Can I use duct tape or cable ties to secure the heat cable to copper pipes or use insulation tape wrapped completely around the cable and pipes
1976247
i would suggest avoiding adhesive tapes or putting plastic directly against heated cable, maybe twist some metal wires on to help hold, you probably don't want to risk a fire. proper insulation wrap to cover it over is a good idea
1976248
I used Gorilla tape around cast iron pipes and it worked fine. I then wrapped the insulation around the pipe and finally vapor barrier strips of plastic provided with the insulation around the outside of both.
678770
I agree with the other responders except I'd add that any splices or connections to the underground wire must be sealed with proper waterproof connectors, not just electrical tape.
606823
It will not hurt PVC pipes. I would wrap the pipe with aluminum foil first to help spread out the heat
2167756
No. You should not use any type of adhesive material on PEX pipe as over time the adhesive material can interact with the PEX and leech into your water. You can use a heating strip wrapped around the pipe so long as it has no adhesive material. If you live in an area prone to freezing you should still take precautions to protect your PEX pipe, such as foam wrap. (I work for a PEX pipe manufacturer.)
443481
I would find a tape especially for electrical purposes, because of its aluminum qualities it has the potential to conduct even a small ammount of electricity. The 3m websites also states it's good for shielding but they refer to heat not electricity.one thing you could do is lay electrical tape on top of your electronics and then lay this tape on top .
1440486
Don't remember, I think about three feet. I used an extension cord from the plug. I had used a three foot heat tape for years, overkill but it worked well. and never leaked. I only need a small tape to keep the pipe free right at the water line on a stock tank. I hope my experience was just t rare flaw with the sealing of the tape. Will probably go to a three foot. They are much more common.
755885
Yes. This cable is self regulating to make sure there are no hot spots/burn outs. The cover picture on our box shows foam insulation over the tape installed on a pipe.Hope this Helps Mike.
1676163
Don't think so. The tip at the end completes the electrical circuit so if you cut it off, it won't heat. If you just connect the wires, or try to re-splice the tip, it could short out and blow your circuit breaker, or cause a fire. The one I bought was a little too long so after I completed the first winds around the pipe, I wrapped the whole thing with insulation and then wound the extra length of heat tape around the outside of the insulation so that the heat tape did not overlap and contact itself, as the instructions specify.
1492718
All I did was wrap it around the pipe and double insulated it with M-D Building Products 2378 Foil Backed Pipe Wrap and M-D Building Products 4929 3-inches-by-25-Feet Fiberglass Pipe Wrap I bought here at the time I got this tape. I also used a Farm Innovators Cord Connect Water-Tight Cord Lock for the electrical extension and it's already been tested to -13 below 0 and it's worked without having to let the water trickle all night and no pipe freeze ups.
1574642
Stacey, good question! It really depends on your situation and the distance between the pipe. In the past, I wrapped the cable around the pipe as shown in the packaging. This year, I ran the cable upon the length of the pipe and used zip ties to hold it against the pipe, which has allowed me to cover more territory than wrapping. I would caution you that I live in Phoenix, so I'm only protecting pipes from 25-32 degrees, which is easier than when I lived in Chicago. Good luck.
1985293
How about foam pipe insulation? Secure maybe with some type of tape or maybe zip ties?
1558894
I don't believe the plastic insulation could sustain that kind of heat. The insulation is very similar to bubble wrap used in shipping packages. Even if you were fortunate enough to not have smoke and a fire from using it with so much heat, I suspect it would quickly melt the plastic and lose most of it's insulation value. Just my opinion. I only use it on conventional heating ducts.
669517
Clean ALL leads of any debris, wipe with denatured alcohol. Wires, connectors everything. Check for cracks in insulation. If u do wrap this copper tape around it, be sure to ground the tape. Good luck.
1719375
You can grab the end of the wire with needle nose pliers, grip as much length as you want to strip. Pull taut and heat the insulation at end of pliers. The insulation will pull right off.
1152773
There is no need to wrap your hot water pipes, just let your hot water drip from a faucet. As water leaves your water heater it refills with cold water,both lines have water flow.
1587428
You can use waterproof shrink tubing to seal the connection. However that type of shrink tubing is expensive. The waterproof version is thickerand lined with submersible grade adhesive.
1555673
i have successfully used PTFE tape from the second thread down. do not ever wrap tape over the first thread , it may shread or tear off inside the pipe/connection and clog small orifices or channels etc. also always wrap pipe threads clockwise.