How to Install a Constant Wattage Water Pipe Freeze Protection Cable Heat Tape
In this video, we show you how to install our constant wattage heat tape for pipes. These plug-in heat tape cables will prevent your pipes from freezing in temperatures as low as -40°F/-40°C by providing 7 watts of heating per linear foot.
To start, you're going to get the items you need for installation:
- Heat Tape
- Installation manual
- Fiberglass insulating wrap
- Electrical tape
- Pencil
- Scissors
- Plastic waterproof
- Tape measure
Next, make sure the pipe is clean and free of any sharp edges. The cable will be attached to the bottom of the pipe. Starting at the switch part of the cable, measure every 6 inches to mark the pipe. Electrical tape is used at each of these spots to attach the cable to the pipe. If you have any leftover cable at the end, you can run the cable along the top as well.
If you're installing the cable on a vertical pipe, position the cable between the pipe and the outside wall/coldest area in the space.
After the cable is attached, the pipe is wrapped in fiberglass insulation. Fiberglass wrap up to 1/2" thick can be used. Start the wrap on the non-heated section of cable to ensure it covers the switch (thermostat) section. Spiral the fiberglass insulation down the length of cable. In the opposite direction, spiral the waterproof wrap on top of the fiberglass.
After you're done installing, plug the cable into a GFCI protected outlet. It can be unplugged at the end of winter, but the switch thermostat mechanism keeps the system off for temperatures above 37 degrees.
These cables are available to purchase on our website and from retailers in fixed lengths of: 3′, 6′, 9′, 12′, 15′, 18′, 24′, 30′, 40′, 60′, and 80′ feet.
