Heating cable for plumbing: types, how to choose and install correctly

For your comfort and wellbeing, it is crucial to keep your house warm and inviting during the colder months. It can be difficult to guarantee dependable and efficient operation of heating systems, though. The protection of plumbing from freezing temperatures is one feature that is frequently disregarded. Frozen pipes can cause expensive repairs and inconvenience in areas that frequently experience cold weather. This is where plumbing heating cables come into play, providing a way to keep the water flowing and avoid freezing.

Plumbing heating cables are available in a variety of types and designs, each ideal for a particular use case and setting. It is essential to comprehend the various options in order to choose the best one for your requirements. Every type of cable, including constant wattage and self-regulating cables, has special qualities and advantages. Various factors, including pipe composition, insulation level, and outside temperature, influence which heating cable is best for your plumbing system.

Selecting the appropriate heating cable necessitates evaluating multiple crucial elements. The size and type of pipes you want to protect should be your first priority. To ensure adequate coverage and heat distribution, different cables are made to fit different pipe diameters and materials. Furthermore, assessing the environmental factors—such as temperature swings and moisture content—helps ascertain the longevity and efficiency of the cable.

To guarantee that the heating cable performs at its best and offers dependable freezing protection, proper installation is essential. Prior to installation, the plumbing system must be carefully inspected to identify any weak points that could freeze. Water flow is maintained even in the coldest weather by carefully placing the heating cable along these susceptible sections, such as outdoor pipes or those found in unheated areas, to reduce the chance of freezing.

What characteristics are important for the choice?

It will be simpler to choose from the many options available if you know in advance the diameter of the water pipe, the length of the area that needs to be heated, and the lowest possible temperature of the ground.

Thus, be mindful of the following:

• The presence of a protective film – provides grounding and makes the cable more reliable;
• type of exterior insulation;
• temperature class and power;
• manufacturing company.

While a cable with polyolefin insulation might work well in the sewer system, fluoroplastic insulation is advised for internal installation in water pipes. A fluoropolymer that offers moisture and UV light protection is ideal for outdoor installation. Low-temperature conductors are suitable if small-diameter pipes need to be heated. It has a maximum power of roughly 15 W/m and can heat up to +65 oC.

Larger diameter pipes work well with systems operating at a medium temperature. +120 °C is the maximum heating temperature; 33 W/m of power is reached.

The most potent systems are those that have a maximum temperature of +190°C and a specific power of up to 95 W/m. But since these are industrial products, they are rarely used in homes.

Choosing an appropriate power can be done by considering the pipe’s diameter. For instance, cables with a power of 10 W/m are appropriate for water pipes with a diameter of up to 2.5 cm, 16 W/m for pipes between 2.5 and 4 cm, 24 W/m for pipes between 4 and 6 cm, etc.

Numerous heating cable brands have only demonstrated their positive attributes over time.

Renowned goods made by foreign businesses:

One of the most notable Russian manufacturers is SST (Teplolyuks), which creates excellent household goods.

What to look for when choosing a cable?

You need to make a decision right away about who will install the purchase. It is best to stop at a simpler option if you intend to install it yourself. Let’s examine more closely at the factors that matter when making a decision.

Criterion #1 – the purpose of the piping

Purchase a cable with a food sheath if heating the house’s drinking water supply pipe is required. It is a requirement that all retailers and manufacturers list this feature in the supporting documentation. There are less strict requirements for cable sheathing in systems that transport process water and wastewater. It is absolutely prohibited to install a cable system in a drinking water pipe that is composed of materials that are not meant to come into direct contact with it. Making such a choice carries a risk of health issues.

Expect to pay extra for a product that has a potable, water-safe jacket.

Criterion #2 – cable type and system length

You must measure the length of the area that needs heating before making a purchase. That will also determine when to cut the cable.

It’s important to choose your preferred heating cable type as soon as possible: self-regulating or resistive. The less expensive choice is the first one. However, its installation is more challenging, particularly for a beginner in this field, and its service life is shorter.

One more noteworthy distinction with resistive wire is that it comes in limited lengths, with the manufacturer offering multiple options for purchase. As a result, you will have to select from what is offered. Additionally, the resistive system typically has a plug to connect it to the power supply network. A system that uses resistance to heat the pipeline. Its cost can vary greatly depending on the manufacturer and material quality.

Although it is more expensive, installing the second option is simpler. Self-regulating cables are available in coils that the customer can cut to the desired length, or pre-assembled heating systems that come with power cables.

Whichever option you decide on, exercise extreme caution. Never be afraid to request the product’s quality certificate, warranty card, and accompanying documentation directly from the manufacturer.

Criterion #3 – the preferred power of the product

It is essential to choose the appropriate capacity so that the installed cable can heat the communications. The manufacturer additionally specifies this feature.

Use pipes with a maximum diameter of 32 mm for water supply systems; for these, heating systems with a power output of 9–16 watts are advised. And one linear meter can hold this much. You must multiply the given parameter by the total length of the cable in order to determine the total value. Using a cable that can independently adjust the heating level is preferred. These are newer and more sophisticated inventions; cables of this kind are widely utilized in homes.

Furthermore, experts advise against saving money by purchasing a resistive type of product because they are less dependable for installation inside the pipeline.

Criterion #4 – cost of the heating system

Regarding price, it’s crucial to remember that you cannot purchase cable for an excessively low price. When it comes to choosing a cable, the adage "good cannot be cheap" is fully supported.

You should definitely pay attention to the expiration date if the preferred cable system is extremely inexpensive and comes with manufacturer documentation. A dishonest seller may offer a product that has expired or a term that expires in six to twelve months.

It is best to decline such a "favorable" offer because, should the warranty expire, the cable may stop working and need to be replaced, posing a risk of additional costs. The quality of the matrix has a direct impact on the cost of a self-regulating product. which the manufacturer states directly affects the service life. For instance, the xLayder-EHL from Caleo comes with a 20-year lifespan and a 3-year warranty.

Additionally, it is preferable to select cables for indoor heating from reputable manufacturers:

• German – Eltherm Gmbh (Germany);
• American – Raychem and Heat Trace Products, LLC;
• Korean – Caleo;
• French – Eltrace;
• Danish – Devi;
• Finnish – Ensto.

The market is flooded with hot water pipe products made in Japan. Here, too, exercise caution to avoid purchasing a low-quality Chinese knockoff. Glands and wire should be selected qualitatively in addition to each other.

Take note of the shape of the section inside the sealing rubber; for a different cross-section of the cable, it is square or rectangular. Purchasing dependable coupling elements is crucial; the cost should not be less than five meters of cable. When it comes to heating, the pipe shouldn’t be overly economical.

How to determine the power of the cable

Finding the self-regulating heating cable’s capacity:

1. For installation inside the communications, it is recommended to use a variant with a capacity of 5 W/m, and the pipes should pass under a layer of ground. Only under these conditions you can count on a sufficient temperature rise with such a wire.
2. If it is planned to perform the installation of communications under the ground layer, but the heat source will be located on the side of the outer walls, it is necessary to use a wire with a capacity of 10 to 15 W/m. It is possible to determine more precisely, if you know the exact depth of the location of pipes.
3. For heating communications that run above the ground, it is necessary to use a cable with a power of 20 W and above, t. к. In this case, the pipe and its contents are exposed to a stronger impact of low temperatures. In addition, increased air humidity and precipitation contribute to the increase of negative impact on communications, the probability of their icing in this case increases.

The number of conductive paths in a cable determines its power. The pipe can be heated with this cable to a colder temperature the higher the value of this parameter. It is sufficient to use a wire with an average number of conductive paths in order to maintain the temperature of a warm pipe. A wire with a low heat dissipation index must be used for communications over hot heat transfer media. It can be identified by having the fewest possible conductive paths.

Low-temperature cable has a minimum thickness and high elasticity. This makes it possible to wrap it around the communication lines more firmly. Physical characteristics like length should also be considered when choosing.

It cannot be less than 20 cm or greater than 100 m; only in this scenario is the heating wire’s adequate efficiency guaranteed. It is also necessary to consider the cable’s bending resistance if the coil installation method is selected.

In the article "Heating Cable for Plumbing: Types, How to Choose, and Install Correctly," we delve into the world of keeping your pipes warm during chilly weather. First off, we break down the different types of heating cables available, explaining their features and benefits. Then, we guide you through the process of selecting the right one for your needs, considering factors like pipe material and insulation. Finally, we offer step-by-step instructions on how to install the heating cable properly to ensure efficient and safe operation, helping you avoid frozen pipes and potential damage to your home. With this guide, you"ll be equipped to tackle the cold weather without worrying about plumbing issues.

Technology of laying heating wire

Both inside and outside of the pipeline, self-regulating cable is installed for pipe heating. Temperatures above -5°C are ideal for work because lower temperatures run the risk of damaging the polymer protective layer. The wire is carefully unwound from the coil and left connected to the power source for a few minutes until it regains its flexibility if it has lost it at low temperatures. The installation process can then begin.

Features of internal installation

This technique of installing heating cables is applied to pipelines with a maximum diameter of 50 mm, where direct access is not feasible. In this instance, the self-regulating wire is inserted the whole length of the pipe inside. For insertion, a unique gland assembly comprising two bushings, two washers, and rubber seals is utilized.

Using a gland assembly, the heating cable for the water supply is inside the pipe.

For internal heating of potable water pipes, only self-regulating pipe heating cable with an outer sheath made of fluorinated polymer that has passed all food safety tests may be utilized.

1. The length of the electric cable must fully coincide with the length of the pipeline.
2. It is forbidden to route the self-regulating wire through the shut-off valve.
3. It is obligatory to mark the place of installation of the heating system on the pipe.
4. The cable entry must be carried out with special care – the outer sheath must not be damaged.
5. During the insertion process, all sharp edges of the fittings should be covered with factory tape.

Peculiarities of external installation

The self-regulating heating cable for pipe heating is laid externally and placed on the pipeline’s surface in a few different ways:

• Linearly (along the pipe in a single line). This method is used for small diameter pipelines;
• Parallel (two or three cables are laid along the pipe). This option is acceptable for a large pipe diameter or when a large power is required, if the main line is located in open areas;
• Spiral (the pipe is "wrapped" with a cable in a spiral). The pitch of the coil depends on the parameters of the cable, the diameter of the pipeline and the required power;
• Wavy line. This method is relevant if the standard length of the cable is not enough for laying by the above mentioned methods. The self-regulating property of the heating cable allows it to be laid overlapping for heating of external shut-off valves.

In order to prevent wire interference with valves, flanges, elbows, and other components during external laying, as well as to prevent mechanical damage (rubbing, compression-stretching), particular attention should be given to these locations. Aluminum tape is used to securely fasten the electric cable to the pipeline. The pipe is then insulated to prevent heat loss and guarantee the heating system operates effectively.

After that, the pipe is thermally insulated to prevent heat loss and guarantee the heating system runs smoothly.

Only RCDs are used to control connection to the 220-240 V network when using heating cable for pipe heating.

Linear installation

It should be at the bottom of the pipe when it is laid along it. As a result, mechanical harm is prevented.

Spiral installation

The consumption rises significantly more when a spiral installation is required. The computation is performed using the following formula:

Total pipe length times the spiral factor equals the required amount of cable.

The table, which accounts for the pipe’s diameter, determines the spiral pitch’s size.

Connection to the mains alternative method

We removed the following cable:

It is imperative that neither the heating conductor (3) nor the current-carrying conductors (1 and 2) be shorted out.

1. This is what the end looks like.
2. Cleaned.
3. Using a terminal strip like this, I connected it to the wire.

It is necessary to insulate the other side. Shorting out the wires is prohibited. Additionally, it’s imperative to guarantee that they don’t cross paths in any setting. You can purchase a special plug for this use. The price per piece is approximately 300 rubles. However, you can accomplish everything on your own using homemade tools like a heat gun and heat shrink tubing.

1. Heat gun.
2. Heat-shrink tubing.
3. The end of the insulated cable.

This is how the plug is constructed. Put the tubing that shrinks heat on. We use a hair dryer to warm it. Next, we use a heat gun to pour the entire construction.

The terminal that the cable power supply is connected to can be used in the same way. Just in case, you can also cover everything with duct tape. if there are harsh operating circumstances.

In which zone is installed

A heating cable ought to be installed in every icing area. At least 300 watts of power per square meter are needed for the gutters and downspouts.

Install two units with a combined capacity of 20 watts per square meter simultaneously to heat gutter pipes.

Power output from the heating valley roof will be between 250 and 300 W per square meter. Both the top and bottom are installed.

Shaped like a "snake," the roof eaves are heated by a cable that runs along their very edge.

Table 1 (pertaining to metal pipes).

Table 2 (pertaining to plastic pipes).

• Crosses indicate areas where it is not recommended to coil the cable, as it can be damaged.
• The pipeline must be insulated.
• The tables indicate the length that should be laid on 1 m of pipe. In those cases where it is necessary to wind, in parentheses is the step of laying in meters.
• For those pipe diameters where the flow rate values are not specified, it is necessary to use thermal insulation of a greater thickness.
• Calculation of heating cable lengths is valid for thermal insulation with thermal conductivity not more than 0.05 W/(m*K).

Self-connection of heating cable

Prolonged frosts during the winter can cause deformation or rupture of water sewerage pipes. You’ll need to buy a heating cable to stop this. The installation of an electrical conductor is a simple process that anyone with hands on experience can complete. Without the assistance of a specialist, it will be sufficient to understand a few subtleties of how to connect the heating cable.

Stages of installation of the heating system

Using the water supply as an example, let’s examine how the pipeline’s internal heating system is set up. It is best to use a self-regulating wire in a food sheath for such a pipe.

Step #1 – buying the necessary materials

We instantly calculate the necessary meterage—the length of pipe that needs to be heated—when we purchase the cable. It is preferable to purchase the consumables needed for installation along with the cable, which include a gland, a set of couplings, and a section of wire with a euro plug.

In addition, an RCD for 10 mA and a T-piece might be helpful if they don’t fit in the suggested installation location. To properly enter the cable, a tee is required. The latter, which passes through the bend at a right angle, cannot be allowed to pass through the pipe. As a result, it is preferable to make the entry through a tee that has been installed in the intended location first.

For the self-regulating cable to function, power must be supplied. For this reason, a different line is set aside for it. Additionally, even though the heating wire has double insulation, the connection scheme must have an RCD and a circuit breaker to safeguard the line in the event that the sheathing is unintentionally damaged.

Step #2 – preparing the cable for installation

It is important to keep in mind that self-regulating cable systems can malfunction due to more than just infrequent cable switching. Erroneous splicing of the supply cable and subpar termination, which increases the risk of a short circuit, are equally harmful.

It is essential to carry out the insulation properly and with high-quality supplies. When the manufacturer uses too little glue, there are poor couplings. The master is another factor, particularly if he is inexperienced and connected things incorrectly.

The heating wire needs to be ready to enter the pipeline, so you need:

• perform end termination;
• to put a feed-through set on the cable;
• splice the supply wire to the plug with a self-regulating section.

The tightness of this unit will be guaranteed if every termination step is carried out with caution. Yes, as long as you use an adhesive coupling kit from a reputable manufacturer.

To give the heating cable the electricity it requires to function, it is now required to splice the supply cable with it. A power cable with a euro plug at the end that must be prepared in advance must have its cores divided in order to connect to the heating wire. It’s critical to remove the insulation and release each one from its sheath.

However, at this point, attaching the gland—also known as a feed-through or feed-through set—will be more practical. Each component should be installed strictly in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

You can begin splicing with the power cable after placing the grommet on the wire. You don’t need to do this step if you bought a pre-made set that already has a cable segment with a plug attached.

The next step can start after allowing the supplied heat shrink sleeves to cool down and insulate the connection.

Step #3 – placing the system inside the pipe

You are able to execute the pipeline entry once the heating system is ready.

Following these guidelines is required in order to achieve this goal:

• Only run the cable through the tee;
• avoid areas with straight and sharp angles;
• do not pull sharply or use force.

The insulated end is first inserted into the water pipe by pushing it through the tee. After inserting the entire heating cable section into the pipe, make sure the entry point is tight. System entrance plan using a feed-through and a feed-through set or sleeve in the pipe. This set includes two brass washers, one rubber or silicone gasket with a hole in the middle, one bushing with external and internal thread, and one bushing with only external thread.

A grommet will be helpful at this point in the cable installation process to guarantee the system’s tightness. Every fastener needs to be carefully tightened; use a wrench to tighten the connection after manually screwing the clamping sleeve. Make sure the feedthrough does not come into contact with the coupling before sealing the inlet. The power cable’s heating cable splice area should be 5 to 10 cm away from the external threaded bushing.

It is imperative to ensure that the cable cannot pass through the shut-off valves prior to installing the heating system, as this is strictly prohibited.

Step #4 – connection to the power supply system

Now that the installation is finished, connecting to the power grid is the only remaining task. For this purpose, it is preferable to use a different line.

It is not unnecessary to ensure safety in this situation and fit this line with a 10-mA RCD. In the event that the wire is unintentionally damaged, this solution will guard against current leakage. All family members and the homeowner won’t be impacted because the RCD will merely de-energize the line.

The procedure for making the connection is very straightforward: all you have to do is insert the euro plug into a socket at the end of the power wire that we connected to the heating wire. Furthermore, because the heating system is self-regulating, there is no need to manually check the temperature or turn it off on occasion. Instead, this process will be carried out automatically. When the liquid in the pipe reaches a temperature of +5 °C, the heating cable is turned on. and will continue to heat the water pipe until the water reaches a temperature of +15 °C.

The connection ends at that point. But proper operation is necessary for the system to last for a long time. Unnecessarily removing the cable from the socket will drastically reduce its "life," so it is strongly discouraged. Before self-regulating matrix has a chance to function for the desired amount of time, it will malfunction.

It is preferable to provide extra heating for the pipeline in order to save money, particularly if the portion of the pipe runs on the surface. It is preferable to further insulate it from the exterior by covering it with a unique covering composed of heat-resistant material.

You can select the outside pipe insulation that best suits your needs from a variety of options available. You can also perform the installation on your own. The heating cable filament from the GWS line can have a length of up to 100 meters when powered by a self-regulating wire that has 10, 16, or 24 W of power per linear meter.

However, in reality, using a system up to 20 m long is more typical. Manufacturers have taken notice and are now providing pre-made heating systems in lengths of 5, 10, and 20 meters, made of resistive and self-regulating matrix cable.

Which heating cable to choose for heating sewer pipes

In order to resolve this matter, let us weigh the benefits and drawbacks of the heating wires that were previously mentioned. Due to their similarities, resistive one-, two-core, and zonal can be broadly classified.

Self-regulating cable

The benefits of cable that regulates itself:

• Does not require a separate thermostat;
• The ability to cut meterage of any length (not less than 1.5m and not more than specified in the passport);
• Approaching and crossing wires are allowed during installation, which greatly simplifies routing;
• Temperature regulation takes place independently at each point along the entire length of the cable. This completely prevents it from overheating;
• The surface temperature is practically the same along the entire length.

• Compared to resistive, this product has a high cost.

After weighing the benefits and drawbacks of several cable kinds, we can say that self-regulating cable will work far better. In addition to the benefits already mentioned, heating sewer systems and drains with it can result in significant energy savings. The external environment’s temperature must be regulated with an additional thermoregulator.

Why needed and where used?

The primary function of the cable is to provide heat in order to prevent individual sewer sections from freezing.

The pipes listed below require heating:

• External sewerage – pipes leading to treatment plants or septic tanks;
• pipes connecting septic tanks and drainage systems, filtration fields;
• Wash water outlets for cleaning filters.

Design and operating principle

The components of the cable are as follows:

• protective sheath,
• metal braid,
• thermoplastic sheath,
• copper conductors,
• heating matrix with self-regulating effect.

The cable’s heating element, called the matrix, can switch the temperature mode. As needed, more or less heat is produced. Constant heating is provided by copper conductors.

The metal braid acts as rigid protection, grounding, and shielding, while the sheath guards against harm to the interior components.

The need for heating arises in the following cases

• Pipes run on the surface, there is no possibility to deepen them below the ground freezing level. In different regions of Russia, climatic conditions (namely, the minimum temperatures in the cold period and its duration) determine the construction norms for the installation of water supply and drainage systems. In cold regions, the level of soil freezing may be around 2 meters.
• A small angle of inclination of the sewer pipe. If the liquid in the pipe passes at a low speed, gradual freezing is possible, layer by layer. So-called narrowing of the pipe lumen. Eventually a blockage occurs in a certain area.
• Poor operation of a septic tank or sewage treatment plant. In cases of septic tank overflow, water will stagnate in the pipes and may freeze. Joints and pipe bends are particularly susceptible to freezing.
• Insufficient insulation. If during installation of the sewerage system mistakes were made in the choice of pipe material (different material has its own thermal conductivity), as well as violated the technology of insulation, or the pipes are not insulated at all. Most often polystyrene foam is used for insulation of pipelines, it has low moisture absorption (not more than 1%), as well as strength of 0.2 MPa, and thermal conductivity up to 0.035 W/(m*K). Other insulators are also used – foam plastic, foamed polyethylene, mineral wool, foil insulon and others. Thermal insulation material is often produced in the form of a cylinder notched on one side, for ease of installation on the pipe, the so-called "shell". Heat insulation is fixed with plastic clamps, metallized tape, wire or fishing line.
• Insufficient pipe diameter. Standards recommend laying sewer pipes with a diameter of at least 110mm. Without heating, smaller diameter pipes are more likely to freeze and clog. When building temporary structures or dacha houses, owners often disregard construction standards.
• Improper operation, insufficient prevention of clogs, plaque formation, getting foreign objects in the sewer pipe.

How to heat the sewer with a heating cable inside the pipe

When a sewer is already buried and cannot be accessed from the outside, it is common practice to heat sewer pipes with a diameter of 110 mm from the inside using a specialized heating cable.

How long it takes to heat the sewer (how quickly the pipe can be heated)?

Time of elimination of ice
plugs depend on the length of the frozen pipe section and its diameter. Pipes with a diameter of
110mm takes longer to defrost than 50mm, besides the temperature of the ice itself
also matters. The heating of the sewer pipe goes quickly if there is a blockage
is still small and the ice has just formed, and vice versa when the ice is cold
(-15° or more) and the section of frozen sewer is quite large – maybe
require considerable time for heating. Not much to worry about,
as the result in any case will be the same, the ice will melt, and your sewerage system
will be ready to work again.

Making and installing the cable with your own hands

Using P-274 brand communication cables or their equivalents is the most recommended method for creating DIY heating systems. These products are made of copper wires and sturdy insulation that can withstand mechanical stress and moisture. The wire receives a 6-to 27-volt direct current. A manual or automated controller that is adjusted for temperature variations is used to alter the parameters.

Drawing and diagrams

On a computer screen or piece of paper, the drawing is created to scale.

It ought to schematically display the following construction details:

• the beginning of the pipeline;
• mains outlet to the well;
• The line of passage of the sewage system;
• corners, tees and taps;
• pipe diameter;
• trench depth.

The necessary equipment and materials are calculated based on the designed schemes.

Calculation of dimensions

The following table will assist in accurately calculating the heating parameters for sewerage:

№	Outer diameter of the pipe (mm)	Power (W/m)
		Depth 50 cm	Depth 75 cm	Depth 50 cm
1	32	10	8	5
2	42	13	10	7
3	48	15	12	8
4	60	20	15	10
5	75	25	20	12
6	90	30	25	15
7	110	40	30	20
8	160	50	38	25

Computed with a 30 ºC air temperature. A quarter of a point is the equivalent change in power for every degree that the parameters are changed.

Peculiarities of installation

Nuances like these must be considered when assembling the sewer heating system:

1. Careful preparation of the installation process. Consultation with specialists.
2. The inner cable is tightened through an additional double which is installed in the room.
3. Laying the wire of the self-regulating product is carried out only in a straight line. Resistive devices are allowed to be wrapped around pipes and fittings.

To lay or not to lay

In order to determine whether using a heating wire is necessary, it is necessary to proceed based on multiple parameters:

• the depth of placement of water and sewer pipes. In situations where pipes are placed above the level of ground freezing, it is very desirable to perform cable installation, and along the entire length of the cable. It should be borne in mind that for different territories of our country, the depth of soil freezing may have different values. So in Kaliningrad this level corresponds to 70 cm, and for Chelyabinsk – 190 cm.
• region of residence. This characteristic can also affect the decision on whether a heating wire is needed. In regions with a more frosty climate, emergency situations occur more often, hence it can be concluded that water supply systems should be protected with such a device. If the pipes are placed at a considerable depth, then you can limit yourself to only insulating certain parts of the pipe. Those fragments in the water supply and sewerage system that are closest to the ground surface are more exposed than others. These are usually the areas laid next to the house.

Maintenance

It is important to routinely check the heating system’s exterior components for external damage.

Every month, the heating conductors’ resistance needs to be measured. It is necessary to disconnect the device from the mains if any anomalies are found.

Heat shrink tubing should be used to repair damaged sections, and the soldering point should then be reinforced.

Shielding

The conductive portion of the cable is shielded from the effects of moisture using metal shielding. The corrosion-resistant material used to make the shield is tinned copper. Copper can sustain external pressure without losing its tightness because of its adequate flexibility and safety margin.

Aluminum is used in less expensive heating system models.

Aluminiferous shielded products are placed outside in a straight line.

Rules for independent connection

• After the heating cable has been assembled and attached to the pipe, it should be connected after careful inspection and testing.
• A voltage of 220 V is connected to the conductive cores of the cable.
• The heating end needs good insulation to prevent the conductive cores from coming into contact with each other.
• The earthing, if present, should also be braided.

Common installation mistakes and problems

The most common errors made when installing heating systems are listed below.

1. Installation of heating devices below the freezing point. This is an unnecessary and unnecessary expense.
2. Ignoring additional thermal insulation on top of pipes. The cable can not heat them over the entire area, which leads to the formation of ice.
3. Operation of electrical equipment in continuous mode without sensors and relays. This leads to high and unjustified energy costs.

Power and duration of operation

Watts per linear meter per hour is the unit of measurement for the heating cable’s power. In self-regulating and resistive models, this indicator is different. The average power of the main line is 18 watts at a maximum temperature of 90 ºC and a voltage of 220-240 volts. Finding the amount of electricity needed to heat a 15 m pipe—the minimum distance between the house and the septic tank—is not difficult to do.

The electricity consumption will range from 100 to 270 watts per hour, depending on the settings.

Service life

The materials used in the cable’s construction and the level of use affect how long it will last.

Influences how long a product will last when installed correctly and when there is a mechanical impact during seasonal ground movements. The most well-known producers in Europe and Asia offer a five-year warranty on their goods. In addition, a 15–20 year service life is anticipated.

Types of Heating Cable	Self-regulating, Constant Wattage
How to Choose	Consider pipe material, insulation level, and power requirements.
Installation Tips	Ensure proper spacing, avoid crossing cables, and use suitable insulation.

Maintaining the functionality of your plumbing system and avoiding freezing and damage requires selecting and installing the appropriate heating cable. There are many different types of cables available, such as constant wattage and self-regulating cables. It’s important to know what you need in particular and what each type’s characteristics are. To decide which is the best option, take into account variables like insulation, pipe size, and local climate.

An important factor in the efficiency of heating cables is installation. To optimize performance and energy efficiency, it is important to place correctly along the pipes, make sure the attachment is secure, and add enough insulation. Ensuring a successful installation process can be achieved by adhering to manufacturer guidelines and, if necessary, seeking professional advice.

Following installation, the heating cable requires constant inspection and maintenance. It is possible to avert possible problems and guarantee continuous operation by keeping an eye out for any indications of wear, damage, or malfunction. Furthermore, enhancing components or modifying settings as necessary can help maximize efficiency and increase the heating cable system’s lifespan.

All things considered, adding a heating cable to your plumbing system can save you money on repairs and the trouble that comes with frozen pipes during the winter. You can successfully protect your plumbing system and take advantage of consistent functionality all year long by being aware of the types that are available, selecting the best one for your requirements, and making sure that installation and maintenance are done correctly.

Video on the topic

OVERVIEW. Self-regulating heating cable for water pipes. TYPES AND DIFFERENCES.

How to install the heating cable on the pipe

How to connect the heating cable to a 220V outlet

How to correctly install a heating cable on a sewer pipe

Which heating cable to choose?