How do you find the thermostat on a heat tape?
Locate the in-line thermostat on the heat tape. The thermostat will be near the plug-in end of the heat tape, and mounted to the water pipe. Lay the plastic bag of ice over the heat tape thermostat.
Where does the thermostat go on a hot water heater?
The thermostat should be located on the end of the pipe that will be the coldest. Because the heat tape is coated in rubber, this particular type tends to better resist moisture and last longer than the type we’ll discuss next. Pictured on the right side of the same picture is a silver-braided type of heat tape.
What kind of heat tape do you use for a thermostat?
Pictured on the left side in the picture is a one-piece flat heat tape with a rubber coating. When installed, this heat tape must run flat along the pipe and cannot overlap itself. On the end near the cord is a thermostat which should solidly touch the pipe. The thermostat should be located on the end of the pipe that will be the coldest.
Where should a thermostat sensor be placed on a gas pipe?
A – For thermostats to work most effectively it is important to place the thermostat sensor on the coldest section of the pipe. When insulation is applied to the pipe, the thermostat sensor is to be placed on the outside of the pipe between the pipe and insulation.
Does heat tape have a thermostat?
Modern tapes have a built-in thermostat that automatically calls for power (and the resulting heat) as the surrounding temperature drops near freezing and cuts power off as the temperature rises. Those tapes do not draw electricity all the time, even though they remain plugged in.
Can you use heat tape without a thermostat?
Registered. They make heat tape for reptile enclosures that come without thermostats and can be wired up to use them or ran without (though they can get very hot without.)
How do you know if heat tape is working?
0:387:33Is my Heat Tape Working? How Do I know? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo here is a picture of what heat tape looks like when it's working see all of the ice. And snowMoreSo here is a picture of what heat tape looks like when it's working see all of the ice. And snow melted away and you can actually physically see the tape.
Why isn't my heat tape working?
Switch the power source back on to the heat tape. Feel along the length of the heat tape. It should be getting warm. If the heat tape fails to warm up, after 10 minutes, the thermostat or the heat tape itself is bad.
Can pipes freeze with heat tape?
Heat tape prevents pipes from freezing and bursting, which can save you from expensive repairs and damage to property.
Should heat tape be warm to the touch?
If the Heat Cable Kit is installed correctly, the light in the plug will be on and the cable should be warm to the touch. You can also test the cable to know if it is working properly. Plug in the cable and wrap a bag of ice around the thermostat block and after 20 minutes, the cable should feel warm to the touch.
What temp does heat tape come on?
In fact, they should be installed on your pipes long before the first freeze. The new self-regulated heat tapes will turn on when the temperature gets below 40 to 38 degrees.
How long does it take to unfreeze pipes with heat tape?
Apply Heat Alternatively, you can wrap the pipe with heat tape and plug it in. You should be able to thaw the ice within the pipe in 30–45 minutes with any of these methods. Then, your appliances will be ready for use.
Where can I find heat tape for my home?
Good Ideas to Keep in Mind. You can find heat tape at your local hardware store or order online from an online retailer such as The Mobile Home Parts Store. or Lowe’s. The main priority is to make sure the heat tape is recommended for your home’s plumbing lines.
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.
What type of heat tape is used for manufactured homes?
There are two types of heat tape available for manufactured homes. The first type is a one-piece flat heat tape with a rubber or silicone coating. When silicone heat tape is installed, it must never overlap itself and the heat tape must not have kinks or steep bends.
How much heat tape should I use for a 1/2 inch copper pipe?
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.
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.
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.
How often should I use heat tape on a mobile 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.
How long does it take for a heat tape thermostat to set?
Lay the plastic bag of ice over the heat tape thermostat. Allow it to set for 30 minutes. This amount of time will be sufficient to drop the temperature of the thermostat below 40 degrees F. If possible, do not allow water to flow through the water pipe you are testing.
What temperature does a thermostat turn on?
The thermostat is factory set to turn on the electrical power when temperatures reach 40 degrees F or below. Testing the heat tape for operation is a two-fold process. Both tests require no tools. Advertisement.
What is heat tape?
The tapes are constructed from two insulated wires that emit heat when electrical energy is supplied to the circuit. Modern heat tapes generally have an in-line thermostat installed to control the operation.
Does Hunker use U.L. heat tape?
Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Install only Underwriters Laboratory (U.L.) cert ified heat tapes. These certified heat tapes have passed stringent testing and are safe to use in all applications. There are no serviceable or accessible parts on a heat tape.
Where is the thermostat located on a pipe?
On the end near the cord is a thermostat which should solidly touch the pipe. The thermostat should be located on the end of the pipe that will be the coldest. Because the heat tape is coated in rubber, this particular type tends to better resist moisture and last longer than the type we’ll discuss next. Pictured on the right side of the same ...
How long does it take for heat tape to turn on?
A heat tape with a thermostat may take 5-20 minutes before it will turn on. If you must use an extension cord to plug in your heat tape, be sure it is of proper size and intended for outdoor use. Manufacturers strongly recommended that a heat tape be plugged into a GFCI protected circuit.
How to wrap a water line with heat tape?
Once the heat tape is fastened to the waterline, you’ll then want to wrap it with insulation. Use only manufacturer-approved insulation, like the roll you see in the first picture. Starting at one end, wrap the insulation around the waterline until you get to the other end. Then do the same with the vapor barrier, except wrap it the opposite way you wrapped the insulation. As you wrap the insulation and vapor barrier, pull it fairly snug but do not pull it too tight. That’s it, you are done. Go plug in your heat tape and you’ll soon be enjoying running water!
How long does heat tape last?
When a heat tape goes, it goes. There’s no fixing it. Just plan on replacing it. The typical life of a properly-installed heat tape is 3-5 years.
Can you use heat tape on a water line?
Use only manufacturer- approved tape for fastening the heat tape to the waterline. Regular electrical tape is not a good choice. However, some manufacturers have approved certain high-quality electrical tapes which are designed to stand much greater heat than normal electrical tape.
Does heat tape rust?
Since there’s no rubber coating, the heat tape tends to rust out and fail with excessive moisture. Dealers and service people love to use this tape as they can buy it in big rolls and use only what they need at any given time. Also pictured is a roll of fiberglass insulation with a vapor barrier included.
Can heat tape be wet?
Besides, it may be wet or damp. Fasten the new heat tape to the waterline per manufacturer instructions. Again, the first picture will give you an idea depending upon which type of heat tape you purchased. Use only manufacturer- approved tape for fastening the heat tape to the waterline.
Where to put heat cable on roof?
You can also install heat cable in the gutters to keep them open in cold weather and prevent the formation of icicles.
Why does heat tape glow?
This is why the elements in resistive heaters and electric stove tops glow when the power is on.
How to keep heat from dissipating in pipes?
Cover the pipe with foam pipe insulation after wrapping the tape. This prevents the heat from dissipating and saves energy. If the pipes are outside or in a wet location, wrap them with waterproof insulation.
Can you put heat tape on a wall?
Installing Heat Tape on Pipes. Heat tape is the go-to product for preventing exposed pipes in your crawl space or on the outside of your house from bursting in the winter. You should never install it on pipes behind walls or hidden in walls or ceilings. Choose the right kind of tape for your pipes -- tape intended for metal pipes could melt PVC.
Can heat tape be used on gas lines?
Heat tape provides enough heat to start fires and should never be used in the vicinity of flammable objects or near gas appliances. In addition, do not install it on pipes that touch the ground, since this could cause grounding of the conductor in the tape and a potentially dangerous power surge. Always make sure the pipes have water in them before you turn on the tape and always read the manufacturer's recommendations to ensure proper installation.
Does heat tape prevent ice dams?
Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Heat tape can prevent the formation of ice dams and icicles in cold, snowy weather. Image Credit: Photo by NeONBRAND on Unsplash. Heat tape is a generic term for a variety of cables and cords you can install on your roof and gutters to prevent ice dams or wrap around exposed pipes ...
Where should thermostat sensors be placed?
When insulation is applied to the pipe, the thermostat sensor is to be placed on the outside of the pipe between the pipe and insulation.
What is heat line heating cable?
Unlike standard heat tape systems which require the use of a thermostat as a high limit device, Heat-Line brand heating cable systems allow for the use of other control devices such as timers due to their use self-regulating technology .
What happens when the temperature drops to a point where the heating cable is engaged?
When the temperature drops to a point where the heating cable is engaged the Yellow status light will illuminate and remain solid for the heating period.
Can you use a GFA thermostat for multiple heating systems?
A – The GFA-STAT can be used to operate more than one heating cable system when the heating cables start from a central point and experience a similar operating environment. If considering using one thermostat for multiple heating cable systems, please speak to a Heat-Line technical support staff.
Does a thermostat monitor the environment?
From here the thermostat can properly monitor the environment directly surrounding the pipe and provide the heating cable owner with the greatest return on their investment. Incorrect sensor placement can lead to greater than expected energy consumption, and in some cases poor heating cable performance.
Does Heat Line have insulation?
The use of a thermostat and insulation optimizes energy efficiency by allowing the Heat-Line heating cable system to be turned off for extended periods of time resulting in the most energy-efficient heating cable system available. Heat-Line is pleased to offer a full-line of thermostats designed for both indoor and outdoor applications.
Does Heat Line freeze protection work?
That is why Heat-Line engineers and manufacturers freeze protection solutions with advanced self-regulating heating cable technology which can be safely insulated and thermostatically controlled to increase energy efficiency.
