Free shipping for orders over £250! (Exc. VAT)

First Time Customer Discount

Get 5% off your first order! T&C

FIRSTFIVE

Trace Heating

View as

Trace Heating Systems

Trace Heating Cables, Controls & Accessories

Trace heating provides controlled electrical heat to pipework to help prevent freezing or maintain a required temperature. A complete system normally combines the correct heating cable with temperature control, installation accessories and suitable pipe insulation.

At Insulation & More, we supply trace heating cables, thermostats, controllers, monitoring equipment, fixings, connection components, pipe insulation and protective cladding for domestic, commercial and industrial applications.

Shop the Range

Everything You Need for Trace Heating

Start with the heating cable, then select the appropriate temperature control, connection components, fixing accessories and insulation for the application.

Product Selection

Which Trace Heating Cable Do I Need?

Cable selection depends on the pipework, required maintain temperature, ambient conditions, insulation thickness, circuit length and the type of system being protected.

HSR self regulating trace heating cable
Frost Protection

Cold & Exposed Pipework

Self-regulating trace heating is commonly used alongside suitable pipe insulation to help protect water-filled pipework from freezing. HSR is a practical route for cold-water, chilled-water and general frost-protection applications.

HWS-R hot water trace heating cable
Hot Water Maintenance

Hot Water Pipework

HWS-R self-regulating trace heating cable is designed for hot-water temperature maintenance and can form part of a properly designed and insulated domestic or commercial hot-water system.

BlazeTrace sprinkler pipework trace heating cable
Fire Sprinkler Systems

Sprinkler Pipework Frost Protection

BlazeTrace SSR102-CP is a self-regulating trace heating cable for suitable fire sprinkler pipework applications where frost protection is required.

MSR202-CP 20 watt self regulating trace heating cable
Commercial & LTHW

Medium-Temperature Pipework

MSR202-CP is a 20 W/m self-regulating cable for applications such as LTHW frost protection and medium-temperature maintenance in plant rooms, service risers and external pipe runs.

System Components

A Complete Trace Heating System

Heating cable is only one part of the installation. Trace heating should be considered alongside the appropriate controls, fixing and connection components, thermal insulation and external protection where required.

1

Heating Cable

Supplies the heat required for frost protection or temperature maintenance.

View cables →
2

Controller

Controls operation according to the required system temperature and application.

View controls →
3

Accessories

Fixing tape, junction boxes, terminations and labels complete the electrical installation.

View accessories →
4

Pipe Insulation

Helps reduce heat loss and allows the trace heating system to work effectively.

View insulation →
5

External Protection

Cladding can provide weather and mechanical protection around the finished insulated system.

View cladding →
Cable Types

Self-Regulating vs Constant Wattage Trace Heating

Self-Regulating Heating Cable

Self-regulating cable changes its heat output in response to the temperature around the cable. Different cable specifications are available for different applications and operating conditions.

  • General frost protection
  • Hot-water temperature maintenance
  • Commercial and medium-temperature applications
  • Fire sprinkler pipework
Shop Self-Regulating Cables

Constant Wattage Heating Cable

Constant wattage trace heating provides a consistent heat output along the heated length. Correct design, temperature control and installation are important when specifying the system.

Insulation thickness, pipe size, ambient temperature and required maintain temperature should all be considered before selecting a cable.

View Constant Wattage Cable
Complete the Installation

Controls, Monitoring & Installation Accessories

Trace Heating Controls

Select temperature control and monitoring equipment according to the cable, application and required level of system control.

  • Electronic temperature controllers
  • Mechanical thermostats
  • Digital temperature control
  • Trace heating monitoring systems
  • Sprinkler pipework controllers
  • Temperature sensors and associated equipment

Shop Controllers & Thermostats →

Installation Accessories

Correct connection, fixing and identification components are important when completing a trace heating installation.

  • Trace heating fixing tape
  • Aluminium foil tape
  • Junction boxes
  • Power and end termination components
  • Trace heating identification labels
  • Cable management and connection products

Shop Fixings & Accessories →

Thermal Protection

Trace Heating Works with Pipe Insulation

Trace heating does not normally replace pipe insulation. The heating cable supplies heat to the service, while suitable insulation helps reduce heat loss and maintain the required pipe temperature.

Technical & Project Support

Need Help Choosing Trace Heating?

If you are unsure which heating cable, controller or accessories you require, send us as much information as possible about the installation.

Useful details include the pipe size and length, pipe material, service temperature, required maintain temperature, internal or external location, insulation thickness, minimum ambient temperature and whether the application is for frost protection, hot water, sprinkler, HVAC or industrial pipework.

Hands-on trace heating and lagging training at Insulation and More
Practical Installer Training

Trace Heating & Lagging Training

We also run practical trace heating and lagging training sessions at our facility for contractors, engineers, installers and site teams.

Sessions cover the fundamentals of trace heating, temperature control, connections, pipe insulation and how the different components work together as a complete installation.

Trace Heating FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is trace heating?

Trace heating is an electrical heating system used to add controlled heat to pipework, vessels or other equipment. Common applications include frost protection and temperature maintenance.

Does trace heating replace pipe insulation?

No. Trace heating and insulation perform different functions and are commonly used together. Insulation reduces heat loss while the heating cable supplies the required heat.

What is self-regulating trace heating cable?

Self-regulating cable adjusts its heat output in response to the temperature around the cable. Different cable specifications are available for different operating temperatures and applications.

Can trace heating be used for frost protection?

Yes. Trace heating is commonly used with suitable pipe insulation as part of a designed frost-protection system for water-filled pipework.

Can trace heating maintain hot-water temperature?

Yes. Specific products such as HWS-R are designed for hot-water temperature-maintenance applications.

Can trace heating be used on sprinkler pipework?

Specific trace heating cables, controls and accessories are available for suitable fire sprinkler pipework applications where frost protection is required.

Do I need a thermostat or controller?

The appropriate control method depends on the heating cable and application. The full system requirements should be checked before installation.

Can Insulation & More supply the complete system?

Yes. We supply heating cables, thermostats, controllers, monitoring equipment, connection and fixing accessories, pipe insulation and protective cladding for complete trace heating projects.

Compare /3

Loading...