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HEATER CABLE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the difference between heat trace, heater cable, and heat tape?
Many people in the industry use these names interchangeably, and it simply has to do with the transformation of the products and applications over the years. Heat trace was the first name engineers used since the process "traced" the larger pipe it was heating. The term cable became more common as the products were manufactured differently and looked more like standard house wiring. Heat tape is the latest name given to the products due to the material looking flat like tape. While you may hear and see all derivations of these terms in different places, here at HeaterZone we use the term "heater cable."
When should I use a braided cable, and when should I use an overjacketed cable?
Braided cables are intended for use in dry areas. The braid is tinned copper, which allows for maximum conductivity but can deteriorate over time when exposed to moisture. For wet areas, select an overjacketed cable. In the commercial products, overjacket is polyolefin; in industrial and high temperature cables overjacket is flouropolymer, which also offers superior corrosion resistance.
How do I know what category of cable I should use?
You can use Commercial products for ordinary (non-hazardous) areas. These cables are ideal for freeze protection or for temperature maintenance up to about 150 degrees F. For the same temperature ratings but in Class I Division 2 hazardous locations, use an Industrial product. Both Commercial and Industrial products have a maximum intermittent temperature exposure of 185 degrees F. For higher maintain temperatures (up to 250F) or higher exposure temperatures (up to 375F) select a cable from the High Temperature product group.
For more information on choosing heater cable, please see our Heater Cable Selection Guides and the rest of our FAQ.
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