Pipe Freeze Protection Heat Trace Cable
Warmup self-regulating heat trace cable keeps pipes from freezing by automatically adjusting its heat output as temperatures drop. Choose plug-in kits for quick DIY projects or cut-to-length spools for larger residential and commercial pipe runs.
Benefits
Prevent burst pipes and water damage
A frozen pipe can split and flood a basement, crawl space, or wall cavity. Warmup heat trace cable keeps water moving through the coldest months, so you avoid costly repairs.
Self-regulating and energy efficient
The cable adjusts its heat output along its full length, putting out more heat where the pipe is cold and less where it's warm. It only uses the energy it needs, and the jacketed cable can be overlapped without the risk of overheating.
For projects of every size
From a 6 ft plug-in kit for a single exposed supply line to 1,000 ft spools for commercial and industrial pipework, there's a Warmup solution for every job. Jacketed spools are rated for Class I, Division 2 hazardous locations.
How Does Pipe Heat Trace Cable Work?
Warmup heat trace cable is built with two thinned copper bus wires separated by a self-regulating conductive core. When the pipe gets colder, the core contracts and creates more electrical paths between the bus wires, so the cable produces more heat. When the pipe warms up, the core expands and the heat output drops. Because the cable adjusts its output along its entire length, a section on a pipe near a cold exterior wall puts out more heat than a section running through a warmer basement.
The cable runs along the pipe in a straight line or spirals around it, held in place with application tape or cable ties. A layer of pipe insulation goes over the top to hold the heat in. The system is then powered through a plug, junction box, or automatic controller that switches the system on when the temperature drops.
What is Pipe Freeze Protection Cable Used For?
In cold climates, it pays to plan ahead so pipes and drains don’t freeze. Water expands as it turns to ice, which builds pressure inside the pipe until it cracks or bursts. Warmup heat trace cable keeps pipes above freezing in the places most as risk:
- Water supply lines in unheated basements, crawl spaces, garages, and attics
- Pipes along exterior walls and under mobile and manufactured homes
- Outdoor and exposed pipework, drain lines, and catch basins
- Commercial and industrial process pipes, including Class I, Division 2 hazardous locations (WSR Spools Only)
The same self-regulating cable can also be used to keep roofs, gutters, and downspouts clear of ice.
Which Pipes Can I Use It On?
The right product depends on the pipe material and where it’s located:
| Product | Pipe Material | Location | Voltage |
| WSR Self-Regulating Spools | Metal and plastic | Indoors, outdoors, and hazardous locations | 120V or 208-277V |
| SRK Plug-In Kits | Metal and plastic | Indoors and outdoors | 120V |
| SRK Unjacketed Kits and Spools* | Metal water supply pipes only | Indoors, in dry locations | 120V |
*Non-jacketed cable is not suitable for plastic or flexible tubing, buried pipes, fire sprinkler systems, or pipes carrying fluids other than water.
Warmup Pipe Heat Trace Products
Self-Regulating Spool (WSR)
Cut-to-length cable for residential, commercial, and industrial pipe tracing. Available in 250 ft, 500 ft, and 1,000 ft spools in 5, 8, and 10 W/ft outputs at 120V or 208-277V. Rated for Class I, Division 2 hazardous locations when installed with Warmup hazardous-rated accessories.
Plug-In Kits (SRK)
Ready-to-install kits from 6 ft to 100 ft with a 30-inch power cord and plug. Rated for wet and dry locations, so this kit works for both pipe freeze protection and roof and gutter deicing.
Non-Jacketed Kits & Spools (SR-UJ)
A simple plug-in solution for metal water supply pipes in dry, indoor locations. Factory assembled kits from 6 ft to 24 ft come with a fused plug and power light, or choose a 250 ft spool for field assembly.
Pipe Heat Trace Installation
Warmup plug-in kits are designed for DIY installation, while spools are typically installed by an electrician. Every installation follows the same basic steps:
- Measure the pipe and choose the cable length. Use the sizing chart in the installation manual for your pipe diameter and material. Add 1 ft of cable for each valve or spigot.
- Attach the cable to the pipe. Run it straight along the pipe or spiral it around the pipe when the chart calls for more cable than the pipe’s length. Secure it with application tape or plastic cable ties.
- Insulate the pipe. Cover the pipe, cable, and valves with at least 1/2″ of fiberglass insulation or equivalent. Don’t leave the cable exposed.
- Connect power. Plug kits into a ground-fault protected outlet or connect spools through a Warmup power connection kit. Don’t use extension cords.
- Test the system. Standing water in the pipe should feel warm within about an hour.
Full instructions are in the corresponding cable installation manual. All electrical work must follow the NEC and local codes.
Freeze Protection Controllers
Plug-in kits don’t require a separate controller. Because the cable is self-regulating, it can stay plugged in to a ground-fault protected outlet all winter.
For spool installations, an ambient temperature controller turns the system on only when it’s cold enough, further reducing running costs.
- TRF-115-005 Ambient Thermostat: Switches the cable on at a set temperature, adjustable from 0°F to 120°F, using a 5ft bulb sensor. Rated 25A at 120V, 208V, and 240V.
- TRACE-2 Controller and Power Panel: A “plug and play” controller and power panel for heat tracing cables. Rated 30A at 120V or 240V.
Guarantee & Warranty
10-Year WarrantyWarmup self-regulating pipe trace cables come with a 10-Year Limited Warranty, since we are completely confident in the standard of our products. Register your warranty after installation.
Safety Net Installation GuaranteeIf you accidentally damage the heating system during installation, return it to Warmup and we will replace it with another heater of the same make and model for free.
Technical Information
Sizes and Documentation: Self-Regulating Cable Spools
Cable Sizes
| Product Code (120V) | Product Code (240V) | Output at 50°F | Lengths |
| WSR-5/9W-1 | WSR-5/9W-2 |
5 W/ft |
250, 500, 1,000 ft |
| WSR-8/12W-1 | WSR-8/12W-2 |
8 W/ft |
250, 500, 1,000 ft |
| WSR-10/15W-1 | WSR-10/15W-2 |
10 W/ft |
250, 500, 1,000 ft |
Product Documentation
Sizes and Documentation: Self-Regulating Cable Kits
Cable Sizes
| Product Code (120V) | Output at 50°F | Length (ft) |
| NAMSRK-6FT | 30 W | 6 ft |
| NAMSRK-12FT | 60 W | 12 ft |
| NAMSRK-18FT | 90 W | 18 ft |
| NAMSRK-24FT | 120 W | 24 ft |
| NAMSRK-50FT | 250 W | 50 ft |
| NAMSRK-75FT | 375 W | 75 ft |
| NAMSRK-100FT | 500 W | 100 ft |
Product Documentation
Sizes and Documentation: Unjacketed SR Cable
Cable Sizes
| Product Code (120V) | Output at 50°F | Length (ft) |
| SR-K6UJ | 30 W | 6 ft |
| SR-K12UJ | 60 W | 12 ft |
| SR-K18UJ | 90 W | 18 ft |
| SR-K24UJ | 120 W | 24 ft |
| SR-5W-1-250-U | 5 W/ft | 250 ft spool |
Product Documentation
Accessories
| Code | Documents | Description |
|---|---|---|
| SR-SFIT-BOX-S |  Installation Manual
|
Power connection junction box (6x6x3) for Self-Regulating Cables, includes pipe-mounting bracket and junction box. |
| SR-POWER-KIT | Installation Manual
|
Power connection kit for Self-Regulating Cable, includes pipe mounting bracket and an end kit. |
| SR-END-KIT | Installation Manual
|
End seal kit for Self-Regulating Cable. |
| SR-LENDCAP | Installation Manual
|
Lit end cap for Self-Regulating Cable. |
| SR-SFIT-SPL | Installation Manual |
In-line splicing connection box for fast and weather-tight connections. |
| SR-SFIT-TEE | Installation Manual |
3-way T-splice connection box for fast and weather-tight connections. |
| SR-SPLICE-KIT | Installation Manual |
Splice/tee kit for Self-Regulating Cable, includes (2) end caps. |
| SR-PLUG | Technical Specifications |
Automatic thermostatic plug for pipe protection with Self-Regulating Cables. |
| SR-HTMK | Installation Manual
|
Plug-in power connection and end cap kit. |
| SR-TAPE-AL | — | Aluminum foil tape for Self-Regulating Cable, 90 ft roll. |
| SR-TAPE-UJ | — | Adhesive fiberglass tape for Unjacketed Self-Regulating Cable, 1/2″ W x 66′ L. |
| SR-ZT-100 | — | Bag of 100 heavy duty zip ties, 7″ long, 50lbs load bearing capacity. |
| SR-LBL | — | Caution label for Self-Regulating Cable, pack of 10 labels. |
Pipe Freeze Protection FAQs
What is heat trace cable?
Heat trace cable is an electric heating cable that attaches to the outside of a pipe to keep it from freezing or to hold it at a set temperature. Warmup heat trace cable is self-regulating, which means it automatically raises or lowers its heat output as the pipe temperature changes.
Is heat trace the same as heat tape?
Yes, “heat tape” is a common name for pipe heating cable.
Can heat trace cable be used on plastic or PVC pipe?
Yes. Warmup WSR spools and Plug-In Kits can be used on both metal and plastic pipes. Warmup non-jacketed cable is for metal water supply pipes only.
Does heat trace cable need to be insulated?
Yes. Cover the pipe, cable, and any valves with at least 1/2″ of fiberglass pipe insulation or equivalent. Insulation holds the heat in, lowers running costs, and protects the cable. Never leave the cable exposed.
Should heat trace be spiraled or run straight?
It depends on the pipe size and the lowest expected temperature. On small pipes in moderate climates, one straight run along the pipe is usually enough. Larger pipes and colder climates need the cable spiraled around the pipe. The sizing chart in the installation manual shows how much cable to plan for.
How much heat trace cable do I need?
Measure the length of pipe, multiple by the cable-per-foot figure from the installation manual’s sizing chart for your pipe size and climate, then add 1 ft for each valve or spigot. For example, 12 ft of 1-1/2″ metal pipe in -20°F weather with one valve needs 12 × 1.8 + 1 = 22.6 ft of cable.
Can I leave heat trace plugged in all winter?
Yes. Because the cable is self-regulating, it uses less power as the pipe warms up. Inspect the cable and test the ground-fault protection at least once a year.
Do I need a GFCI outlet for heat trace cable?
Yes. Warmup pipe trace cables require 30mA ground-fault protection. Plug-in kits should be plugged into a ground-fault protected outlet, never an extension cord.
Can I install pipe heat trace myself?
Plug-in kits are designed for DIY installation on accessible pipes. Spool systems that need hard-wired connections, junction boxes, or controllers should be installed by a qualified electrician in line with the NEC.
How long does pipe heat trace cable last?
Warmup self-regulating pipe trace cables are backed by a 10-Year Limited Warranty. Check the cable and its connections each year before winter to keep it working reliably.
Other products from our Outdoor Range
Snow Melting Cables & Mats
Warmup Snow Melting Cables & Mats protect against snow and ice build-up over both concrete, asphalt, and paver surfaces to improve accessibility and avoid accidents.
Roof & Gutter Snow Melt
Warmup Self-Regulating Cables for the roof and gutter heating melt snow and ice to keep a drain path for water to flow freely away from the house.
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