FAQs
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About Trace Heating
Electric heat tracing, heat tape or surface heating is the process of using specially engineered cables to maintain or raise the temperature of pipes, surfaces and vessels. The heating element is run in contact with the surface required to be heated and usually covered with thermal insulation to retain heat losses from pipework.
Trace Heating has several purposes including protecting pipes from freezing, maintaining a constant flow temperature in hot water systems and to offer process temperature maintenance for piping that transport substances that may solidify at ambient temperatures. It is also used as roof and gutter heating and ice melting for access areas such as ramps and walkways.
Trace Heating can be used in residential properties, commercial buildings and in an industrial environment. Take a look at some typical applications.
Self-regulated heat trace cables automatically adjust the heat output to match that of the heat loss. This makes it an ideal solution for frost protection requirements as the semi-conductive heating core resistance changes depending on its requirement, producing variable energy outputs.
Constant wattage heat trace cables are often used in process temperature maintenance where precise temperature requirements are needed as the output is virtually constant along its length.
Our products cover a range of purposes, environments and needs, and each has its own datasheet with a detailed specification. However, it is always recommended that you consult with a Trace Heating specialist like Diamond Controls when deciding on the specification and design of your system so that you can be confident it will suit your requirements.
Absolutely. Cables are low wattage, thermostatically controlled, and have been designed over many years of research and development. In the case of self-regulated trace heating, its automatic variable energy output means that it’s only actively working when the temperature falls below a required level.
Trace Heating is extremely energy efficient. For example, a hotel using a single pipe system with Trace Heating for hot water maintenance could save as much as 50% on their energy costs compared with traditional flow and return pipework.
We would recommend thermal insulation is used in conjunction with Trace Heating cabling as without insulation, surface heat losses can increase by as much as five times.
Yes, they can. We offer a wide range of accessories to ensure your cabling is terminated and connected correctly. Please also review the data sheets found on each of our products to understand the maximum circuit lengths for your system.
Yes, absolutely. Our team of estimators can assess your requirements from drawings you send through and put together a trace heating kit list for you. Most commonly, this is for frost protection systems and hot water maintenance systems. We can also provide a design service for you for more complex requirements that outlines the recommended components and products needed for your install.
Yes. We have a full range of cables, components and accessories that are suitable for ATEX, hazardous areas and high temperature requirements. Take a look at our Industrial range for further information.
All Trace Heating installations should be thoroughly checked for insulation resistance and in the case of constant wattage systems, continuity. As certified Raychem Pro Installers, we’d recommend using Diamond Controls supply and commissioning service so that you can be assured your installation has been completed to the required standards. Our certification process will ensure you are able to receive the maximum guarantee for your products.
Our products and shopping online
The vast majority of our products are from the market-leading brand nVent RAYCHEM and are used in the delivery of Trace Heating solutions.
We have curated some of our most popular products and these are available to buy online via our shop. If you require an nVent RAYCHEM product that is not shown on our website, please contact us and we will be happy to supply this for you. Each product has a detailed product description and where available, a data sheet, to aid product selection and specification.
If you have a requirement for multiple products or over 100 metres of our Trace Heating cabling, please get in touch to discuss our credit account options. Volume discounts may also be available.
All of our product prices are shown excluding VAT and your final purchase prices are calculated at checkout.
Delivery
Our most commonly ordered items are available for delivery within 1-2 working days. If an item is out of stock or a special order, we will contact you to advise a delivery timeline for your order.
We are pleased to offer free delivery on orders over £200. When delivery fees are chargeable, we have two standard rates – for smaller items and larger, heavier or higher value products. The delivery price will be calculated at the check-out. Please take a look at delivery information to find out more.
We are currently only accepting online orders for delivery within the UK.
We understand that on some occasions you may purchase a product in error and so we are pleased to offer the ability to return your item within 14 days (exclusions apply and a restocking fee may be charged). Please see our Returns Policy for full details.
The Company
As part of the Diamond Controls Group, we offer a wide range of services including supply, specification and design, commissioning, install and maintenance.
As an authorised distributor for nVent RAYCHEM products, you can be assured of our dedication to deliver the highest quality solutions. Our experienced, knowledgeable and helpful team regularly undertake specialist training to ensure we can deliver an exceptional service to our customers.
Diamond Controls are specialists in commercial, industrial and residential Trace Heating and Leak Detection systems, products and servicing. We’ve been established for over 20 years and are proud to hold many industry-leading accreditations including ISO 9001 and ISO 14001.
We have a dedicated team of project managers, engineers and support staff who can help you. Drop us a line sales@traceheatingsupplies.com or call us on 0203 876 5940.