Trace heating is indispensable, especially for frost protection of water-carrying pipes, among other applications. Here you can find out what else it is used for, what it has to do with mobile heaters, how it works, and much more.
Table of Contents
What is Trace Heating?
Trace heating is an electrical resistance heater in the form of a cable or band that is wrapped around or attached to pipes, valves, or containers to protect their contents from freezing or to maintain a constant temperature. It converts electrical energy into heat, which is transferred directly to the object being protected. Alternative names are “pipe heating,” “frost protection heating,” or “heating tape.”
What is Trace Heating Used For?
Trace heating is used in the following areas, among others:
Frost Protection
The most common application is the protection of water-carrying pipes in areas susceptible to frost, such as unheated basements, garages, outdoors, or underground. This prevents pipes from freezing and bursting.
Temperature Maintenance
In industrial processes, it is often necessary to keep the temperature of liquids or gases in pipelines constant to ensure their flowability or to control chemical reactions. Examples include keeping heavy oil, fats, or other viscous media warm.
Hot Water Supply
Trace heating can be installed on hot water pipes to maintain the temperature and ensure that hot water is immediately available at the draw-off points. This reduces water consumption, as cold water does not have to run off first.
Special Applications
Trace heating is also used as gutter heating to protect against ice formation, for frost protection of plants in greenhouses, or for heating sprinkler systems.
Why is Trace Heating Needed in Connection with Mobile Heaters?
Mobile heaters are often used on construction sites, at events, or as emergency heating. This often requires long, flexible hoses for transporting heating water or other liquids outdoors. Especially at low outside temperatures, there is a risk that the liquid in the hoses will freeze, blocking or damaging the mobile heating system.
Trace heating then plays an important role in:
- Frost protection for supply lines: They are laid along the heating and drinking water hoses to protect them from freezing and ensure the functionality of the entire system.
- Ensuring operation: The use of trace heating allows mobile heaters to be operated reliably even in sub-zero temperatures.
- System completion: Providers of mobile heating solutions include trace heating as an important accessory in their range to enable trouble-free operation in all weather conditions.
How Does Trace Heating Work?
The functioning of trace heating depends on the type of heating tape used. Basically, a distinction is made between two main types:
| HEATING TAPE TYPE | FUNCTIONALITY | REGULATION |
|---|---|---|
| SELF-REGULATING HEATING TAPE | These heating tapes automatically adjust their heating output to the ambient temperature. They consist of two parallel copper conductors surrounded by a special plastic with embedded carbon particles. When cold, the plastic particles contract, creating more current paths between the conductors, and the heating output increases. When heated, the plastic expands, the number of current paths decreases, and the heating output drops. | Regulation is automatic at every point of the heating tape. An additional thermostat can be used for further energy savings. |
| CONSTANT WATTAGE HEATING CABLE WITH THERMOSTAT | These heating cables have a constant heating output per meter. The temperature is regulated by an external or integrated thermostat that measures the ambient temperature. If the temperature falls below a pre-set value, the thermostat switches the heating on. When the desired temperature is reached, the power supply is interrupted again. | External or integrated thermostat with fixed or adjustable temperature values. |
How Much Electricity Does Trace Heating Consume?
The electricity consumption of trace heating depends on the following factors:
- Heating tape output: The heating output is specified in watts per meter (W/m) and typically ranges between 10 and 31 W/m.
- Length of the heating tape: The longer the pipe to be heated, the more heating tape is required, and the higher the total consumption.
- Operating time: The duration during which the trace heating is active has the greatest impact on electricity consumption. For self-regulating heating tapes and systems with a thermostat, the operating time depends on the ambient temperature.
- Insulation: Good pipe insulation is crucial to minimize heat loss and reduce electricity consumption.
Calculation Example:
A 20-meter-long heating tape with an output of 15 W/m has a total power of 300 watts (0.3 kW). If this heating tape runs for 10 hours, the electricity consumption is 3 kilowatt-hours (kWh):
0,3 kW * 10 h = 3 kWh
Assuming an electricity price of 28 cents/kWh, the cost for this period would be about 84 cents.
The annual consumption can vary greatly. A continuously running system without regulation can cause several hundred euros in electricity costs, while a well-planned and regulated system is significantly more economical.
Can I Install Trace Heating Myself?
Under certain conditions, the installation of trace heating can be carried out by people who are skilled in manual work. Especially in the private home sector, many products are available that can be easily connected via a socket.
The following points must be observed during self-installation:
- Manufacturer’s instructions: The manufacturer’s assembly instructions must be strictly followed.
- Safety: Caution is required when working on any electrical system. In case of doubt, a qualified electrician should always be consulted.
- Installation: The heating tape must lie firmly against the pipe to ensure good heat transfer. For plastic pipes, the use of aluminum adhesive tape is often recommended to better distribute the heat.
- Insulation: After installing the heating tape, weather- and temperature-resistant insulation must be applied.
A specialist is always required if:
- There are uncertainties regarding the installation or handling of electrical components.
- A fixed connection to the power grid is required (common in trade and industry).
- Complex control and regulation systems are to be installed.
References:
Energie-experten.org. (seen on 10/09/2025). Einsatz von Begleitheizungen als Frostschutz.
Heizung.de (seen on 10/009/2025). Rohrbegleitheizung – Arten und Kosten.