Heat Trace Products

Heat trace is a system used to heat and/or maintain the temperature of equipment.

You will find heat tracing used on pipes, tanks, agricultural equipment, roofs, gutters, and more. Self-regulating heat trace and constant-wattage heat trace are the two common types. Self-regulating fluctuates in temperate based on the surrounding temperature and the other providing constant heat.

Heat trace cable keeps fluid moving, prevents freezing, reduce condensation, and can generally improve the safety and compliance of equipment by way of helping to maintain equipment operations.

The components of heat tracing are a heating element (the wiring), a conductive core, shielding, thermal insulation, outer jacket, and the various operational components like a thermostat and control panel.

The electricity flowing through the cable increases its temperature.

Self-regulating trace heating cable’s temperature ranges and is ideal for most applications where one needs greater control and precision. Constant-wattage heat trace cables outputs a higher temperature and is ideal when output needs to be consistent. Insulation wrapping the cabling houses and helps retain the heat; an additional weatherproofing layer may be added.

A heat trace system will often be paired with a thermostat or some form of sensors to regulate and monitor temperature. A control system may be added to automatically or manually adjust trace heating when they meet a threshold.

Heat trace and heat tape are somewhat of the same but also different.

• Heat trace, such as what you find on FloTrace, is more like a cable which has some bend and flexibility but is still rigid
• Heat tape is more in the form of tape and offers more flexibility vs its counterpart

Heat trace cable is often used more for larger projects and industrial use. Whereas, heat trace tape is more for smaller projects such as in residential use.

Trace heating has one main application but it can be used across many different projects and industries. The most common use of heat trace is with pipework. You will also see it used in roofing and gutters or as part of ice prevention in sidewalks and driveways. On an industrial scale, heat trace cabling is used in the oil & gas industry, agriculture, chemical processing, power generation, transportation, and more.

Self-regulating electrical heat trace has a high maximum temperature but its normal operation typically maintains around 100F – 150F for most applications. This sustained temperature will be warm to the touch though we recommend handling it with gloves and care.

Heat trace systems can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years given its maintained and operates under ideal conditions. Naturally, the cable will experience wear from internal and external temperatures. The cable will also be exposed to weather conditions which lessen its lifespan.

Manufacturing and installation quality will also be a factor in the longevity of a heat trace system.

Proper heat trace installation and maintenance is paramount to avoid potential issues and hazards. Electrical hazards and faults can be dangerous to individuals and equipment. Individuals should wear personal safety equipment and follow best practices when handling and being around the cable. Cables should also be regularly inspected and replaced if there are signs of damage.

The decision is yours! We provide both bulk heat trace cable and complete kits. Bulk options include 5W, 8W, and 10W and ideal for large projects and doing add-ons to existing systems. Our kits are a perfect entry for first time installation or for service professionals offering heat tracing to clients.

Yes, you can install heat tracing on PVC pipes. However, it is important to use heat tracing systems specifically designed for PVC, as PVC can be sensitive to high temperatures. Overheating may cause damage to the pipe. It is recommended to use low-temperature heat cables and ensure proper insulation to prevent excessive heat buildup. Always follow manufacturer guidelines to avoid potential risks.

Yes, self-regulating heat trace cable can safely touch itself because its design allows it to adjust its heat output based on the surrounding temperature, preventing overheating even when overlapped or crossed over itself; unlike constant wattage heat trace cables which can burn out if they touch each other.

FloTrace carries two types of heat trace cable: Polyolefin and Fluoropolymer jacketed cable. The Fluoropolymer jacket cable is rated for hazardous environments. This cable is specifically designed to withstand harsh environments and exposure to corrosive elements like gases, vapors, extreme temperatures, and more.

Ideally, a heat trace system should be inspected before and after cold season. This will ensure the system is operational going into the season, and that it's fine after enduring the seasonal weather.

Use this opportunity to inspect for physical damages, test connections, and verifying controllers are working as intended.

Polyolefin-jacketed heat trace cables are built for standard industrial and commercial use. They offer solid mechanical durability, moisture resistance, and cost efficiency. Polyolefin-jacketed heat trace is ideal for general purposes like freeze protection.

Fluoropolymer-jacketed heat trace cables are engineered for harsh or high-temperature environments. The fluoropolymer layer adds additional resistance against chemicals, UV, and abrasion. They are ideal for chemical plants, refineries, or areas with corrosive atmospheres.

For most roof de-icing and pipe freeze protection work, 8W is the right call. 5W works well on insulated buildings and lighter gutter jobs. 10W is for situations where you need more heat output: uninsulated assemblies, hard cold climates, large commercial roofs. The Sizing and Selection Guide will walk you through the full calculation.

Yes. Unlike constant wattage cable, self-regulating cable can cross over itself without overheating or burning out. That makes routing through gutter corners, pipe bends, and tight downspout entries a lot more forgiving.

Not always. The cable turns itself on and off based on ambient temperature, so basic systems don't need one. For larger commercial jobs, a thermostat controller is worth it, mainly because it cuts your energy costs over a full winter season.