PTC120-7W-006 Frequently Asked Questions

Simply put, yes--the right type of heat tape will really keep your pipes from freezing. By applying gentle heat, heat tape can prevent the water in your pipes from turning to ice and blocking the flow of water--or worse. Combined with proper insulation, heat tape regulates the overall temperature of your water pipes.

Heat tape is electrical equipment: improper installation, damaged cable, or misuse can cause fire or electric shock. Select cable approved for your pipe and location, follow its layout and insulation requirements, provide the specified electrical protection, and inspect it before each cold season. Do not use damaged equipment or overlap cable unless the exact product instructions permit it.

Yes, it can be used for both application types to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting during cold weather.

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.

Pipe heat tape is intended for freeze prevention, not as a guaranteed way to thaw an already frozen pipe. A frozen pipe may be damaged. Have the plumbing assessed and thawed safely by a qualified professional; never use an open flame. Before future cold weather, verify cable selection, thermostat placement, insulation, and electrical protection.

By attaching a heating cable to the exterior of a pipe, it will transfer the heat to the pipe to prevent frozen pipes. And with the use of pipe insulation the heat will be evenly spread and won't dissipate as quickly.

Cable temperature depends on the product, surrounding conditions, installation, and controls. Do not assume a universal surface-temperature range. Follow the exact cable and pipe manufacturers’ limits, particularly for plastic pipe, and use the specified insulation and thermostat placement.

Pipe heat tape electricity use depends on cable length, power output, run time, and controls. For a fixed-output cable, watts = length in feet × W/ft. A 30-foot, 7 W/ft kit draws 210 watts while energized; eight energized hours uses 1.68 kWh. Multiply by your local rate for cost. Thermostat duty cycle and self-regulating output change actual consumption.

PRO-Tect plug-in pipe heat tape carries a 2-year warranty. Service life depends on installation, exposure, operation, and maintenance; the warranty is not a service-life prediction. Inspect cable, insulation, thermostat contact, and electrical protection before each cold season and stop using damaged equipment.

No, the FPT 130 provides a summary alarm via a dry contact relay. This relay is energized whenever the unit is powered. So, with power off the NC contact is closed, and the NO contact is open. When the unit is powered these are in the opposite state. A fault will de-energize the alarm relay and close the NC contact. This allows for a default, power loss alarm without power.