FAQs

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.

Trace heating is incredibly energy efficient and so it’s very cost effective to run. 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.

Energy usage can be kept to a minimum with effective thermostat controls. 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.

Trace Heating cables can last for many years and require very little maintenance. 

We only supply quality trace heating cables that have been thoroughly tested over a number of years and are an authorised supply of nVent RAYCHEM products – the market leader in trace heating. 

These products come with a 2 year warranty as standard but we are pleased to offer an extended warranty of up to 12 years for products installed or commissioned by us as a Pro RAYCHEM installer. 

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. Heat trace cables require a thermostat to help control and adjust to your required temperatures.

Most heat trace products also come with their own internal thermostats to regulate how hot it gets, preventing overheating. 

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.