Heat Trace Cable

[jmellc]

I’ve done heat trace here & there over the years but not enough to be an expert on it. Been looking at several runs of it in our plant that are out. No cuts I can see, good splices so far. Do some cables just give out over time? Most of these are probably 10-20 years old. The few that work are newer. All are 120 volt.
Thanks for any feedback.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

Assuming self-regulating heat trace, I believe they have a life of 15 to 20 years.

 

[jmellc]

Boss said several were self regulating. Not knowing any better test, I wrapped a loop of the main one in plastic & put it in a bucket of ice. Didn’t heat at all so I assume it’s dead. Just needs a funeral.