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 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.
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 ÂÂÂÂÂthis type of cable, unlike some heat tapes, wonât burn out if it is wrapped closely together, overlapped, or over-insulated. This also means lower operating costs and increased energy efficiency.Â
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.Â
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.Â
¡   Properly installed insulation helps keep the cable in good contact with the water pipe so that maximum surface area contact is achieved.Â
¡   While the cable is wet location approved, weatherproofed insulation adds an extra layer of protection. Ideally, the insulation will be nonflammable and waterproofed.Â
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.Â
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 manufacturerâs 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 140â 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 10â away from combustible surfaces, such as wood, and it should not be embedded in insulation or roofing material.
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.