Professional Heat Trace Tape Installation Services
Different customers have their own demands or preferences when it comes to trace heating. Going to hardware stores that sell these trace heating products can get overwhelming, especially if you don’t have first-hand knowledge on how specific types differ from the other. As specialists in commercial electrical contracting and industrial electrical contracting fields, we can help you understand the benefits of one of the most in demand products in the market — the heat tape.
What Is A Heat Trace System?
Before understanding the benefits and usage of heat trace tape, it’s important to understand the greater system which the tape is used for. Heat trace systems are utilized for pipes that have liquids flowing through them. When these pipes fall to freezing temperatures, there can be damage caused for the entire piping system and pipe supports, and potentially even lead to cracks and explosions on the pipes.
These systems are usually controlled through the use of a thermostat or temperature sensor (such as an RTD). They are designed to maintain an ideal ambient temperature for the pipe while minimizing heat loss.
What is Heat Trace Tape?
Heat trace tape is used to insulate electrical pipes from freezing in cold weather. It is also used to preserve the temperature of the pipe, underfloor heating, and for door frame protection. Trace heating takes the formation of an electrical heating element run in material contact along the extent of a pipe.
Benefits of Heat Trace Tape vs. Heating Cable
Heat trace tape and other solutions like a heat cable installation (either through a constant wattage, power limiting or self-regulating heating cable type) are similar in names but different products.
Both the heat tracing cables and heat trace tape provide freeze protection for various types of pipes (e.g. metal pipes, plastic pipes) so the liquid can keep moving. However, heat tape can be applied to nearly all surfaces. Its flexibility allows it to work around odd shapes much more easily than heating cables.
Unlike other solutions, heat tape has higher power densities and pipe temperatures, so your temperature range can be anywhere from 305 degrees up to 1400 degrees Fahrenheit. Some types of heat tape are water resistant but must not be submerged or be affected in the event of water leakages. Additionally, it’s advisable to have an expert electrician routinely monitor your pipes to ensure that there is no physical damage or mechanical damage.
To prevent overheating, the heat tape needs to have an electrical connection to an external temperature controller using the appropriate power connection kit. This should be connected to secure power supplies for additional safety – a circuit breaker and ground fault circuit interrupter.
Lastly, the electrical heat tape should not be near flammable materials or thermal insulation to prevent mechanical damage to your pipe system or physical damage to the surrounding area.
Experienced professionals will make sure all installation instructions are followed and an insulation resistance test is done to verify that everything is installed correctly and all wall penetrations and pipe work have been insulated properly.
Work With American Electric’s Experienced Electricians
American Electric of Jacksonville can install an electric heat tracing system in your home or office. We also have years of experience with industrial applications. Our electricians exceed standards for reliability and safety in electrical system planning from impeccable attention to heat tracing installation details to excellent service.
Recently, our team at American Electric did an installation on the sprinkler system at the Cabana Beach Club at Sawgrass Marriott. There have also been scenarios with cooling towers that have circulation between the cooling tower and the chiller. On average, temperatures don’t drop below 40 degrees, but freezing temps can happen in Jacksonville, Florida, typically in December and January.
Get in touch with us to discuss your solution based service options: Call us directly at (904) 721-4044, or fill out our contact form. Our customer service team is ready to assist you.