How much does heat tape cost per foot?
Heat Tape Installation Cost Heat wire costs between $12 and $20 per linear foot to install. This cost varies depending on the difficulty of the project.
How much does it cost to run heat cable?
The average heat tape uses electricity at six to nine watts per foot per hour. So, if you have 100 feet of heat tape that operates 24/7, you can expect to add about $41 to $62 to your monthly electricity bill.
How much does it cost to run heat tape?
Typical heat tape burns electricity at six to nine watts per foot per hour. That means each 100 feet of heat tape operating 24/7 can translate to an added monthly cost of $41 to $62 to operate heat tape, says Eileen Wysocki, energy auditor for Holy Cross Energy.
Can heat trace cable be buried?
Installation—The installation of our direct burial heat trace is made simple by attaching it to any plastic or steel pipeline using our metallic heat transfer tape assuring all heat energy is efficiently transfer to the pipeline. For most applications below the Arctic Circle lines need to be buried a minimum of 24”.
What is the difference between heat tape and heat cable?
Heat cable is somewhat stiff, but it’s pliable enough to wrap it around your pipes, and it does not shrink; Heat tape is extremely flexible and is well suited to conforming to very tight contours where high temperatures are needed, therefore it’s better for tight contours and oddly shaped pipes.
How long can you leave heat tape plugged in?
Most heat tape manufacturers warn that you should replace your heat tapes every 3 years minimum. Heat tape has a near-constant connection with both water and electricity and usually isn’t protected well from the elements.
How long can you run heat trace?
The STS system is custom engineered for the specific application and is ideally suited for long transfer pipelines up to 15 miles (25 km). A skin-effect heat-tracing system minimizes the number of power supply points required by offering the longest circuit lengths available to the industry.
How much electricity do roof heating cables use?
A typical constant wattage cable might use 5 watts per foot no matter what the temperature is outside. So, if the cable is 100 feet long, it will use 500 watts per hour.
How long does heat cable last?
around 3-5 years
Most heat cable doesn’t even last long to begin with; the average life of heat cable seems to be around 3-5 years.
Can you put heat trace on PVC pipe?
PVC pipe is usually rated as being able to withstand temperatures between 140 to 160°F. The trick is to insure the heat trace cable will maintain the contents within the PVC pipe at a desired temperature, but never to approach the pipe rating temperature.
Can you leave heat tape plugged in all winter?
Modern tapes have a built-in thermostat that automatically calls for power (and the resulting heat) as the surrounding temperature drops near freezing and cuts power off as the temperature rises. Those tapes do not draw electricity all the time, even though they remain plugged in.
Does heat trace go under insulation?
To maximize the benefits of heat tracing, many installations also incorporate insulation. The layer of insulation bundles the heat tracing element and pipes together, helping maintain the interior temperature, reduce thermal loss, and maximize energy efficiency.
How much heat cable do I need for pipes?
For Each Valve
| Pipe Diameter (IPS) (inches) | Heating Cable (ft) | Heating Cable (m) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2.0 | 0.6 |
| 1-1/4 | 3.3 | 1.1 |
| 1-1/2 | 4.3 | 1.3 |
| 2 | 4.3 | 1.3 |
Which is better heat tape or heat cable?
Heat trace cable is somewhat stiff, but it’s pliable enough to wrap it around your pipes, and it does not shrink; Heating tape is extremely flexible, therefore it’s better for tight contours and oddly shaped pipes.
How far can you run heat trace?
HWM will maintain temperatures between 90˚F and 140˚F for these applications with service voltages between 120 and 277 volts, Circuit lengths up to 500 feet are available.
Is heat trace required by code?
The NEC requires all heat tracing to be protected against ground faults with a couple of exceptions noted in Sec. 427.22. There is big a difference between the ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) that are used for personnel and equipment protection.
Does heat trace have to be on GFCI?
The installation instructions for constant wattage heat cable state that it must be plugged into a GFCI protected outlet. This kind of cable does not have the same electrical draw as self-regulating cable, and it is not really considered heavy electrical equipment.