How do I choose the best heat tape?
Consider a heat tape kit: In addition to the raw heat cable that is sold by the foot and fitted with plugs, you can also buy heat tape kits in just about any length you might need—from 3 feet to 100 feet. These tapes have plugs already attached and usually have a power indicator light that indicates when the tape is actively heating.
How much heat tape do I need for my pipe?
The diameter and material of your pipe are used to calculate how much heat tape you should need. For instance, a 1/2″ copper pipe that is 18 inches long would need around 24″ of heat tape. Here are tables for various widths and lengths of pipe as well as material.
What is heat tape and why do you need it?
Heat tape can be a lifesaver in cold climates where water lines and hoses are exposed to freezing temperatures. If you have ever experienced a broken or frozen water line in the winter, you know the kind of expensive damage that can occur.
Can heat tape be controlled by a thermostat?
Thermostat-Controlled Cable Another type of heat tape is quite similar to the self-regulating type, but it is regulated by a separate thermostat. It, too, can be purchased by the foot or in a roll, but it requires a separate connection kit with a thermostat to control the temperature.
How many watts does a heat tape use?
What is heat tape?
How to install heat tape on a pipe?
Why does heat tape stop working?
Why is heat tape used?
How to make heat installation easier?
Where to put heat tape on mobile home?
See 2 more
How much power does heat tape require?
Energy Consumption a. Energy usage can vary between six (6) watts and twelve (12) watts per lineal foot of heat tape. b. On average, heat tape consumes nine (9) watts per lineal foot.
How many amps does a 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 does heat cable use?
A typical constant wattage cable might use 5 watts per foot no matter what the temperature is outside. So, if the cable is 100 feet long, it will use 500 watts per hour.
Can you use an extension cord with heat tape?
Don't forget to plug in your heat tape before the onset of cold weather. Do not use an extension cord. The heat tape must plug directly into a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) receptacle.
Should you leave heat tape plugged in?
Can you leave heat tape plugged in? Modern heat tape can remain plugged in if it has a built-in thermostat. The thermostat automatically turns on the power (and in turn, heat) when the temperature drops to freezing and turns it back off when the temperature rises.
How many amps do heat strips pull?
63.18 amps with strips is about right. You need to make sure your controls will lock out the heat strips when it's only a little cold, usually if it's above 40 degrees you should never need to energize the backup heaters and that will prevent the unnessesary amp draw.
Which is better heat tape or heat cable?
Heat trace cable is somewhat stiff, but it's pliable enough to wrap it around your pipes, and it does not shrink; Heating tape is extremely flexible, therefore it's better for tight contours and oddly shaped pipes.
How long does heat tape last on pipes?
three yearsHeat tapes can only last for three years because they are always exposed to water and electricity, and so you should replace them at least every three years.
Is heat tape always on?
Heat Tape purchased in big-box stores is constant wattage heat tape. “Constant Wattage” means: it is always on at full capacity.
Will heat tape keep pipes from freezing?
Heat tape prevents pipes from freezing and bursting, which can save you from expensive repairs and damage to property.
Can you put foam insulation over heat tape?
* To avoid overheating, don't cover heat tapes with insulation, even though some manufacturers may permit it. If you do add insulation according to manufacturers' instructions, use a nonflammable type, such as fiberglass, not foam or vinyl insulation that could catch fire from a failing heat tape.
What gauge extension cord do I need for heat tape?
All the tape style heaters I have seen are rated for use on a 15 amp circuit, cords are rated differently than house wiring so in reality a 14 gauge cord will be sufficient in size.
How long can you run heat tape?
3 yearsReplace Heat Tape Regularly Most heat tape manufacturers warn that you should replace your heat tapes every 3 years minimum. Heat tape has a near-constant connection with both water and electricity and usually isn't protected well from the elements.
What is better than heat tape?
Heating Blankets Bolster Safety and Efficiency Heating blankets are much more effective than heat tape at keeping pipes warm.
Can you put heat tape on drain pipe?
Yes. Pipe Freeze Pro heat tape can be use to promote drainage through pipes such as concrete culverts and plastic culverts.
Can you put heat tape on PVC pipe?
Yes. Pipe Freeze PRO heat tape can be used on all varieties of pipes including PEX, ABS, PVC, Nylon, Steel, Copper and more.
How many watts does a heat tape use?
The most common heat tapes use either 2 watts per foot or 7 watts per foot and keep your water line from freezing down to an impressive -50F degrees. 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.
What is heat tape?
The first is the hardwired heat tape. These tapes are professionally connected to your home’s electric system and controlled with its own breaker. Most of us do not have the luxury of this type of installation because it requires a licensed electrician to install.
How to install heat tape on a pipe?
There are two ways to install heat tape to a pipe. The first is parallel where the heat tape is applied in a straight flat line against the pipe. If you use this method under your mobile home be sure to position the heat tape on the side most exposed to the weather. Parallel heat tape on a water line. #affiliate.
Why does heat tape stop working?
A downside to using this type of heat tape is that it has no rubber coating, the heat tape tends to rust and stop working due to the lack of a moisture barrier. Most contractors like to use this type of tape as they can buy it in large quantities and use only what’s needed for any particular job.
Why is heat tape used?
Heat tape is used to prevent metal and rigid plastic water filled lines from freezing. In sub-freezing areas, heat tape is one of the most popular ways to protect pipes from freezing because it’s affordable and works remarkably well. Heat tape isn’t sticky.
How to make heat installation easier?
You can make heat installation easier by preplanning and making sure you have everything you’re going to need before you crawl under the home. Pre-cut the tape, ties or straps you’re using to attach the heat tape to the pipe. You want to tape or tie it at least every 10-12″ but closer is always better. You want the heat tape to make constant contact with the water pipe. Learn about mobile home repair loans here.
Where to put heat tape on mobile home?
Heat tape should be installed on an exposed pipe located outside of your home only. As stated above, water supply and drain lines in the area between the ground and the bottom of the mobile home is the most common place to install heat tape for mobile and manufactured homes.
How long is a heat tape?
Consider a heat tape kit: In addition to the raw heat cable that is sold by the foot and fitted with plugs, you can also buy heat tape kits in just about any length you might need—from 3 feet to 100 feet.
How do heated water hoses work?
Heated hoses come in many lengths and are designed with electrical conducting wires embedded into the rubber or vinyl walls of the hose. When these hoses are plugged in, electrical current heats the hose all the way to the end. These hoses shut off automatically in warm weather to save on electricity and prevent overheating.
Can heat tape be used on pipe?
Many types of heat tape are just attached to the underside of the pipe and can be attached to the pipe with electrical tape or zip ties. Other types are designed to be wrapped around the pipe in a spiral fashion, and some can be installed either way. Do not overlap the tape unless the manufacturer specifies that this is acceptable.
Can you insulate pipes from freezing?
Insulating your pipes is essential and will prevent pipes from freezing in many situations, but it is not always enough when the temperatures stay cold for days at a time or when temps plummet into the sub-zero range. This is where electric heat solutions come in handy.
Can heat tape be covered with insulation?
However, read the package directions carefully to make sure that the heat tape can be covered with insulation. And make sure the thermostat is in the coldest area and directly on the water pipe itself to give an accurate reading.
Can heat tape be used on metal water lines?
Most heat tapes are approved for use on either plastic or metal water lines, but it is best to make sure that this is the case before you buy. Also, make sure it has the features you want, such as a power indicator light and a built-in thermostat.
Can heat tape be purchased by foot?
Another type of heat tape is quite similar to the self-regulating type, but it is regulated by a separate thermostat. It, too, can be purchased by the foot or in a roll, but it requires a separate connection kit with a thermostat to control the temperature. The heating tape can also be custom fit to your application because it can be cut ...
How many watts does a heat tape use?
The most common heat tapes use either 2 watts per foot or 7 watts per foot and keep your water line from freezing down to an impressive -50F degrees. 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.
What is heat tape?
The first is the hardwired heat tape. These tapes are professionally connected to your home’s electric system and controlled with its own breaker. Most of us do not have the luxury of this type of installation because it requires a licensed electrician to install.
How to install heat tape on a pipe?
There are two ways to install heat tape to a pipe. The first is parallel where the heat tape is applied in a straight flat line against the pipe. If you use this method under your mobile home be sure to position the heat tape on the side most exposed to the weather. Parallel heat tape on a water line. #affiliate.
Why does heat tape stop working?
A downside to using this type of heat tape is that it has no rubber coating, the heat tape tends to rust and stop working due to the lack of a moisture barrier. Most contractors like to use this type of tape as they can buy it in large quantities and use only what’s needed for any particular job.
Why is heat tape used?
Heat tape is used to prevent metal and rigid plastic water filled lines from freezing. In sub-freezing areas, heat tape is one of the most popular ways to protect pipes from freezing because it’s affordable and works remarkably well. Heat tape isn’t sticky.
How to make heat installation easier?
You can make heat installation easier by preplanning and making sure you have everything you’re going to need before you crawl under the home. Pre-cut the tape, ties or straps you’re using to attach the heat tape to the pipe. You want to tape or tie it at least every 10-12″ but closer is always better. You want the heat tape to make constant contact with the water pipe. Learn about mobile home repair loans here.
Where to put heat tape on mobile home?
Heat tape should be installed on an exposed pipe located outside of your home only. As stated above, water supply and drain lines in the area between the ground and the bottom of the mobile home is the most common place to install heat tape for mobile and manufactured homes.
