WarmlyYours PTC120-7W-012 Constant Wattage Pipe Freeze Protection System Instruction Manual
- June 4, 2024
- WarmlyYours
Table of Contents
General Information
This constant wattage pipe freeze protection product has been designed and manufactured, and instructions written for the sole use of preventing water pipes from freezing. Improper installation, use, and/or maintenance of electrical heating cables can cause fire, electric shock, and/ or freezing of pipe.
- If after reading the following instructions, you still have questions regarding the installation or operation of this heating cable, call WarmlyYours at 800-875-5285
- Heating cables must be installed in compliance with all National, State, Provincial and Local Codes. Check with your local electrical inspector for specific details.
- These instructions must be saved and made available to the owner and transferred to future owners. Before starting, be sure you have selected the correct length heating cable for the pipe to be protected, see 2 Selection Guide.
WARNING: Use on water pipes only and comply with these important
instructions.
The minimum pipe length is 3ft (0.91 m).
For additional information regarding any aspect of the Pipe Freeze Protection System, contact:
WarmlyYours US
590 Telser Rd, Suite B
Lake Zurich, IL 60047
WarmlyYours Canada
300 Granton Drive, Unit 4A
Richmond Hill, ON. L4B 1H7
Selection Guide
To choose the right length of pipe freeze protection cable, the cable should be long enough to run along the bottom of horizontal pipes and the weather side of vertical pipes (including valves) without crossing or spiraling. Never use a cable longer than the pipe it is intended to protect.
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The cable will be applied straight along the pipe, and will protect pipes up to 1-1/2 inches (3.81 cm) in diameter.
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For pipe lengths other than standard heating cable sizes, and over 1/4 inch (0.64 cm) in diameter, use two heating cables in parallel on opposite sides of the pipe (see illustration). Maximum “overrun” should not exceed 3ft (0.91 m). Do not install on a pipe shorter than 3ft (0.91 m) long.
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For Standard Lengths Pipe, to protect the pipe with a standard length of heating cable, apply the cable straight along the bottom of the horizontal pipe or the “weather side” of the vertical pipe following installation instructions.
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For Non-Standard Lengths Pipe, diameters from 3/8 inches to 3/4 inches (0.95 to 0.91 cm), the cable can be up to 2ft (0.61 m) shorter than the pipe, diameters from 1inch to 1- 1/2 inches (3.81 cm), apply two separate cables on opposite sides of the pipe, starting from opposite ends following installation instructions. Overrun in the middle of the pipe should not exceed 3ft (0.91 m).
Ordering Information
Catalog Number| Voltage
V| Cable
Length/ft (m)| Output
W/ft| Watts| Amps| ohms
---|---|---|---|---|---|---
PTC120-7W-003| 120| 3 (0.91 m)| 7| 21| 0.2| 685.7
PTC120-7W-012| 120| 12 (3.66 m)| 7| 84| 0.7| 171.4
PTC120-7W-030| 120| 30 (9.14 m)| 7| 210| 1.8| 68.6
WARNING: The following nine points must be strictly adhered to. Failure to do so could cause overheating and result in serious fire hazards 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 heating cable on pipes heated above 149º F (65ºC)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 thermostat and the entire heating cable must be in contact with the pipe.
- Never use metal binding to secure the heating cable to the pipe.
- Do not install the same cable on more than one pipe. This 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. This will cause the heating cable to overheat and could result in fire or electrical shock.
- Never install heating cables in walls, floors, or ceilings.
- Combustible material must not be within 1/2 inch (13mm) of the completed installation.
General Installation Instructions
Important: Tools and materials required Materials:
- Electrical tape
- 1/2-inch (13 mm) fiberglass or equivalent non-flammable pipe insulation with vapor seal
Tools:
Scissors
- Tape measure
- File
- Marking pencil
- Eye protection
Automatic Pipe Heating Cable on Metal Water
Pipe (See “Special Notes for Plastic Pipes” below.)
WARNING: Always wear safety glasses during installation.
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Read through the entire instruction sheet before you begin. Make sure you have selected the correct length of the heating cable.
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Before applying 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 tapes before proceeding and use the file to remove any sharp edges.
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The minimum installation temperature of the cable is -10ºC (14ºF). Never install the Pipe Freeze Protection System when the cable is colder than this temperature. If the heating cable is stiff (due to cold), first uncoil it and then plug it into the rated voltage (120V) outlet until it is warm and pliable before unplugging it and applying it to the pipe.
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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 120 volts and be sure the electrical outlet is not overloaded. This heating cable will consume five amps or less of electricity.
If an extension cord is necessary, use only a properly sized, grounded suitable for outdoor service. -
The thermostat (the splice or end of the heating cable) must be placed tightly against the pipe and secured with good-quality electrical tape. The thermostat should be placed on the coldest end of the pipe and turn the cable on and off to provide economical operation.
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Apply good quality electrical tape at 5.91 inches (15 cm) intervals to secure the heating cable straight along the pipe. The minimum heating cable bend radius is 1 inch (2.54 cm).
WARNING: Always use good quality electrical tape with a minimum of 176ºF (80ºC) temperature rating. Other adhesive tapes may allow the cable to move at normal cable operating temperatures and could result in overheating fire, or electrical shock. -
Maximum 1/2-fiberglass (including pre-formed fiberglass) insulation must be used over the heating cable for lower temperature protection. Insulation applied over the heating cable must also be applied over the thermostat. Insulation must be protected with an additional waterproof overwrap using opposite spiraling.
WARNING: 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 install 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. NOTE: Many mobile home heat tape receptacles are NOT protected by a GFCI.
WARNING: Never use more than 1/2 inch (13 mm) of fiberglass or other non- flammable
insulation made for pipe application. Over-insulation can cause the heating cable to overheat
and cause a serious fire hazard or electrical shock. -
Before operating the heating cable, the installer should complete the record of the purchase form.
Special Notes for Plastic Pipe Installation
WARNING: Never install the heating cable on a plastic pipe unless the pipe is filled with water at all times. Use plastic (including PEX tubing) piping material suitable for residential water applications. Never spiral heating cable on pipes. Keep the heating cable straight along the pipe. In order to obtain even heat distribution, we recommend wrapping plastic pipes with aluminum foil before applying the heating cable.
Maintenance
- At the beginning of the heating season and monthly during operation, inspect the heating cable and its connection to the electric power source. Discontinue use and 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 lawnmowers,s or any physical abuse. This cable does not contain any serviceable parts.
- The heating cable may remain on the pipe year round, but we recommend always turning off or disconnecting the power at the end of the season (when air temperatures remain above 50ºF (10 ℃). The thermostat turns the heating cable on when exposed to temperatures below 37.4ºF (3ºC). It will shut the heating cable off when the pipe has been heated to a temperature of approximately 50ºF (10ºC).
WarmlyYours US
590 Telser Rd, Suite B
Lake Zurich, IL 60047
WarmlyYours Canada
300 Granton Drive, Unit 4A
Richmond Hill, ON. L4B 1H7
www.WarmlyYours.com
WarmlyYours can accept no responsibility for possible errors in catalogs,
brochures, other printed materials, and website information. WarmlyYours
reserves the right to alter its products without notice. This also applies to
products already on order provided that such alteration can be made without
subsequent changes being necessary for specifications already agreed upon. All
trademarks in this material are the property of the respective companies.
All rights reserved.
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