heat strip / cable

[Charliekilo]

I have pipes that are unheated except for a light bulb. I want to change to thermostatically controlled heat strips. I have read some and find that there are three types {I think} One is in the pipes and is out of the question due to configuration. The others are a straight run along the pipe and the other is a wrap around the pipe. Any comments as to type / brand and installation tips would be appreciated.
Thanks

 

[Pluribus]

I'm a believer in simplicity, so I got the strips (more like a cord) that run along the pipe. There isn't a selectable thermostat, but they automatically kick on around 38 degrees F. Since I enclosed the space with the 2" Foamular pink board, I didn't wrap the pipes, but that is an option.

Edit: Oh yeah, forgot to mention that they're working just fine down to 14 degrees for a few nights this week.

 

[nmcqueen469]

Interested to hear opinions on these as well.

 

[Stuart in MN]

Tyco has some good information on their website for heat tracing pipes: http://pentairthermal.com/application/pipe-freeze-protection/residential-facilities/index.aspx You can click on the 'related literature' button on the right side of the page and pull up some design guides.

 

[frankush]

Raychem is the industry standard. Very high quality stuff. Small pipe will be a straight run. Its rated in watts/ft. Find a distributor and they will quote what you need. Excellent customer service as well. They are now part of Pentair.

 

[Charliekilo]

Raychem is the industry standard. Very high quality stuff. Small pipe will be a straight run. Its rated in watts/ft. Find a distributor and they will quote what you need. Excellent customer service as well. They are now part of Pentair.

The closes one is about 100 mi away . Thanks for the info.