What is constant wattage heat trace?
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. Some constant wattage heat trace cable can be used in corrosive environments and up to maximum temperature ratings up to 797 degrees.
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.
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.
How much power does a heat trace use?
Depending on the product selected and application variables, Heat-Line products can use as little as 0.5 watt per foot or as much as 9 watts per foot in severe temperatures.
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.
What is self-regulating heat trace?
Self-regulating / self-limiting heating cable, often called heat trace cable or heating tape, automatically adjusts heat output based on surface temperature. Ideal for freeze protection and low temperature process maintenance such as water pipe heating and roof & gutter freeze protection.
Can self regulating heat trace touch itself?
Is it safe to use a constant wattage heat tracing cable?
When installing constant wattage, or any heat tracing cable, it is important to not overlap or touch the cable to itself as it will be subject to overheating and burnout. Constant wattage cable is always installed with a thermostat to control the power output of the cable, making it a very reliable heating source.
How are constant wattage parallel circuit heat tracing cables made?
Constant-wattage zone parallel cables use a resistor alloy heating element wrapped around two parallel bus wires. At fixed distances, the insulation is removed from the bus wires on alternating sides. This distance between contact points forms the heating zone length. The parallel construction allows these cables to be cut to length on site.
What do you need to know about constant wattage heating cable?
So, we do recommend that a controller or thermostat of some sort to be used with this type of heating wire. Constant Wattage Heat Cable is a heating cable that has the same wattage per lineal foot (power output), throughout its entire length.
Which is better pipe trace or constant wattage?
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.
