Constant wattage heat trace cable is more commonly used for process heating and velocity flow control of heavier materials like wax, honey and other viscus material. Constant wattage can be used for freeze protection, but this is more common in commercial plants and large-scale piping projects.
How many amps does heat tape draw?
All of the Automatic Electric Heat Cable Kits (3 feet through 30 feet) carry a rating of 120V, 7 Watts per foot with a maximum draw of 15 Amps .
How many watts is heat trace?
b. On average, heat tape consumes nine (9) watts per lineal foot .
What is maximum exposure temperature heat tracing?
3.0 Materials 3.1. Self-Regulating Heating Cables All heat-tracing systems for use at temperatures up to a continuous exposure (maintain) of 302°F (150°C) and intermittent exposure temperature of 420°F (215°C) shall use a self-regulating heating cable.
How does constant wattage heat trace work?
What is Constant Wattage Heat Cable? Constant Wattage Heat Cable is a heating cable that has the same wattage per linear foot (power output), throughout its entire length . Since this wattage cable is generally not affected by varying ambient or pipe content temperatures, it provides a constant heat output.
Does heat tape use a lot of electricity?
Energy Consumption
On average, heat tape consumes nine (9) watts per lineal foot . c. In warmer months when there is no snow on the roof, turn heat tape off at the breaker switch or unplug it. Do not rely on built-in thermostats to make sure heat tape is not operating.
Is heat tape expensive to use?
Newsminer.com explains that if an average heat tape draws 5 watts of electricity per foot then a 6-foot long heat tape will use 30 watts to heat the pipe. With their current electric rates in Fairbanks, AK that 30 watts spread over 4 months would cost close to $20 .
Can heat tape be buried?
Never apply heat tape over itself (double wrapping) or over or under pipe insulation unless specifically recommended by the manufacturer. ... Even buried, underground water pipes are subject to freezing.
What is heat tracing in piping?
Pipe Tracing (a.k.a heat tracing) is commonly used to ensure that process, fluid, or material temperatures within pipes and piping systems are maintained above ambient temperatures during static flow conditions along with providing supplemental freeze protection in certain applications.
Does heat tape stay on all the time?
A Safety Alert on Heat Tapes. Heat tapes look like electrical extension cords. But unlike all other wiring that can become hazardous if it gets hot, these tapes are specifically designed to produce heat. ... Those tapes do not draw electricity all the time , even though they remain plugged in.
What voltage is heat trace?
Constant wattage cables are flexible, can be cut-to-length in the field, and are manufactured for use on voltages from 120 to 480V . Although not suited for overlapping, its constant output makes it an ideal choice for higher temperature applications where higher watt densities are required.
What is the difference between self-regulating and constant wattage heat trace?
Pipe trace constant wattage has a higher temperature output and tolerance. It consumes more power so it requires a controller or thermostat and some types can be cut-to-length. Self-regulating cables have a lower temperature output and tolerance . They consume less power, but require larger breakers.
Can self-regulating heat trace touch itself?
Constant wattage heat trace and MI cable cannot cross or touch itself . ... Self-regulating heat trace cables, however, would adjust to this temperature increase, making them safe to cross or overlap. As with any electrical system, though, there are always potential dangers with using heat trace or heat cables.
When should I turn my heat tape on?
The cables should be turned on when snow is expected – perhaps an hour or two before snow starts falling. This is true for both the zig zag style of installation or when radiant roof panels are used. The roof heat cables should be warm to start melting immediately when snow is falling.
How warm does heat tape get?
Heating Tape, Heating Cable, Heating Cords: At a Glance
Higher power densities and temperatures, ranging from tapes with a maximum of 305° up to very -high-temperature tapes rated for up to 1400°F (760°C) .
