The Tracer team knows electric heat tracing; we are well equipped experts who understand what kind of maintenance goes in to ensuring a healthy and working electric heat tracing system – both during the off season and in the cold winter months. There are a list of actions we highly recommend to our customers when it comes to performing an electric heat tracing maintenance test.
Below, we break down a checklist you can go through with your on-site maintenance team to ensure your electric heat tracing system is in good working order:
1. Perform an insulation resistance (IR) test on all heat tracing circuits
-
This test allows you to verify the integrity of the heating cable, you should perform an IR test on each heat tracing circuit as outlined in manufacturer instructions and ensure they meet product specifications. If not, you may want to replace such cables to meet these standards.
2. Test all ground-fault breakers
-
Ensure all your ground fault breakers are working and tested to manufacturer’s instructions.
3. Check heat tracing components
-
Components play a critical role in ensuring the overall health of a system. If they are damaged or installed incorrectly, it can lead to water ingress, corrosion and loosening of electrical connections. Verify that all component locations are marked with the Electrical Connection labels supplied in the original kits and ensure that components are installed correctly against installation documentation from a manufacturer.
4. Check your thermostat or controller used for heat tracing
-
If your thermostat or controller are not working as they should, they may not be optimizing your energy usage while performing the work they should be doing. Do review your controller’s settings and alarm set points periodically to ensure they are set correctly. Always perform any maintenance procedures as outlined in manufacturer instructions.
5. Perform a power check
-
Check that power output of the heat tracing system matches that of the power output of the original heat tracing design. Always validate the values are consistent with product specifications outlined in a manufacturer’s documentation.
6. Check your distribution panel and secondary wiring and conduit
-
Take a physical look at the conduit distribution system for any openings or visible damage to the conduit and low point drains.
7. Check your insulation
-
This is a critical step. If you don’t have insulation or inadequate insulation or damaged insulation, it means it can reduce the heat transfer from the heating cable to the pipe and in some cases render the electric heat tracing system as ineffective.
-
Do a physical inspection that no lines have missing, damaged or wet insulation. If you are using weatherproof cladding to protect the insulation from weather, this should also be inspected.
8. Maintain installation and maintenance records
-
It is always a good idea to ensure your records are kept up to date and you know when something was last inspected and what values were recorded and tested at that time. By maintaining records you can also determine if the system is operating properly overtime or if the same lines continue to have issues.
9. Stock critical spare components and cable
-
If you complete all the checks above and still are experiencing issues or a failure with your electric heat tracing system, it is handy to have the necessary replacement parts on hand for quick and timely fixes.
The Tracer Life Cycle Services Team is here to help. Don’t have a team to support you or want to trust an expert instead? The Tracer Life Cycle Services Team can conduct everything in this checklist for your respective site, reach out to us today to get started.
