Choosing a heating cable seems simple at first glance, but the wrong decision can lead to excessive electricity bills, damaged equipment, or frozen pipes. In this post, we debunk common myths and explain why "self-regulating" does not mean a "self-turning-on heating cable."
1. Myth: A self-regulating cable turns itself on and off!?
This is the biggest misconception among customers. The term "self-regulating" means that the heating cable adjusts its power output based on the ambient temperature – when the pipe (or gutter) is cold, the heating cable provides more heat; when the pipe is warm, the heat output decreases automatically, but it never turns itself off completely. Why could this be a problem for us?
Shorter lifespan: If a self-regulating cable is constantly powered year-round, its internal heat-producing semiconductive material ages too quickly. Without a thermostat, a self-regulating heating cable can lose its efficiency in just a few years.
High power consumption at startup: This is important to know when planning and installing longer sections. At the moment of switching on, the startup current of a self-regulating cable is about 1.8 times higher than in normal operation. When installing longer sections, it is always crucial to consult a specialist beforehand or check the product datasheet for the maximum allowed length of the heating cable, based on the circuit breaker size and the startup temperature. Manufacturers generally specify the nominal output of heating cables (10W/m, 20W/m, 30W/m, etc.) at an ambient temperature of +10°C!
Expert advice: Even a self-regulating cable always requires a thermostat (e.g., set to +2 or +3 degrees for frost protection). This saves energy and ensures a long lifespan for the self-regulating heating cable.
2. When is a self-regulating heating cable indispensable?
Despite the myths, a self-regulating heating cable has clear advantages:
Cut-to-length on site: If the exact length of the piping is unknown, you can cut the exact required length from the roll. This makes it a favorite among installers, as there is no waste. However, as mentioned, it must always be used with a thermostat!
Overheating resistance: It is the only choice for places where, for example, pipe valves or taps extend beyond the insulation (creating thermal bridges), and the heating cable needs to be installed more densely or even cross over itself.
The only permitted solution for use inside sewer pipes.
3. Constant wattage heating cable (e.g., Heatcom Aqua Safe)
The constant wattage heating cable Heatcom Aqua is simple, affordable, and has a very long lifespan. Unlike a self-regulating cable, this heating cable does not "tire" over the years.
Advantages: There is no high startup current (allowing for longer lengths), and the price is more affordable.
Suitable for drinking water: Heatcom Aqua Safe is specially certified for installation inside drinking water pipes.
Important rule: Its length must never be altered on-site! If the length needs to be adjusted, it must always be recalculated by a specialist. Consult us to find the exact measurement if needed.
A constant wattage heating cable must never cross over itself. When installed on a pipe, it must be distributed evenly along the entire length of the pipe. Always use it with a thermostat. More detailed tips can be found with each specific product.
Summary: Which type of heating cable should you prefer?
If you need to protect a short section of pipe or use pipe heating temporarily, you can choose a self-regulating heating cable and monitor it yourself using a switch or a smart plug timer to turn the heating cable on or off as needed. However, if you need to run heating along a long water line or use pipe heating over the long term, the Heatcom Aqua Safe is a more reliable and economical choice.