Why Mechanical Engineers Appreciate Electric HeatTrace | nVent

During winter, freezing weather can bring many problems. For mechanical engineers this can especially be a headache. Let’s learn how electric heat tracing solutions can bring timely solutions.

The effectiveness of mechanical systems in any building relies on the overlap of design expertise from mechanical, plumbing, and fire protection engineering. Building codes often require that domestic/potable water, fire suppression sprinklers, and grease waste systems must function reliably – in all circumstances – in order to be utilized.

Adding to the basic challenges of getting the design and installation done to the most effective level, buildings in cold climates with the potential for freezing temperatures add an additional headache. The potential for freezing and burst pipes, or clogging of Grease Waste lines, and the damage that ensues is cause for concern.

What Can Engineers Do with Electric Heat Tracing?

One way that engineers can address these worries is with self-regulating heating cables and electric heat tracing. By specifying commercial grade electric heat trace solutions, plumbing systems can function safely and reliably. Also, it’s helping to enhance the performance of piping systems and keeping buildings operating safely and reliably.

What are Other Solutions?

Different ways that engineers can address cold climate dangers with heat tracing technology include:

• Domestic Water Line: In unheated rooms, cooling towers on rooftops, and in parking garages, exposed pipes are subject to freezing and bursting if not protected. A pipe freeze protection heating cable system is flexible and easy to attach to the exterior of the pipe. It’s keeping pipes from freezing, bursting, and causing water damage.
• Fire Protection Line: Pipes can freeze and prevent fire suppression systems from functioning properly if not protected in areas like open parking garages, loading docks, stairwells, or freezers. A fire sprinkler freeze protection heating cable system can freeze protect above ground and buried supply pipes, fire standpipes, branch lines, and branch lines containing sprinklers in areas subject to freezing. This code-compliant solution ensures that the fire suppression systems function when called upon.
• Grease Waste Flow Maintenance Lines: A grease waste flow maintenance heating cable system is designed to maintain the fluid at optimal temperatures to keep the Fat, Oil, Grease (FOG) mixture in suspension from the kitchen to the grease interceptor. By maintaining flow in even the most demanding commercial kitchens, this system increases the effectiveness of the grease interceptor. Additionally reduces costs associated with maintenance and downtime.

Find out how you can also prevent your pipes from freezing.

Learn more about how electric heat trace solutions enhance the performance and safety of piping systems in commercial buildings: