. Never use more than ½“ of fiberglass or other non-flammable pipe insulation because this can cause the cable to overheat and cause a serious fire hazard or electrical shock.
Did you find this helpful? Yes NoAs the names imply, constant wattage cable uses fixed wattage output per linear foot and does not automatically adjust in response to temperature changes. Self-regulating cable is manufactured with a resistance matrix placed between its 2 buss wires that varies the ohms resistance per linear foot to automatically adjust in response to temperature changes. Learn more about this in our blog Self-Regulating vs. Constant Wattage Heating Cables.
Did you find this helpful? Yes NoAmps | 0.18 A |
Cable Construction | Twin conductor |
Cable Type | Constant Wattage |
Conductor Insulation | XLPE |
Connection Method | Plug-in |
Ohms | 685.7 Ω |
Outer Insulation | PVC |
Plug-Type | NEMA 5-15 (Type B) |
Plug-in Cable Diameter | 0.31″ / 8mm |
Plug-in Cord Length | 2′ |
Voltage | 120 V |
Watts | 21 W |
Watts Per Linear Ft. | 7 W |
Approvals | cUL Listed, CSA Listed, and cETLus Listed |
Warranty | 2-year warranty |
Cable Cross Section | 0.31″ x 0.23″ / 8mm x 6mm |
Heating Cable Length | 3′ |
Splice Dimensions | 0.56″ x 6.69″ x 0.94″ / 1.4cm x 17.5cm x 2.4cm |
Weight | 0.2 lbs |
Maximum Pipe Diameter | 1 ½″ (3.81cm) |
Minimum Bend Radius | 1″ (2.54cm) |
Minimum Installation Temperature | 15°F (-10°C) |
SKU | PTC120-7W-003 |
UPC (GTIN-12) | 881308062330 |
Thermostat | Built-in: ON setpoint 37.4°F (3°C), OFF setpoint 50°F (10°C) |
Do you need support or specifications for a specific model? Identify your model below.