A heat tracing cable ensures that pipes, drains, and process installations remain frost-free or are heated. This is often applied in industrial installations such as cold storage rooms, freezer facilities, and many other applications.
However, it can happen that a heat tracing cable no longer performs as expected over time. This is not always caused by the cable itself, but can be the result of various other factors. Every installation is different. What steps can you take when the installed tracing system no longer meets the requirements? We are happy to explain.
When heat tracing is calculated and supplied by us, we always ask about the application. This ensures that the correct power output and the appropriate tracing cable are selected. We take into account the purpose of the cable, whether it is only intended to provide freeze protection for a pipe or to actively heat an application.
The insulation of the application is also of great importance. If proper insulation is not present, the tracing system may have to work much harder to achieve the desired result. In addition, heat loss will be higher.
When tracing no longer provides the desired performance, it is always important for us to first gain a complete understanding of both the installation and the application.
Installations can deteriorate over time. The condition of the installation may be different today than when the tracing system was originally installed. If the insulation has degraded over the years, the tracing cable may need to compensate for additional heat loss by delivering more power. As a result, the desired performance may no longer be achieved, and the pipe or application protected by the tracing system may freeze.
There is also a significant difference between various types of tracing cables. If a constant wattage cable has been installed and the insulation quality decreases over time, you will likely notice a reduction in performance. This is because the cable always delivers the same output, regardless of the ambient temperature. With a self-regulating tracing cable, this effect is generally less noticeable because the cable automatically adapts to ambient conditions. Nevertheless, when insulation performance decreases, even a self-regulating cable must work harder to achieve the same result.
A cable break can also cause freezing. If you notice that the cable delivers normal output up to a certain point and then stops heating, this may indicate a cable fault. In many cases, tracing cables with a cable break are replaced entirely.
We always recommend checking the complete installation first. If the insulation is no longer performing properly, this may already explain why freezing occurs. If the cable seems to function correctly up to a certain point and then stops producing heat, this may indicate a cable break.
If you notice that the installed tracing system is no longer functioning correctly, feel free to contact us. We are always happy to help find a suitable solution.
Tracing cables are one of the most commonly used heating elements we supply. We offer a wide range of cables with different power ratings and technical specifications, available in virtually any length. Every heat tracing request at Heating Group International is individually calculated and handled. This ensures that you always receive the correct cable with the appropriate power output for your application.
Do you have questions about heat tracing for your application and would you like more information? Please feel free to contact us. We will be happy to help you find the right heat tracing solution.
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