Polyolefin Jacket Heat Trace Cable

UL Listed self-regulating heat trace cable and everything you need to install it right.
Professional-grade, starting at $3.25/ft.

Polyolefin Jacket Cable

Self-regulating polyolefin cable in 5W, 8W, and 10W bulk spools. UL Listed and backed by a 10-year warranty.
Pick the wattage that fits your heat load and climate.

What Wattage Do You Need?

Wattage is determined by heat load (how much heat the pipe or surface loses to the surrounding environment). Use this table as a starting point. For a full calculation including insulation, ambient temperature, and circuit length, the Sizing Guide has you covered.

WATTAGE BEST FOR TYPICAL APPLICATIONS
5W Light duty, well-insulated runs Gutters and downspouts, insulated residential pipe, moderate climates
8W Most commercial and residential jobs Roof de-icing, pipe freeze protection, commercial buildings, light industrial
10W High heat load, exposed runs Uninsulated roof assemblies, extreme cold climates, commercial flat roofs

What Makes Self-Regulating Cable Different?

Self-regulating cable isn't just a heated wire. The core changes its electrical resistance in response to temperature, which means the cable manages its own output without a controller.

01

Responds to temperature

As the surrounding temperature drops, the conductive polymer core contracts and increases heat output. As it warms up, output pulls back automatically. Every inch of cable responds to its own local conditions.

02

Safe to overlap

Because the cable self-limits, it can cross over itself without overheating. That makes routing through gutter corners, pipe bends, and downspout entries more practical on a real job.

03

Cut to any length

Self-regulating cable can be cut to fit the exact run. No waste, no minimum circuit length, no need to oversize to hit a spec. Cut it on site and terminate with a standard end seal kit.

Common Applications & Areas for Polyolefin Cable

Polyolefin jacket cable covers most commercial and industrial jobs. If your environment involves chemical exposure or a classified hazardous location, see the fluoropolymer or hazardous location cable instead.

❄︎

Pipe Freeze Protection

Metal and plastic pipe, indoors and out, residential through industrial.

⌂

Roof & Gutter De-Icing

Roof edges, gutters, and downspouts. Prevents ice dams and blocked drainage.

◎

Hot Water Maintenance

Recirculation loops and hot water risers in multi-family and commercial buildings.

✦

Sprinkler Systems

Exposed and unheated sprinkler runs in attics, parking garages, and loading docks.

WHY CHOOSE FLOTRACE?

Professional-Grade Cable at the Industry's Lowest Price

  • Only $2.80/Foot

    You don't just get a high quality product, you get it at the lowest price too.

  • Free Shipping

    Same day shipping when you place an order before 2 PM EST Monday-Friday.

  • 10 Year Warranty

    We care about our customers, so we offer a warranty on all products.

  • Since 1996

    Products made to the highest specifications. UL Listed and CSA Approved

Polyolefin Heat Trace FAQ

When should I use polyolefin instead of fluoropolymer?

Polyolefin is the right call for most commercial and industrial jobs — pipe freeze protection, roof and gutter de-icing, hot water maintenance, and general freeze protection in standard environments. You'd move to fluoropolymer when there's direct chemical exposure, salt spray, or contact with de-icers that would break down the polyolefin jacket over time. Fluoropolymer is also required for classified hazardous locations.

Can polyolefin cable be used on plastic pipe?

Yes. Self-regulating cable works on PVC, CPVC, PEX, and other plastic pipe types. Because the cable is self-limiting, there's no risk of overheating the pipe surface the way a constant wattage cable could. See the pipe freeze protection guide for installation specifics on plastic pipe.

How long can a circuit run?

Circuit length limits vary by wattage and voltage. As a general reference, 8W cable at 240V supports circuits up to around 250 feet from the power connection point. Longer runs require additional circuits. Full circuit length tables are in the datasheets for each product.

Does the cable need a thermostat?

Not for basic applications. The cable turns itself on and off based on ambient temperature, so a standalone system will work without a controller. For larger commercial jobs, adding a thermostat controller brings down energy use significantly over a full season.

Can the cable be cut to length on site?

Yes. Self-regulating cable can be cut to any length in the field. Terminate the cut end with an end seal kit to protect against moisture. There's no minimum circuit length requirement.