FAQ: Can You Put Foam Pipe Insulation Over Heat Tape?

“Don’t cover heat tapes with insulation even if the tape manufacturer permits it.” “If you do add insulation, only use fiberglass or another non-flammable material. Do not use foam or vinyl insulation as they could catch fire easier.”

Can you wrap heat tape around a pipe?

Use only automatic heat tape, with heavy rubber insulation around the wires. Do NOT use non-automatic heat tape, as this could damage plastic pipes. Some types of heat tape wrap around the pipe, some run along one side of the pipe. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Can you put insulation around heating pipes?

You can choose from foam pipe insulation that has a slit in it to easily fit over smaller heated pipes or if you prefer, use fiberglass pipe insulation with a hard shell cover or an insulation that provides an adhesive-backed flap for sealing the insulation in place. All of these types slip over the pipe.

Is heat tape a fire hazard?

Sadly, heat tape has the potential to cause fires in homes and businesses. Many of these products consist only of non-regulating tape which plugs into a wall outlet. If the heat tape remains activated for long periods of time – especially if temperatures rise and/or the tape is well-insulated – it can spark a fire.

Is heat tape supposed to feel warm?

Feel along the length of the heat tape. It should be getting warm. If the heat tape fails to warm up, after 10 minutes, the thermostat or the heat tape itself is bad.

Is foam pipe insulation flammable?

The round foam pipe insulation with a slit on one side that is used most often in residential applications is polyethylene or neoprene, both of which are classified as combustible.

Does foam pipe insulation prevent freezing?

Pipes can be fitted with foam rubber or fiberglass sleeves to help decrease the chances of freezing. Insulation can help keep a pipe closer to the temperature of the water inside the pipe, but it does not add heat to the pipe and will not prevent freezing if the pipe is exposed to prolonged freezing temperatures.

Can you use foam pipe insulation on steam pipes?

A variety of material can be used to insulate steam pipes as well including polyethylene, neoprene foam and fiberglass. Foil-encased bubble wrap, spray-on ceramic coatings and closed-cell rubber insulation are other kinds of steam pipe insulation products.

Can pipes freeze even with heat tape?

Insulation & Heat Tape The most vulnerable pipes are exposed and void of a source of heat, such as piping in a garage, attic, or basement. However, even pipes under cabinets or within walls can freeze. Luckily, pipe insulation or heat tape is very cheap and can be purchased at most local hardware stores.

Will heat tape keep pipes from freezing?

Despite its name, heat tape isn’t an adhesive at all. Rather, it’s a type of electrical cable that, when wrapped around or snaked through a pipe, applies a controlled amount of heat to prevent freezing.

Is it safe to leave heat tape plugged in?

Heat tapes must be plugged into a GFCI circuit. The Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates about 2,000 fires, 10 deaths and 100 injuries involving heat tapes occur each year.

How long does pipe heat tape last?

Heat tapes can last 20 minutes or 20 years. Main thing is to use a mobile home “approved” heat tape—do not use non-approved tape. The majority of fires caused by heat tapes is improper installation especially wrapping the heat tape over itself when it is not designed to do so.

Does heat tape use a lot of electricity?

Energy Consumption On average, heat tape consumes nine (9) watts per lineal foot. c. In warmer months when there is no snow on the roof, turn heat tape off at the breaker switch or unplug it. Do not rely on built-in thermostats to make sure heat tape is not operating.

How warm does pipe heat tape get?

Heating Tape, Heating Cable, Heating Cords: At a Glance Higher power densities and temperatures, ranging from tapes with a maximum of 305° up to very -high-temperature tapes rated for up to 1400°F (760°C).