Trace heating systems are a critical component in freeze protection and maintaining temperature control across industrial and commercial applications. But even the most rugged, certified cable systems can be compromised if testing protocols are skipped during installation.
Don’t Skip the Test – Your Budget Depends on It
Proper testing ensures your heating cable is working as expected before it’s buried under insulation and hard to access. A quick test can save significant labor costs and prevent downtime.
To verify cable integrity:
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Test on receipt, pre-installation, and post-installation using a 500 VDC megger.
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Never use a megger exceeding 2500 VDC, as this can damage the cable.
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Look for minimum insulation resistance readings of 20 MΩ per circuit. Anything lower may indicate damage or moisture exposure.
Build a Testing History
Once your system is installed and tested, keep a record of the resistance reading. This reading becomes your baseline for future maintenance and helps detect potential problems, such as moisture ingress, before they lead to failure.
Routine testing, using historical data, allows your maintenance team to spot trends and prevent issues long before they impact operations.
Pro Tip: Detecting cable damage before insulation is applied dramatically reduces troubleshooting time later and extends the life of your system.
Stay Ahead of the Freeze
Testing may seem like a small step, but it’s a powerful one. Take the time to do it right, before and after installation, and establish a strong maintenance routine based on data.
Need help with testing procedures or megger tools? Our team can help you implement a maintenance program that protects your trace heating investment long term.
Download our Testing and Troubleshooting Self-Regulating Cable Worksheet now.