I would not double back. I would consult your heat tape/cable directions. If you no longer have the directions, I would google the make/model of your heat tape/cable to see what the manufacturer recommends when it is too long for what you need.
Can you use heat tape on PEX plumbing?
You can use heat tape on pex, but you need to follow the manufactures recommendations. There is no real good way of telling if you need more for your pipes. Most of the time if your water lines are covered they should be fine.
What if my heat tape is too long?
Usually you can wrap the tape around the pipe as you install it. You can then add or subtract wraps to adjust the length and make it come out where you want. This works well for just a short amount of slack.
Can heat tape get too hot?
Heating Tape, Heating Cable, Heating Cords: At a Glance
Lower power densities and temperatures, with maximum temperatures ranging from 150°F to 500°F, and including low-intensity cables well suited for freeze prevention.
Can heat tape cause a fire?
Sadly, heat tape has the potential to cause fires in homes and businesses. Many of these products consist only of non-regulating tape which plugs into a wall outlet. If the heat tape remains activated for long periods of time – especially if temperatures rise and/or the tape is well-insulated – it can spark a fire.
Can heat tape be overlapped?
It can be overlapped and insulated without creating a fire hazard. Most cheap heat tapes can’t be overlapped or insulated because they overheat and pose a real risk for fire. Heat tapes must be plugged into a GFCI circuit.
Can you leave heat tape plugged in all the time?
Those tapes do not draw electricity all the time, even though they remain plugged in. A cycle of repetitive heating and cooling is one of several factors that can lead to fires. Another is exposure. Many people leave heat tapes in locations where they get hot in summer, cold in winter and wet year-round.
How long can you leave heat tape on for pipes?
Most heat tape manufacturers warn that you should replace your heat tapes every 3 years minimum. Heat tape has a near-constant connection with both water and electricity and usually isn’t protected well from the elements.
Should heat tape be warm to the touch?
If the Heat Cable Kit is installed correctly, the light in the plug will be on and the cable should be warm to the touch. You can also test the cable to know if it is working properly. Plug in the cable and wrap a bag of ice around the thermostat block and after 20 minutes, the cable should feel warm to the touch.
Can heat tape be submerged in water?
Available with housing styles that are resistant to water and many chemicals, and suitable for outdoor use. Some styles are resistant to moisture or suitable for use on electrically conductive surfaces, but they must not be submerged, and are generally intended for indoor applications.
Can heat cable touch each other?
Avoid overheating the cable. For example: — Do not allow the heated portion of an operating cable to touch, cross over or overlap itself or to touch another deicing cable.
Which is better heat tape or heat cable?
Heat trace cable is somewhat stiff, but it’s pliable enough to wrap it around your pipes, and it does not shrink; Heating tape is extremely flexible, therefore it’s better for tight contours and oddly shaped pipes.
Can you cut heat tape to length?
Heat tape is a thin laminate material that can be cut with any good quality scissor. The element that we sell has been specifically chosen for reptile rack and cage use and can be cut to almost any length. MAKE SURE THE ELEMENT IS UNPLUGGED WHEN TRIMMING!
Can you splice heat tape?
Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Step one make sure to put both heat shrink tubes on your cables. First remove the outer jacket of the cable you're going to splice in to make sure you do not cut too deep to cut into the cables.
What is better than heat tape?
Advantages of Self-Regulating Cable
If you are looking for more flexibility during project installation, self-regulating cable may be the right alternative to heat tape.
Can you put insulation around heat tape?
Using foam pipe insulation over heat tape is a bad idea. Heat tape can crack or break, causing a potential fire hazard if it’s near a flammable object like foam insulation. Use a nonflammable kind such as fiberglass instead, and always follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
How cold does it have to be before PEX freezes?
20° F
At What Temperature Do PEX Pipes Freeze? Generally, cold temperatures of 20° F and lower will cause the formation of ice in your uninsulated water lines which will cause your pipes to freeze. All types of pipes can freeze, regardless of your pipe’s material.
Will PEX break if it freezes?
If the weather gets cold enough, PEX pipes can and will freeze – – like any plumbing. However, PEX may be less likely to rupture as a result of freezing. However – manufacturers won’t provide a guarantee against rupture due to freezing.
