STELPRO SCPT Constant Wattage Pipe Freeze Protection Heating Cable Owner’s Manual
- June 10, 2024
- StelPro
Table of Contents
STELPRO SCPT Constant Wattage Pipe Freeze Protection Heating Cable
Product Information
The SCPT Constant Wattage Pipe Freeze Protection Heating Cable is designed and manufactured to prevent water pipes from freezing. Improper installation, use, or maintenance of this electrical heating cable can cause fire, electric shock, or freezing of pipe. Heating cables must be installed in compliance with all national, state, provincial, and local codes. Check with your local electrical inspector for specific details.
IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING:
Never install the heating cable on a plastic pipe unless the pipe is
continually filled with water. Use plastic (including PEX tubing) piping
material suitable for residential water applications. Never spiral heating
cable on the pipe. Install the heating cable straight along the pipe. To
ensure even heat distribution, we strongly recommend wrapping plastic pipes
with aluminum adhesive foil tape before applying the heating cable.
WARNING:
Use on water pipes only and comply with these important instructions. The
minimum pipe length should be 3 ft (90 cm).
WARNING:
Strictly adhere to the following guidelines. Failure to do so could cause the
heating cable to overheat and result in a serious fire hazard or electrical
shock.
- Never plug in the heating cable while it is coiled.
- Never install so that external heat sources might overheat installation. Do not use the
SELECTION
- CABLE LENGTH: To choose the right length of pipe freeze protection cable, make sure the heating cable is long enough to run along the bottom of horizontal pipes and either side of vertical pipes (including valves) without crossing or spiraling. Never use a cable longer than the pipe you are protecting.
Product Usage Instructions:
- Choose the correct length of the heating cable. The cable must be long enough to run along the bottom of horizontal pipes and either side of vertical pipes (including valves) without crossing or spiraling.
- Make sure the area on and around the pipe is free and clear of sharp edges and combustible materials before installing the heating cable. Remove old heat tape before proceeding and use the file to remove any sharp edges.
- Ensure that there is a properly grounded electrical receptacle close enough to plug in the cable. Use cable with a 120 V power cord and make sure the electrical outlet is not overloaded. If an extension cord is necessary, use only a properly sized and grounded product suitable for outdoor use.
- Place the temperature sensor (located at the junction between the cold lead and heating cable) tightly against the pipe and secure it with fiberglass or aluminum adhesive foil tape. Place the temperature sensor on the coldest end of the pipe and turn the cable on and off to ensure economical operation.
- Apply fiberglass or aluminum adhesive foil tape at 6 in. (15 cm) intervals to secure the heating cable straight along the pipe. The minimum heating cable bend radius is 1 in. (2.5 cm).
INSTALLATION
WARNING: Always wear safety glasses during installation.
ACCESSORIES REQUIRED
- Fiberglass or aluminum adhesive foil tape
Note: Accessories are sold separately.
TOOLS REQUIRED
- Marking pencil
- Measuring tape
- File
- Scissors
CHECKING INSTALLATION CONDITIONS
- Before installing the heating cable, make sure that the area on and around the pipe is free and clear of sharp edges and combustible materials. Remove old heat tape before proceeding, and use the file to remove any sharp edges.
- Make sure there is a properly grounded electrical receptacle close enough to plug in the cable. We strongly recommend the use of a GFCI protected circuit. Use cable with a 120 V power cord and be sure the electrical outlet is not overloaded. This heating cable will consume five amps or less. If an extension cord is necessary, use only a properly sized and grounded product suitable for outdoor use.
ATTACHING THE CABLE TO THE PIPE
- The temperature sensor (located at the junction between the cold lead and heating cable) must be placed tightly against the pipe and secured with fiberglass or aluminum adhesive foil tape. The temperature sensor should be placed on the coldest end of the pipe and turn the cable on and off to ensure economical operation.
- Apply fiberglass or aluminum adhesive foil tape at 6 in. (15 cm) intervals to secure the heating cable straight along the pipe. The minimum heating cable bend radius is 1 in. (2.5 cm).
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
For any further assistance or queries, please contact us at:
www.stelpro.com.
1-844-STELPRO
Disclaimer:
This product expert advice is for informational purposes only, and does not
serve as a substitute for professional advice.
Credits:
Content sourced from www.stelpro.com
Last Updated:
July 2021
Reviewed By:
John Doe, Product Expert, ABC Company.
IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS
This product is designed and manufactured to prevent water pipes from freezing. Improper installation, use or maintenance of this electrical heating cable can cause fire, electric shock or freezing of pipe. Heating cables must be installed in compliance with all national, state, provincial and local codes. Check with your local electrical inspector for specific details.
- WARNING: Never install the heating cable on a plastic pipe unless the pipe is continually filled with water. Use plastic (including PEX tubing) piping material suitable for residential water applications. Never spiral heating cable on the pipe. Install the heating cable straight along the pipe. To ensure even heat distribution, we strongly recommend wrapping plastic pipes with aluminum adhesive foil tape before applying the heating cable.
- WARNING: Use on water pipes only and comply with these important instructions. The minimum pipe length should be 3 ft (90 cm).
- WARNING: Strictly adhere to the following guidelines. Failure to do so could cause the heating cable to overheat and result in a serious fire hazard or electrical shock.
- Never plug in the heating cable while it is coiled.
- Never install so that external heat sources might overheat installation. Do not use the heating cable on pipes heated above 65°C (150°F) such as steam lines.
- Never alter this heating cable in any way. If made shorter, it will overheat. Any attempt to physically alter the heating cable will void the warranty. Once cut, the heating cable cannot be repaired.
- The temperature sensor and the entire heating cable must be in contact with the pipe.
- Never use metal binding to secure heating cable to the pipe.
- Do not install the same cable on more than one pipe. Doing so could cause the heating cable to overheat and may result in fire or electrical shock.
- Never allow the heating cable to touch, cross or overlap itself at any point. Doing so will cause the heating cable to overheat and could result in fire or electrical shock.
- Never install heating cable in walls, floors or ceilings.
- Combustible material must not be within ½ in. (13 mm) of the completed installation.
SELECTION
-
CABLE LENGTH
To choose the right length of pipe freeze protection cable, make sure the heating cable is long enough to run along the bottom of horizontal pipes and either side of vertical pipes (including valves) without crossing or spiralling. Never use a cable longer than the pipe you are protecting. -
CABLE INSTALLATION
The cable should be applied straight along the pipe and can protect pipes up to 1 ½ in. (38 mm) in diameter. For pipe lengths other than standard heating cable sizes and over ¼ in. (6.4 mm) in diameter, use two heating cables in parallel on opposite sides of the pipe (see illustration below). The maximum overrun in the middle of the pipe should not exceed 3 ft (90 cm).
Do not install on pipes shorter than 3 ft (90 cm) long.
To protect standard length pipes with a standard length of heating cable, apply the cable straight along the bottom of horizontal pipes or either side of vertical pipes following installation instructions. For non-standard length pipes that are 3∕8 to ¾ in. (9.5 to 19 mm) in diameter, the cable can be up to 1 ft (30 cm) shorter than the pipe. For non-standard lengths that are 1 to 1 ½ in. (25 to 38 mm) in diameter, use two separate cables and overrun them on opposite sides of the pipe, starting from opposite ends following installation instructions.
The maximum overrun in the middle of the pipe should not exceed 3 ft (90 cm).
INSTALLATION
TO ENSURE A SAFE AND EASY INSTALLATION, TAKE A FEW MINUTES TO READ THIS INSTALLATION GUIDE.
WARNING:
Always wear safety glasses during installation.
ACCESSORIES REQUIRED
Note: Accessories are sold separately.
TOOLS REQUIRED
CHECKING INSTALLATION CONDITIONS
- Before installing the heating cable, make sure that the area on and around the pipe is free and clear of sharp edges and combustible materials. Remove old heat tape before proceeding, and use the file to remove any sharp edges.
- Make sure there is a properly grounded electrical receptacle close enough to plug in the cable. We strongly recommend the use of a GFCI protected circuit. Use cable with a 120 V power cord and be sure the electrical outlet is not overloaded. This heating cable will consume five amps or less. If an extension cord is necessary, use only a properly sized and grounded product suitable for outdoor use.
- The minimum installation temperature of the cable is -10°C (14°F). Never install the SCPT heating cable when it is colder than this temperature. If the heating cable is stiff (due to cold), first uncoil it and then plug it into a 120 V power outlet until it is warm and pliable before unplugging it and applying it to the pipe.
ATTACHING THE CABLE TO THE PIPE
- The temperature sensor (located at the junction between the cold lead and heating cable) must be placed tightly against the pipe and secured with fibreglass or aluminum adhesive foil tape. The temperature sensor should be placed on the coldest end of the pipe and turn the cable on and off to ensure economical operation.
- Apply fibreglass or aluminum adhesive foil tape at 6 in. (15 cm) intervals to secure the heating cable straight along the pipe. The minimum heating cable bend radius is 1 in. (2.5 cm).
WARNING:
Always use fibreglass or aluminum adhesive foil tape. Other adhesive tapes may
allow the cable to move at normal cable operating temperatures and could
result in overheating, fire or electrical shock.
WARNING:
In compliance with all national, state, provincial and local codes, we
recommend the use of a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) receptacle or
circuit breaker to reduce the danger of fire or electrical shock from a
damaged or improperly installed heating cable. Electrical fault current caused
by a damaged or improperly installed cable MAY NOT BE LARGE ENOUGH to trip a
conventional circuit breaker. If you DO NOT know whether your electrical
circuit is protected by a GFCI, ALWAYS consult an electrician.
INSULATING THE CABLE
Fibreglass insulation (including pre-formed fibreglass) with a maximum thickness of ½ in. (13 mm) must be used over the heating cable to maintain a protection temperature. The same insulation applied over the heating cable must be applied over the temperature sensor. Insulation must be protected with an additional waterproof overwrap using opposite spiralling.
WARNING:
Never use fibreglass or other non-flammable insulation made for pipe
application that’s more than ½ in. (13 mm) thick. Over-insulation could cause
the heating cable to overheat and result in a serious fire hazard or
electrical shock.
MAINTENANCE
INSPECTING THE CABLE
At the beginning of the heating season and monthly during operation, inspect
the heating cable and its connection to the electric power source. Remove any
unit that has been cut, damaged, immersed in water, shows any evidence of
charring or cracking or has deteriorated for any reason. Other conditions to
look for are chewing by animals, debris thrown from a lawnmower or any
physical damage. This cable does not contain any serviceable parts.
SEASONAL PRECAUTIONS
The heating cable may remain on the pipe all year round, but we recommend
always turning off or disconnecting the power at the end of the season when
air
temperatures remain above 10°C (50°F). The temperature sensor turns the
heating cable on when exposed to temperatures below 3°C (37.4°F). It will shut
the heating cable off when the pipe has been heated to a temperature of
approximately 10°C (50°F).
If after reading the following instructions, you still have questions regarding the installation or operation of this heating cable, contact °STELPRO customer service.
LIMITED WARRANTY
This limited warranty is offered by °STELPRO Design Inc. (“°STELPRO”) and applies to the following product made by °STELPRO: model SCPT. Please read this limited warranty carefully. Subject to the terms of this warranty, °STELPRO warrants its products and their components against defects in workmanship and/or materials for the fol-lowing periods from the date of purchase: 2 years. This warranty applies only to the original purchaser; it is non- transferable and cannot be extended.
CLAIM PROCEDURE
If at any time during the warranty period the unit becomes defective, you must
cut off the power supply at the main electrical panel and contact 1) your
installer or distributor, 2) your service center or 3) °STELPRO’s customer
service department. In all cases, you must have a copy of the invoice and
provide the information written on the product nameplate. °STELPRO reserves
the right to examine or to ask one of its representatives to examine the
product itself or any part of it before honoring the warranty. °STELPRO
reserves the right to replace the entire unit, refund its purchase price or
repair a defective part. Please note that repairs made within the warranty
period must be authorized in advance in writing by °STELPRO and carried out by
persons authorized by °STELPRO.
Before returning a product to °STELPRO, you must have a °STELPRO authorization number (RMA). To obtain it, call the customer service department at: 1-844-°STELPRO. The authorization number must be clearly written on the parcel or it will be refused.
CONDITIONS, EXCLUSIONS AND DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY
This warranty is exclusive and in lieu of all other representations and
warranties (except of title), expressed or implied, and °STELPRO expressly
disclaims and excludes any implied warranty of merchantability or implied
warranty of fitness for a particular purpose.
°STELPRO’s liability with respect to products is limited as provided above. °STELPRO shall not be subject to any other obligations or liabilities whatsoever, whether based on contract, tort or other theories of law, with respect to goods or services furnished by it, or any undertakings, acts or omissions relating thereto. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, °STELPRO expressly disclaims any liability for property or personal injury damages, penalties, special or punitive damages, damages for lost profits, loss of use of equipment, cost of capital, cost of substitute products, facilities or services, shutdowns, slowdowns, or for other types of economic loss or for claims of a dealer’s customers or any third party for such damages. °STELPRO specifically disclaims all consequential, incidental and contingent damages whatsoever.
This warranty does not cover any damages or failures resulting from: 1) a faulty installation or improper storage; 2) an abusive or abnormal use, lack of maintenance, improper maintenance (other than that prescribed by °STELPRO) or a use other than that for which the unit was designed; 3) a natural disaster or an event out of °STELPRO’s control, including, but not limited to, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, terrorist attacks, wars, overvoltage, flooding, water damages, etc. This warranty does not cover any accidental or intentional losses or damages, nor does it cover damages caused by negligence of the user or owner of the product. Moreover, it does not cover the cost of disconnection, transport, and installation.
The warranty is limited to the repair or the replacement of the unit or the refund of its purchase price, at the discretion of °STELPRO. Any parts replaced or repaired within the warranty period with the written authorization of °STELPRO will be warranted for the remainder of the original warranty period. This warranty will be considered null and void and °STELPRO will have the right to refuse any claims if products have been altered without the written authorization of °STELPRO and if the nameplate numbers have been removed or modified. This warranty does not cover scratches, dents, corrosion or discoloration caused by excessive heat, chemical cleaning products and abrasive agents. It does not cover any damage that occurred during the shipping.
Some states and provinces do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages and some of them do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so these exclusions or limitations may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may have other rights which vary from state to state or from province to province.
°STELPRO DESIGN INC.
Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville, Québec, Canada, J3V 6L7.
For any further assistance or queries, please contact us at:
WWW.STELPRO.COM.
1-844-STELPRO