For all of our installations, we use Heat Tape Pro, a commercial-grade self-regulating heat cable that carries a five-year manufacturer's warranty. In contrast, self-regulating cables are normally ¼” x ½”, similar in shape to standard Romex® wire used in American homes. It’s normally black and round, measuring about ¼” in diameter and is usually sold under the brand names of Frost King, EasyHeat, Wrap-On or Heat-It.Ĭonstant-wattage cables are typically the only option at local hardware stores both large and small. Identifying constant-wattage cable visually is easy. If the cable feels very affordable, it is probably because it’s cheap.ĭimension & Brand Names: How does the average person tell the difference between self-regulating cable and constant-wattage cable? Here are a few quick tips. Self-regulating cable is far cheaper over the long run when lifespans and energy consumption are factored in. Ultimately, being cheap is the only short-term advantage constant-wattage cable has over self-regulating cable. Quick facts about constant-wattage heat cableĬost: A 100-foot constant-wattage cable will cost you around $75 whereas a self-regulating cable of the same length will be closer to $350. This explains why 60% of the heat tape installations we do in the Minneapolis area involve tearing out constant-wattage and replacing it with self-regulating cable, even on systems less than a year old.
FROST KING HEAT TAPE INSTALL
Based on my many years of experience in ice dam prevention and residential construction, my opinion on constant-wattage cable is clear: It is better to not install anything than to use these products on your home. Sadly, constant-wattage heat cable is the most widely used roof deicing cable in the country, accounting for roughly 90% of all residential installations and nearly 100% of all complaints. There are many other dubious distinctions described below. It is hot, hot, hot, 100% of the time when plugged in. Constant-wattage cable gets its name from the fact that-unlike self-regulating cable-it does not automatically adjust its energy consumption with changes in outdoor temperatures.
They can be inefficient, short-lived, ineffective and even pose a fire hazard in some situations.īut to be clear, all of these issues relate to installations involving a low-quality class of cables known as ‘Constant-Wattage’, which are usually bought on Amazon or at big-box retailers and installed by less-than-professional hands. Heat cables are a controversial topic in the field of ice dam prevention for good reason. They are a great solution when you use the right cable and a bad solution if you don’t. Over the past 30 years, I’ve been asked countless times if heat cables are a good solution or a bad solution for ice dams. This is the second in a three-part series. 7 watts per foot.This is a guest blog post by Steve Kuhl of Radiant Solutions Company. L Heating Cable For Roof and Gutter/Water Pipe 27.78 ////USD InStock Heating Cable Auto-Ship Electrical Supplies Extension Cords and Surge Protectors Heat Cables Ice Melters and Spreaders Ice Melters and Spreaders Auto-Ship Lighting & Electrical Snow Essentials Winter Built-in thermostat automatically helps keep your water pipes from freezing down to 38 degrees F below zero.
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