PT-SR-240-05-0050 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.

No, as long as it's properly installed. However, improper installation, use, and/or maintenance of electrical heating cable can cause fires, electric shock, and/ or frozen pipes.

No. They are not designed to be powered by DC voltage. They must be used with AC voltage. 

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.

Unfortunately 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.

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

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.

We sell three different max power outputs: 10W/ft. 8W/ft., and 5W/ft. Because these cables are self-regulating, the actual power output will depend on the temperature (i.e. the lower the temperature, the higher the power output). 

Self-regulating heating cables, like PRO-Tect: Pipe Freeze Protection cables, use a conductive polymer core, which continually adjusts its heat output.
This is why ­­­­­this type of cable, unlike some heat tapes, won’t burn out if it is wrapped closely together, overlapped, or over-insulated. This also means lower operating costs and increased energy efficiency. 

The amount of cable needed depends on the size and type of pipe, and on the lowest expected temperature. Once you know the type of pipe (metal or plastic), pipe diameter, length of pipe, and the minimum expected temperature, you can use this form to request a quote. Just follow the instructions on the form to get it back to us. 

This heating cable can be used to protect aboveground water pipes, which are insulated and weatherproofed, from freezing—weatherproofing is particularly important for any cable installed outdoors. 

There is no built-in thermostat, but we do have recommended WarmlyYours controls which will activate the system for continuous operation at 40°F or below. 

Yes. Because the cable is a parallel electrical device, it can be cut to length without affecting its power output per foot. Because we also sell this product by the foot, you can ensure minimal waste on the job-site. 

Yes, insulation is highly recommended for use with a pipe freeze protection system for the following reasons:

·      It helps cut down on heat loss from the heated water pipe. 
·      Properly installed insulation helps keep the cable in good contact with the water pipe so that maximum surface area contact is achieved. 
·      While the cable is wet location approved, weatherproofed insulation adds an extra layer of protection. Ideally, the insulation will be nonflammable and waterproofed. 

We recommend using a fiberglass-based tape, which is available from WarmlyYours.

Yes, there is a maximum cable length that can be supported. However, this maximum length depends on the cable type (in terms of wattage per linear foot), the cable's voltage, and the ambient starting temperature. You can find out more by referring to the Maximum Length vs. Circuit Breaker Size chart found in the manual. 

At a minimum: a PRO-Tect Pipe Freeze Protection Self-Regulating Cable, an End Seal kit, and a Power Connection Kit. However, we also strongly recommend a control. All of these components are directly available from WarmlyYours (along with other accessories).

Use of another manufacturer’s components will void the warranty.

WarmlyYours offers a conversion kit (SR-PLUG-KIT) to enable a plug-in requirement. This kit includes ground fault equipment protection (GFEP). The receptacle must be 120V, grounded, and approved for wet locations if located outside. The self regulating cable must not exceed 140‘ in length.

No. Only install pipe heat (heat trace cable) in accessible locations. Do not install this self regulating cable in walls or any place where the cable is hidden. Do not run it through walls, ceilings, or floors. The cable must be installed 10“ away from combustible surfaces, such as wood, and it should not be embedded in insulation or roofing material.

Self-regulating cable heats to the specified watts per linear foot when energized

As 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.

Ice Shield is 120V or 240V and outputs 5W/ft, and is designed for roof and gutter deicing.
PRO-Tect is 120V or 240V and outputs 5W/ft, 8W/ft, or 10W/ft, and is designed for pipe freeze protection.